Canadian Technology Law Association upcoming events

RECORDING: Microsoft Webinar Series: Inside the Mind of a Power User (11 Feb 2026)

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Recorded on February 11, 2026, 12 to 1.30 p.m. ET - Virtual Webinar

Curious. Experimental. Collaborative. In this candid, peer-to-peer panel, legal power users from in-house and law firms share how they’re embracing GenAI, not just as a tool but as a mindset. They’ll unpack the behaviors that help legal professionals lead change, grounded in real-world use cases and change management principles. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how legal power users are leading the charge in adopting GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot – expect honest stories, practical insights, and a few surprises.

Ready to rethink your approach to GenAI? Register now to reserve your spot and be part of the conversation.

Moderator:

Claire P. Mazzini

Principal Corporate Counsel, Microsoft Canada

Claire is a technology-enthusiastic lawyer and principal corporate counsel at Microsoft Canada, where she works on complex technology transactions and cloud computing issues. She is passionate about the transformative power of technology and consistently seeks new ways to use it more effectively (and thoughtfully) in her legal practice. Her approach to embracing and keeping pace with fast-moving innovation is further shaped by her time as an R&D product manager and her studies in change management. Driven by her enthusiasm, Claire has actively engaged with legal and technology communities over the years and continues to contribute to the evolving discourse on technology law through various professional endeavours.

Featuring:

Neda Esmailzadeh

Associate General Counsel, Danone Canada | EMBA Candidate 2027, McGill & HEC Montréal

Neda is a seasoned legal professional with 15 years of experience, including 9 years in-house at Danone, moving from litigation to business law. A Star Women in Grocery Award recipient, Neda champions the use of AI and automation to enhance legal value and efficiency.

She serves as a mentor, advocates for women in leadership, and previously sat on the Board of ACC Quebec. Neda also participated as a guest speaker in The A Effect 100-Day Challenge to accelerate women’s leadership ambitions. Currently pursuing an Executive MBA at McGill & HEC Montréal, Neda brings a forward-thinking approach to law and business integration, with a strong focus on technology and AI-driven transformation.

James Kosa

Partner and Chair of the Technology, Intellectual Property, Privacy & Access to Information Practice Groups, WeirFoulds LLP

James is a partner at WeirFoulds and Chair of the firm’s Technology & Intellectual Property and Privacy & Access to Information Practice Groups. His practice focuses on information technology and intellectual property law.

James offers his clients a wealth of knowledge and experience from across the spectrum of technology issues, including the protection and exploitation of computer and software technology, IT and IP licensing, privacy, security breaches and dispute resolution. James’ depth of experience means that he is able to offer his clients clear, practical and well-rounded advice by cutting through the technical jargon. He takes the complexity of technology law and turns it into practical knowledge and advice that his clients can easily understand.

James acts as technology counsel to technology companies in a wide variety of high technology fields, including telecommunications, cloud computing and artificial intelligence companies, software development companies (traditional and agile), hosting service providers and infrastructure as a service providers. He also represents consumers of technologies with procurement and negotiation of technology services, including financial institutions, governments and government agencies, and profit and non-profit companies in traditional fields with technology needs. James has assisted in negotiating outsourcings, wide area networks implementations, major data transport arrangements, and platform and content arrangements for television, satellite and mobile platforms.

James was recognized by Lexpert as a 2019 Rising Star, Leading Lawyers Under 40. He is also recognized as a leading practitioner in the following legal directories: Chambers Canada Guide – Information Technology; Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory – Computer & IT Law; and Best Lawyers in Canada – Information Technology Law and Intellectual Property Law. He is also the past President of the Canadian Technology Law Association and past Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section.

Teodora Niculae

Director & Senior Counsel, Mastercard

Teodora Niculae is a Director and Senior Counsel at Mastercard and a member of the Quebec and Ontario bars, with over a decade of experience in the tech sector spanning e-commerce, entertainment, and payments. She leads legal support for sales and marketing teams across Canada, advising on complex commercial and regulatory matters within a global environment.

In parallel to her practice, Teodora is deeply engaged in legal transformation and operations. Across her roles, she has championed initiatives aimed at optimizing how legal teams work. At Mastercard, she plays an advisory role in the responsible use of GenAI by employees and has a key role in advancing practical use of GenAI in the legal department, leading Copilot adoption into day-to-day legal workflows and training initiatives.

Teodora serves as Treasurer on the board of the ACC Quebec Chapter and is also an active speaker and mentor within the legal community, particularly on the topics sitting at the intersection of legal operations, GenAI, and the evolving role of in-house counsel in fast-moving businesses.

Fees:

Free: CAN-TECH Law Members
$25: Non-members (plus tax)

In Partnership with:

There are no refunds

RECORDING: Microsoft Webinar Series: Culture Shift: GenAI and the Makeover (12 Mar 2026)

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Recorded on January 28, 2026, 12 to 1 p.m. ET - Virtual Webinar

GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot aren't just a tech upgrade, they're a culture shift. This practical “how-to” session dives into what legal teams need to rethink, rebuild, and rewire to make GenAI adoption stick. Speakers will explore how to reshape delivery models of legal services and foster a growth mindset across teams. A technical expert will join the conversation to spotlight the hidden hurdles – like on-prem environments and messy data – that can stall progress. Come for the frameworks, stay for the real talk.

Want to make GenAI work in your legal organization? Register today and learn what it takes to build a culture of innovation and readiness.

Featuring:

Jonathan Leibtag

Senior Corporate Counsel, Microsoft Canada

Jonathan is Senior Corporate Counsel at Microsoft, and is currently the Americas legal lead for Microsoft's software and digital platforms business, an organization supporting Microsoft's innovative startup, enterprise software, and digital platform customers.

In addition to transactional work, Jonathan is deeply engaged with engineering teams and business leaders across the company tasked with driving its AI ambitions. Before joining Microsoft, Jonathan was an M&A and Corporate Finance lawyer at a prominent Toronto law firm. He holds a Law Degree from the University of Western Ontario and a BCom from McGill University. In addition to his work at Microsoft, Jonathan has taught an MBA course in organization studies at the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Michael Moszberg

Client Executive - Productivity & AI / Modern Workplace Specialist

Michael is a recognized leader in Microsoft 365 Copilot and generative AI adoption, driving enterprise and legal teams through cultural and operational transformation. His expertise spans change management, technical enablement, and process redesign to embed AI securely within existing workflows. Michael addresses complex challenges, championing growth-oriented strategies. He has advanced custom Copilot solutions streamlined legal operations, and unlocked efficiencies across organizations.

Fees:

Free: CAN-TECH Law Members
$25: Non-members (plus tax)

In Partnership with:

There are no refunds

RECORDING: 2025 CAN-TECH Law Fall Conference: Grounded and Global: Empowering Canadian Tech Lawyers in a Shifting Legal Landscape (13 Mar 2026)

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Recorded on October 23 to 24, 2024 at the Ontario Bar Association

See the full agenda here
Access CPD Information
Access Speaker Bios

Purchase full recording (two days):

CAN-TECH Law members: $800 ($904 with HST)
CAN-TECH Law In-house/Gov members: $500 ($565 with HST)
CAN-TECH Law student members: $150 ($169.50 with HST)
Practising Lawyer non-member: $1,000 ($1130 with HST)
In-house/Gov non-member: $750 ($847.50 with HST)
Student non-member: $200 ($226 with HST)

If you would like to purchase specific sessions only, please contact us at contact@cantechlaw.ca.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor

Thank you to our Sponsors!

RECORDING: CAN-TECH 2025 Spring Conference: Navigating Legal Uncertainty in your Technology Practice (13 Mar 2026)

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

CAN-TECH 2025 Spring Conference: Navigating Legal Uncertainty in your Technology Practice

The 2025 CAN-TECH Spring Conference, like previous years, was a huge success as it focused on discussing practical tips and tricks for junior to mid level technology lawyers to apply in their practices. The event was held from coast-to-coast – starting in Vancouver and ending in Halifax – with five offices (Vancouver, Regina, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax) each hosting one live panel and participating in the other panels via Zoom.

The half-day, pan-Canadian program, with hybrid in-person and webcast sessions, showed panels across five satellite locations discussing a range of topics, including potential risks in drafting technology contracts, tends in litigation and how to navigate AI disruptions to your business. Based on the expertise the panelists shared, and the accompanying materials, mission accomplished.

This program contains 1 Professionalism Hour.

Spring Conference Co-chairs:

John Philip Koopmann, Government of Canada
Natalie LaMarche, Legal Counsel, Sustainability & Accessibility, BMO

Vancouver

Hosted by McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Future Proofing Your Contracts (Part 1):

In today's dynamic global landscape, where businesses face challenges ranging from the ongoing adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic to the complexities of geopolitical shifts, companies are proactively exploring innovative strategies to reduce risks in their contractual agreements. This panel addresses some key features necessary to strengthen contracts in the face of uncertainties, with an emphasis on the importance of clauses for describing the contractual fee structure (including adjusting prices), force majeure conditions, and options for contract termination or exit. Attendees leave this panel with a deeper understanding of how to draft and negotiate contract provisions that can withstand unexpected events and economic changes.

Moderator:

Dorian Morrison, Associate, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Featuring:

Kelsey Franks, Associate, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Shane O'Donohoe, Senior Corporate Counsel, Global Relay
Ravi Patel, Barrister & Solicitor

Regina

Hosted by MLT Aikins LLP

Future Proofing Your Contracts (Part 2):

This panel builds off the themes from Part 1 by delving into additional contract considerations. This features a discussion on the “emoji case” from the litigator that represented the plaintiff, with a focus on how technology can and will continue to evolve the very basics of contracting. The panel also explores contract considerations for the use of AI tools, from both a vendor and customer perspective, and explores what is presently considered “market” when it comes to these types of provisions given the lack of certainty about who should be accepting the majority of the risk associated with the use of AI.

Moderator:

Jeremy Barber, Associate, MLT Aikins LLP

Featuring:

Matt Barnes, Associate, MLT Aikins LLP
Michael Marschal, Associate, MLT Aikins LLP
Annie Quangtakoune, Associate, McKercher LLP Barristers & Solicitors

Toronto

Hosted by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Navigating the Frontier: Key Trends in Technology Law and Litigation:

In the dynamic world of technology law, the stakes are as high in the courtroom as they are at the negotiation table. As tech lawyers navigate this ever-evolving landscape, staying up to date is crucial. Fortunately, CAN-TECH is here to be your guiding light! Join our panel of experts for a captivating overview of the latest trends in technology disputes, including key rulings in cutting-edge areas like intellectual property rights in Generative AI, e-commerce advancements, online contracting, privacy, cybersecurity, and data breach class actions. Also, discover how technology is revolutionizing the legal field, enhancing legal research, case preparation, electronic discovery, litigation tracking, and the advent of virtual courtrooms.

Moderator:

Anagha Nandakumaran, Associate, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Featuring:

Berkley Sells, Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Brent Arnold, Litigator and Data Breach Coach/Counsel, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Veronica Tsou, Partner, TAP Law

Montreal

Hosted by Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP

When AI Goes Wrong: Legal Strategies for Navigating Business Disruptions:

How Do Businesses Avoid AI-Related Incidents? What Happens When AI Tools Are Misconfigured? What About AI Risks from Vendors and Third Parties? AI and Cybersecurity Threats: How Can Lawyers Help? Artificial Intelligence is a driver of business growth and a source of unpredictable disruptions. Whether through internal malfunctions or mistakes, vendor failures, or external cybercrime, AI-driven incidents can lead to regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage, and financial loss. In response to this, lawyers should be equipped to navigate these challenges by understanding legal risks, contractual safeguards and concerns of potential liability. AI is transforming business operations, but with its power comes risk. Our expert panel discusses this topic, using their individual professional experience to provide helpful guidance.

Moderator:

Chloe Barrette, Associate, Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP

Featuring:

Paul Gagnon, LL.M.IP, Partner, Lawyer, Technology and Artificial Intelligence Co-Lead, BCF Business Law
Alexia Magneron, Associate, Technology, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt S.E.N.C.R.L./s.r.l.
Larry Markowitz, Senior Director, National Public Relations

Halifax

Hosted by McInnes Cooper LLP

Who Wants to Stay Professionally Compliant Panel:

Based on the game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, conference attendees are selected as ‘contestants’ to answer questions in a multiple choice format dealing with professional responsibility, ethics, and practice management matter, complete with sound effects from the game show. After each round of questions a panel of subject matter experts discuss the issues arising from the questions, giving conference attendees a better understanding how to discharge their professional responsibilities and better manage their practices.

Hosted by:

Jacob Kojfman, Senior Legal Counsel, Co-operators

Featuring:

Veronica Rossos, Practice Advisor, Law Society of British Columbia
Michael R. Brooker, K.C., Burchell MacDougall, LLP
Kelly Gerra, Counsel & Manager, Law Society of Ontario
Joe Scarfo, Vice President & General Counsel at CGI

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Thank you to our Sponsors!

RECORDING: Women in TECH presents: Exploring Beauty Tech in the Age of AI (13 Mar 2026)

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Recorded on December 11, 2025, 12 to 1 p.m. ET on Zoom

CPD Confirmed:

This program contains 1 hour substantive content

Join Aarani Stoneham, General Counsel, Legal, Privacy, AI & Ethics, for ModiFace, Inc., a L'Oréal Group Company, in conversation with Mimi R. Palmer, CAN-TECH Women in Technology Committee Co-Chair and Partner at WeirFoulds LLP, for a one-hour webinar on Thursday, December 11 from 12 to 1 p.m. ET.

This session will explore legal, data privacy, and ethical considerations facing the beauty tech industry, using principles applied by ModiFace in developing and deploying its patented virtual try-on technology, and more broadly, the application of AI within beauty tech innovation both locally and globally.

Featuring:

Aarani Stoneham

General Counsel, Legal, Privacy, AI & Ethics, for ModiFace, Inc., a L'Oréal Group Company

Mimi R. Palmer

CAN-TECH Women in Technology Committee Co-Chair and Partner at WeirFoulds LLP

Fees:

Free: CAN-TECH Members
$25: Non-members ($28.25 with tax)

There are no refunds