Upcoming Events

Program to be offered online via webcast only for registrants.

Given the evolving nature of COVID-19, we want to ensure we are being socially responsible and have decided to hold our Spring Conference online only. We are working hard to ensure you will still have an engaging experience with the best speakers on timely topics. This also allows us to offer the program at a reduced cost to you. We look forward to your participating in this innovative program.

Program Chairs:
Elisabeth Demone, Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary at Symcor
David Feldman, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Digital transformation is now a common commercial trend as new technologies such as AI, blockchain, Internet of Things and data analytics are being used to develop transformative tech tools that make process and interactions better, faster and cheaper. DT is creating promising opportunities for business enterprises, including new business models, new forms of competition and new products and services. But along with all of these exciting new changes come many legal risks that companies must be well prepared to navigate.

Join our panels of industry experts and technology lawyers currently immersed in these issues to gain their insights on the developing legal issues involved in digital transitions. You will learn from their experience about best practices for IP protection, data security, contract design, and compliance with relevant regulation.  Register now to ensure you have the latest knowledge and strategies to protect your clients.

9:30       Welcome and Opening Remarks
Elisabeth Demone, Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, Symcor
David Feldman, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

9:45       Digital Transformation: Lessons Learned and Key Insights from the Banks
Moderator: David Feldman, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Conni Gibson, Vice-President & Chief Legal Officer, Technology & Operations, BMO Financial Group
Mark Hines, Senior Counsel and Lead, Digital Legal Team, RBC
Tammara Pabón, Managing Counsel, CIBC

Canadian banks are at the forefront of digital transformation and are constantly looking for innovative ways to leverage technology to engage customers, offer new products and services, increase revenues, and reduce costs.  Our panel of senior and experienced in-house counsel from three of the largest banks in Canada will provide their perspectives on digital transformation, including insights on key legal and business issues to consider when:

• Evaluating potential digital transformation project ideas
• Negotiating commercial agreements with technology providers
• Implementing digital transformation projects

11:00     Break

11:15     Breakouts, Session 1:
A) Digital Transformation of In-house Legal Departments
Moderator: Elisabeth Demone, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, Symcor Inc.
Elizabeth Evans, Senior Manager, Knowledge Management, Legal at TD-Bank
Carla Swansburg, Vice President & General Manager (Canada), Epiq Global
Simon Wormwell, Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

• Modernizing processes and becoming more efficient within the Legal department
• Getting to “yes”
• Tips and trends relating to new legal technology 

B) Drafting Contracts in Digital Transformation Projects: Examining and Dissecting Tricky Clauses
Moderator: Robert Percival, Partner, Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP
Allan Colquhoun, Elan Techlaw Professional Corporation
Michel Généreux, Deal Facilitator and Customer Advocate Google Cloud, Google

Digital transformation projects are fraught with new and emerging legal risks. Make sure you are prepared to meet the drafting challenges that arise in the process of digital transformation projects.

• Unique issues in implementing artificial intelligence
• SAP v. Diageo: Getting it right in Software License Agreements
• What to consider in your indemnity and limitation of liability clauses
• Exploring issues with App Agreements

12:30     Break

1:30       Breakouts, Session 2:
A)          Ethical Decisions in Digital Transformation and the Lawyer’s Professional Obligations
Donald B. Johnston, Partner, Aird & Berlis
Elisabeth Symons, Partner, Mann Symons LLP
Laila Paszti, Of Counsel, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

• What ethical dilemmas can arise in the course of a digital transformation?
• What are the tricky decisions executives are having to make?
• What is a lawyer’s professional responsibility in advising the client on digital ethics?

B)    How to Gain Access to New Technology: Key Legal Strategies and Considerations
Moderator: Lisa Lifshitz, Partner, Torkin Manes LLP
James Kosa, Partner, WeirFoulds LLP
Alison Wilkie, Senior Counsel, RBC Law Group, Royal Bank of Canada

• New technologies update
• Acquiring vs Partnering: advantages and disadvantages of each strategy
• How to structure partnerships for procurement of new technologies
• Licensing considerations for On-premises Software versus SaaS Subscription Agreements

2:45     Break

3:00     Key Privacy and Cybersecurity Issues You Need to Be Aware of in Digital Transformation
Adam Kardash, Partner, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
Wendy Mee, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Molly Reynolds, Counsel, Torys LLP

Managing data during digital transformation can be extremely tricky with many third parties involved. Find out what steps you should take to meet your obligations under privacy legislation and how you can help ensure that data is secure.

• Vendor management: Ensuring appropriate and ongoing due diligence and appropriate contractual requirements
• Data retention: Putting the right controls into place, what to retain and for how long
• Cross border: Proactively managing legal issues arising from foreign cloud-based systems
• Privacy and cybersecurity considerations in respect of innovative technologies
  • Potential PIPEDA reforms in respect of Artificial Intelligence
  • Privacy implications of adopting new technologies

4:15       Closing Remarks – Conference Ends

Check back soon for updates on new speakers, content and accreditation!