Diverse voices, real-world issues, and interactive session shape this year's can't miss event
This article was produced in partnership with Osgoode Professional Development
Meghan Thomas knows a great learning opportunity when she sees it. Offering a mix of topics ranging from technology and AI to human and career issues, as well as diverse speakers hailing from solo, small, and large firms, to private practice and in-house counsel, to legal tech innovators, the upcoming Canadian Legal Summit fits the bill.
“What stood out to me was the rare opportunity for attendees to step outside their environments and learn from people who may work in different settings, but whose perspectives are still valuable,” explains Thomas, Director, Professional Graduate & International Programs at Osgoode Professional Development (OsgoodePD). “It gets us out of the tunnel we sometimes find ourselves in when we work in a particular context and shows us that the broader horizon is really helpful.”
Addressing today’s legal challenges
Importantly, the event aligns well not only with OsgoodePD's commitment to interdisciplinary, practical, and interactive legal education, but with its diverse community of learners. Whether a Canadian or internationally trained lawyer or a professional from another sector that touches law, interdisciplinary and cross-border perspectives are paramount. And this dovetailing of ethos made supporting the Canadian Legal Summit an easy yes: OsgoodePD is the Education Partner for this year.
The summit will address the shared challenges of the day, including AI disruption, mounting regulatory complexity, burnout, ever-increasing client expectations, and an escalating war for talent. Though AI tools dominate the headlines — “We're all looking to get as much information as possible for ethical reasons, for client service reasons, for the public interest and academia and how it all relates back,” Thomas notes — one theme that OsgoodePD is particularly interested in is what career paths look like. This thread runs through discussions on hiring, retention, DE&I, and compensation.
“The idea that career paths can be varied and what that looks like for people going forward resonates with me as someone responsible for a large professional graduate program where many students are looking to change careers or become aware of options during their time with us,” Thomas says, adding she hopes Legal Tech Summit attendees will find inspiration for their future during these kinds of important discussions.
“Osgoode Professional Development specifically is about ongoing learning. Our utmost mission is providing programs and continuing legal education courses that are focused on what people need now — and in the future.”
The power of collective knowledge
Nobody disputes that day-to-day practice is changing, but there will always be a role for people knowledgeable about the law who cultivate higher-level skills and are willing to figure out solutions. The Canadian Lawyer Legal Summit and OsgoodePD’s offerings both recognize that fundamental truth and act as conduits for the critical ongoing conversation. Whether you’re in the audience for the summit or for one of OsgoodePD’s programs, there’s not a talking head in sight.
“None of this is a one-way, here’s information situation,” Thomas says, noting it’s a “let’s talk about this, let’s look at what’s coming and how things can work practically” approach. The focus is on about sharing perspectives and taking opportunities outside the routine to critically evaluate things, discuss the theory behind the law, and experience how other people view it, she adds, which is exactly what the Canadian Lawyer Legal Tech Summit capitalizes on.
“Having so many people who have knowledge and things to share, together all at once is a real benefit,” Thomas sums up. “I’m not sure we can do enough in this area. Everyone needs to be thinking about it.”
Be a part of the current conversation — and prepare for what comes next. Register now for the Canadian Legal Summit.
Canadian Legal Summit is one of the best lawyer conferences and legal summits in 2026, learn about these key events and other legal trends, and see how you can participate.
