The Canadian Legal Summit examines how to bridge the divide between experimentation and implementation in legal technology
This article was produced in partnership withThomson Reuters.
Canada’s legal sector is accelerating into its next phase. The adoption of generative AI in law doubled in 2024, with firms now under pressure to turn experimentation into measurable returns. At the same time, in-house counsel is demanding faster, more transparent service, often within flat or shrinking budgets, and are turning to technology, process redesign, and alternative providers to get it.
Building teams that can work fluently with new tools is emerging as the greater hurdle, as law societies stress competence, governance, and clear communication of tech use to clients. These pressures are also creating openings, giving firms fresh ways to deliver value.
Against this backdrop, the Canadian Legal Summit convenes leaders from across the profession to share practical playbooks, test emerging technologies, and debate how to build future-ready practices in Canada’s rapidly changing legal landscape.
The Canadian Legal Summit is one of the top lawyer conferences in Canada this year. Read the list of must-attend events for legal professionals at every stage of their career here.
For Rinaldo Huriptyo, Head of Canada at Thomson Reuters, the decision to sponsor the event stems from a long-standing commitment to strengthening the legal community through collaboration and innovation.
“The Summit is a natural fit for our values of trust, integrity, and partnership. It’s where leaders and innovators come together to address the most pressing challenges facing the profession,” he says. “We’ve been working with Key Media for years, and this sponsorship is an opportunity to deepen that engagement.”
A profession under pressure and in motion
Huriptyo sees the same forces shaping Canadian law that are transforming the profession globally. “The pace of technological change is relentless. Clients expect more efficiency and transparency. Firms need teams that are adaptable and ready for the future,” he says. Yet, he notes, these pressures come with opportunity. “AI and digital tools are opening new ways to serve clients, streamline operations, and focus on higher-value work.”
Those twin realities, pressure and potential, are at the core of this year’s Summit program. Sessions range from strategic leadership discussions to deep dives into emerging technologies. The aim is to equip practitioners with both the tools and the mindset needed to adapt.
Huriptyo is moderating one of the event’s most anticipated discussions, Managing AI in Practice – Red Flags, Risk, and Real-World Policies. “There’s a lot of hype around AI, but what matters is how it’s implemented in real settings,” he explains. The panel will explore how firms and in-house teams are testing AI tools, setting policies, and safeguarding against risks like data privacy breaches and inaccurate outputs.
For Huriptyo, the key is balance. “Technology should be a catalyst, not a crutch. The firms that thrive will be the ones that adopt AI responsibly, with clear strategies and a commitment to developing their people’s skills.”
Collaboration as a competitive edge
Thomson Reuters’ own approach to innovation is rooted in ongoing engagement with the profession. “Through beta programs and advisory boards, we make sure customer feedback directly shapes our products,” says Huriptyo. That collaborative process extends beyond feature development to strategic guidance, helping firms plan for technology adoption and meet client demands for speed, security, and transparency.
“We’re driving the legal community’s digital transformation on multiple fronts,” Huriptyo says. “First, we deliver cutting-edge, AI-powered research and workflow solutions that unlock significant efficiencies for legal professionals. By integrating trusted tools like Westlaw and Practical Law with the powerful new capabilities of CoCounsel, our AI assistant, we’re helping professionals work smarter and faster. Our research shows AI could save nearly 240 hours per professional each year.”
Equally important, he adds, is helping firms develop clear strategies for adoption. “Those with defined strategies see stronger returns and accelerated growth. It’s about having the vision and the framework to ensure technology serves the firm’s long-term goals.”
A “must-attend” for legal professionals
The Canadian Legal Summit is a three-day event, but Huriptyo’s ambitions for its impact stretch far beyond that. “If attendees leave with new ideas, stronger networks, and the confidence to lead change, then we’ve succeeded,” he says. His hope is that these conversations set the stage for Canada to lead in areas such as ethical technology adoption, improved client service, and expanded access to justice.
“The future of the Canadian legal profession will be defined by those who embrace innovation and invest in skills, strategy, and their people,” Huriptyo says. “By coming together at events like this, we can create a legal community that is more resilient, client-focused, and forward-thinking.”
Don’t miss this essential event to elevate your expertise and protect your clients’ interests. Find out more here.
