EMPOWER ::
Legal Leadership Conference
Empowering Canadian Legal Leaders
to Shape Tomorrow.
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May 28-29, 2025 | The Glenerin Inn, Mississauga
Welcome to EMPOWER
Conference Schedule
DAY 1 :: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
DAY 2 :: Thursday, May 29, 2025
12:00 p.m.
Arrival, Registration and Hotel check-in
12:30 p.m.
Lunch
1:30 p.m.
Opening + Land Acknowledgement +
Day 1 Overview
Jane Southren – LLB/JD – Founder, Southren Group Inc.
1:45 p.m.
Introduction + Context for Conference
Paul Wilson – COO, WeirFoulds LLP
Being a law firm leader means carrying a lot—often all at once. In this opening session, Paul sets the tone for the conference with a candid look at the foundational elements of law firm leadership: people, clients, and finances. He’ll unpack the challenges of balancing strategic decision-making with day-to-day demands—and how to do it without losing your clarity, focus, or sanity along the way.
2:15 p.m.
Session 1 :: What is Leadership?
Stephen Mabey, CPA – Managing Director Applied Strategies Inc.
What does it really mean to lead a law firm? In this interactive session, Stephen will define leadership versus management, explore four common traits that can limit leadership in lawyers, and examine six classic leadership styles—plus an emerging seventh, shaped by today’s legal climate. Learn how leadership style can directly impact firm culture and profitability.
3:10 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
Coffee Break
Session 2 :: Leading Law Firms in a VUCA World – What Clients Expect and Why They Stay. Or Don’t.
Jane Southren – LLB/JD – Founder, Southren Group Inc.
In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, law firm leaders must lead their firms and lawyers to be able to navigate shifting client expectations and simultaneously foster lasting relationships. In this dynamic panel, in-house executives responsible for engaging and instructing external counsel share what drives loyalty—and what breaks it. They will explore what truly differentiates firms in the eyes of clients, and give their perspective on what a client-centric culture that sustains lasting relationships looks like.
Panel:
Kate Genest, Beazley
Ratika Gandhi, LACAN Alcon
Corinne Pruzanski, Cadillac Fairview
4:30 p.m.
Day 1 Wrap Up + Questions
Facilitated by Jane, Paul and Stephen
4:45 p.m.
Hotel Room Access
Collect Keys and Settle In
5:30 p.m.
Cocktails
6:30 p.m.
Dinner, Networking and Evening Session
David vs. Goliath: Empowering Small and Mid-Sized Canadian Law Firms to Triumph in Talent Wars
Warren Smith, LLB – Managing Partner, Smith Legal Search
With increasing pressure from international firms and large national players, small and mid-sized Canadian firms face a growing challenge in attracting and retaining top talent. This session explores the shifts reshaping the legal talent market, and how nimble firms can turn agility and culture into strategic advantages. Learn actionable tactics to compete—and win—amidst seismic change.
8:30 p.m.
Cash bar and networking (bar closes at 10:30 p.m.)
8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
9:30 a.m.
Welcome Back + Day 2 Overview
Jane Southren
9:45 a.m.
Session 4 :: Leading a Profitable Firm – What are Key Performances Indicators and Why Do They Matter
Jordan Weinberg, CPA, CA & Phillip Spring, CPA, CA
MNP
Profitability doesn’t happen by accident. Learn which KPIs every law firm should track to support strong decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and foster long-term growth. Turn your firm’s data into a powerful leadership tool.
10:30 a.m.
Coffee Break
10:45 a.m.
Participant Information Exchange* (“PIE”)
Participant Information Exchange ("PIE") facilitates small-group candid discussions (Chatham House Rule) on critical issues facing law firm leaders. To ensure relevancy, the groups are made up of firms of similar size.
Participants will be assigned a group and colour sticker showing which group they belong to will be on their nametag (and available under the QR code)
PIE Part #1
Green (Small Firms) Jane Southren
Red (Mid-Sized Firms) Stephen Mabey
Yellow (Large Firms) Paul Wilson
12:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.
PIE Part #2
Green (Small Firms) Jane Southren
Red (Mid-Sized Firms) Stephen Mabey
Yellow (Large Firms) Paul Wilson
2:15 p.m.
Coffee Break
2:30 p.m.
PIE Part #3
Green (Small Firms) Jane Southren
Red (Mid-Sized Firms) Stephen Mabey
Yellow (Large Firms) Paul Wilson
3:30 p.m.
Closing Session: Wrap Up + Conclusion
Facilitated by Jane, Paul + Stephen
Reflect on key takeaways from our time together, share final thoughts, and join an open Q&A with the conference hosts. We'll also explore how we can continue to support your leadership journey beyond EMPOWER.
3:45 p.m.
Depart
Speaker Bios
Jane Southren
Founder + Chief Culture Officer, Southren Group Inc.
Jane Southren is a dynamic coach and advisor, and the visionary behind Southren Group Inc., a leading provider of coaching, training, and consulting services for lawyers and law firms across Canada and the U.S. With nearly 30 years of experience in and around the legal profession—first as a successful litigator, then as a business development leader—Jane has helped hundreds of lawyers and legal teams unlock their potential and take bold, strategic action towards their goals and aspirations.
Known for her high-energy, down-to-earth style, Jane has a gift for helping people believe in themselves. Through neuroscience-informed coaching and practical, purpose-driven strategy, she empowers her clients to grow their practices, navigate transitions, lead with clarity, and build careers and firms they’re proud of.
As a certified brain-based coach, Jane leads transformative one-on-one programs, leadership forums, strategic retreats, and more. Whether she’s on stage, in a boardroom, or coaching one-on-one, Jane brings insight, empathy, and momentum to every engagement—leaving people not just inspired, but in action.
[email protected]
416-527-3684
Stephen Mabey, CPA, CA
Managing Director, Applied Strategies, Inc.
How do law firm leaders create sustainable success? Stephen Mabey helps them find the answers. With over 40 years of experience in law firm strategy, business development, and leadership transitions, Stephen is a go-to advisor for firms navigating growth, profitability, and succession planning.
A Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management, Stephen spent 25 years in senior management at Stewart McKelvey and now counsels firms on on a wide range of areas, including - strategic action planning, leadership, understudy (succession) planning, compensation - both Partner and Associate, organizational structures and partnership arrangements, business development, capitalization of partnerships, partnership agreements, lawyer & staff engagement, marketing, key performance indicators, competitive intelligence, finance, mergers, and practice transitioning.
As the author of Leading and Managing a Sustainable Law Firm, Stephen brings actionable insights on leadership, firm strategy, and financial health to this year’s conference.
[email protected]
902-499-3895
Paul Wilson
Chief Operating Officer, WeirFoulds LLP
Paul brings over 25 years of unique experience in the legal sector across Canada and the UK. He has served as CEO, COO, Managing Director, and Chair of small, boutique, and larger firms in a range of sectors—including publicly funded criminal and family law, defence and claimant insurance, IP and mid-market general practice. He specializes in helping partnerships build ambitious strategies and overseeing their implementation. This includes initiating, negotiating, and implementing nine law firm mergers.
Paul has driven firm-wide strategic and operational transformations at WeirFoulds, Smart & Biggar/Fetherstonhaugh, and Shakespeare Martineau—one of the UK’s fastest-growing law firms. His expertise spans strategy, talent development, leadership succession, and firm-wide financial planning, making him a valued key advisor to law firm leaders.
At the conference, Paul will introduce the foundations of law firm management and offer both theoretical insights and practical advice on the realities of leadership in the legal sector.
[email protected]
647-464-6023
Jordan Weinberg, CPA, CA
Partner & Business Advisor, MNP LLP
As a Partner in MNP’s Professional Services group, Jordan helps firms optimize their financial structures, improve profitability, and plan for long-term success. His expertise in law firm incorporation, partnership structures, tax optimization and practice acquisitions ensures leaders can simplify complex financial decisions and focus on sustainable growth. With changing CRA landscapes continually affecting law firms, and partner/firm transitions happening regularly, Jordan can help advise through these challenges.
At the conference, Jordan will break down the essentials of firm profitability, budgeting, and risk management, helping law firm leaders take control of their financial future.
[email protected]
416-515-3857
Phillip Spring, CPA, CA
Partner, Assurance Services, MNP LLP
A law firm’s financial health is about more than just numbers—it’s about having the right strategy for growth, profitability, and long-term success. As a Partner in MNP’s Assurance Services team, Phillip Spring works closely with law firms and other professional service businesses to provide audit, tax, and business advisory services that strengthen their financial foundation.
Phillip’s industry expertise spans professional practices, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and construction, giving him a broad perspective on financial planning, transaction support, and cash flow management. He also advises firms operating on both sides of the Canadian-U.S. border, helping them structure their inbound and outbound tax matters effectively.
At the Empower Legal Leadership Conference, he’ll share practical financial strategies for law firm leaders, equipping them with the tools to make smarter budgeting decisions, manage financial risk, and improve overall profitability.
[email protected]
416-515-5031
Warren Smith
Managing Partner, Smith Legal Search
The legal industry is evolving—is your firm attracting the talent it needs to thrive? Warren Smith is one of Canada’s top legal recruiters, specializing in executive search, law firm growth, and leadership transitions.
As Managing Partner of Smith Legal Search, Warren has led major U.S. law firm expansions into Canada, facilitated high-profile lateral moves, and helped firms build multi-generational leadership teams. His hands-on approach ensures that firms stay competitive in an era of shifting client expectations and evolving talent strategies.
The only Canadian named to the Lawdragon Global 100 Leaders in Legal Strategy & Consulting, Warren is also the only Canadian to have served as President of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC).
At the conference, Warren will provide real-world insights on leadership recruitment, retention, and building firm culture—helping law firms secure their next generation of leaders.
Kate Genest
Claims Manager, Beazley Canada
When it comes to managing risk in a law firm, there’s what we think we know—and then there’s what the claims actually show.
Kate Genest, brings a rare combination of perspectives to the table. A former Partner at Miller Thomson LLP with a broad commercial litigation practice, Kate is now Claims Manager at Beazley Canada, where she oversees a national portfolio of third-party liability claims across industries like healthcare, employment, media, financial institutions, and professional services.
She understands what happens when risk isn’t managed proactively—and how law firm leaders can embed risk awareness into culture and decision-making before it becomes costly.
Kate’s insights come from both sides of the courtroom and the boardroom, making her uniquely positioned to speak to real-world risk management for law firm leaders.
Corrine Pruzanski
Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Cadillac Fairview
Corinne Pruzanski is a seasoned legal executive and strategic advisor with deep experience in corporate governance, real estate, and capital markets transactions. As Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Cadillac Fairview, Corinne leads the company’s legal function, overseeing areas including regulatory compliance, acquisitions, leasing, development, and property operations across a national and international real estate portfolio.
Corinne began her career in private practice in New York and Toronto, ultimately becoming a Partner in the real estate group at Stikeman Elliott LLP. Since transitioning in-house in 2011, she has held senior legal roles at both publicly listed and privately held real estate companies with operations in Canada and Europe.
Corinne holds both the IDC.D and GCB.D governance designations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Women General Counsel Canada and the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto, reflecting her commitment to leadership, and community well-being.
FAQ's
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Where is the conference being held?The conference takes place at The Glenerin Inn & Spa, located in Mississauga, Ontario. You can find directions and additional venue details here: The Glenerin Inn Website.
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How do I get to The Glenerin Inn?The Glenerin Inn is located at: 1695 The Collegeway, Mississauga, ON L5L 3S7 By Car: The venue is easily accessible via the QEW, 401, 403 and 407 highways. Free parking is available on-site. By Public Transit: The nearest GO Station is Erindale GO (7-minute drive). Taxis or ride-shares (Uber/Lyft) are recommended from the station.
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What are the conference dates and times?The conference runs from May 28-29, 2025. May 28: Registration opens at 12:00 PM, with sessions starting at 1:30 PM. May 29: Sessions conclude at 3:45 PM. See the full conference agenda here.
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What does my registration include?Your registration includes: ✔ Full access to all expert-led sessions and discussions ✔ All meals, including networking cocktails (before dinner) and dinners. There will be a cash bar available following dinner service for any additional beverages. ✔ Conference materials and leadership resources ✔ Accommodation (if selected)
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What are the accommodations?If you selected the accommodation option during registration, your stay at The Glenerin Inn or The Waterside Inn will be covered for the night of May 28, 2025. If you need to book additional nights, please contact the hotel directly. As The Glenerin Inn has limited capacity, rooms will be assigned to delegates in the order that registrations are received. If The Glenerin Inn reaches capacity, you will be assigned to The Waterside Inn, and we will notify you in advance of that change. Both locations offer a comfortable and convenient experience, and we’re working closely with each property to ensure a smooth stay for all attendees.
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When can I check in to my room?Upon arrival around 12:00 p.m. on May 28, please check in at the hotel’s front desk. You’ll be able to store your luggage and enjoy lunch and the afternoon sessions. Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m., and room keys will be available for pick-up between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. To help ensure a smooth check-in experience for all attendees, we encourage you to collect your key anytime during that window—no need to wait until the end of the day.
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What is the dress code?The conference dress code is business casual. Sessions are designed to be engaging and interactive, so comfort is encouraged.
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Do I need to prepare anything before attending?No formal preparation is required, but we encourage you to think about your leadership challenges and what you’d like to gain from the conference.
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Will there be opportunities to network?Absolutely! EMPOWER is designed to foster meaningful connections, with built-in networking during meals, cocktail hour, and interactive sessions.
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Will I have access to Wi-Fi?Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available at The Glenerin Inn for all attendees.