Conference Agenda
TIME
SESSION
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Lobby- Room AB,
Member Lounge
REGISTRATION, BREAKFAST & NETWORKING
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Grand Salon (1&2)
​Grasping at the Root: A Look at Restorative and Transformative Justice for Black People in Canada
This session contains 1 hour of EDI Professionalism Content.
Join us for a compelling morning plenary featuring Nana Yanful, author of Grasping at the Root: A Look at Restorative and Transformative Justice for Black People in Canada. In this powerful session, Nana will present key findings from her groundbreaking report, offering critical insights into the systemic barriers and pathways to reform within the Canadian justice system. Following her presentation, Theresa Donkor, Director of Advocacy at CABL, will lead an engaging conversation with Nana on the role of advocacy in advancing justice for Black Canadians. Together, they will explore the report’s implications for policy, community action, and the future of equitable justice in Canada.
Speakers:
Nana Yanful, Theresa Donkor
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Salon 3
Practice Management for Sole and Small Firm Practitioners
​This session contains 1 hour of Professionalism Content.
This practical session is tailored for sole practitioners and lawyers in small firms who want to enhance the operational efficiency of their legal practice. Participants will gain actionable insights into core business functions, including timekeeping and billing, effective time management, and maintaining accurate books and records. Whether you're looking to streamline your workflow or strengthen your administrative foundation, this session offers essential tools to support sustainable practice management.
Moderator:
Lola Williams-Afolabi
Speakers: Taisha Lewis, Carl Alphonse, Nandi Deterville
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Salon ½
Habits of High-Performing Lawyers: Practice Management Essentials
This session contains 1 hour of Professionalism Content.
Moderator:
Falilat Ibrahim
Speakers: Kamika McLean, Natasha Betty, Lameck Kefela,
Chi Iliya-Ndule
Are you a high-performing lawyer—or striving to become one? This dynamic panel is designed for in-house counsel and lawyers at mid to large firms who want to sharpen their productivity and time management skills. The session will explore practical strategies for managing email overload, prioritizing tasks with clarity, and delegating effectively. Whether you're navigating a demanding caseload or leading a legal team, this session offers actionable tools to help you work smarter and sustain high performance.
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Room AB/Member Lounge
HEALTH BREAK
11:45 AM -12:45 PM
Salon 3
This session is eligible for up to 1 hour of Substantive Content per the Law Society of Ontario.
Contract Drafting with Confidence and Clarity
Moderator:
Lotus Menesez
Speakers: Lola Williams-Afolabi, Sasha Hart, Laura Wilson-Lewis
Clear, effective contracts are foundational to every area of legal practice. This panel brings together experienced voices from corporate, entertainment, and internationally trained legal backgrounds to share practical strategies for drafting with precision and purpose. The discussion will also explore the evolving role of AI in contract drafting—highlighting best practices, potential risks, and the regulatory considerations lawyers must navigate, including guidance from law societies and the courts.
11:45 AM -12:45 PM
Salon 1/2
This session is eligible for up to 1 hour of Substantive Content per the Law Society of Ontario.
Negotiation Mastery: Strategy, Settlement, Success
Moderator:
Husoni Raymond
Speakers: Jonathan Odumeru, Sean Reginio, Ayana Hutchinson
This session will focus on developing negotiation strategies by bringing together seasoned lawyers to unpack the tactics, tools and skills that drive successful outcomes across all practice areas. Join this session to sharpen your negotiation strategy and navigate the nuances of negotiated disputes. Whether you're just beginning your law journey or are well-established in your practice, this session offers valuable insights tailored to every stage of your career.
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Room AB and Member Lounge
1:45 PM -1:50 PM
Grand Salon (1&2)
1:50 PM -2:20 PM
Grand Salon (1&2)
This session contains 30min of EDI Professionalism Content.
2:20 PM -2:30 PM
Room AB and Member Lounge
LUNCH & NETWORKING
Keynote Speaker: Susannah Alleyne Introduction
Introduction: Ebony Rose
Keynote Speaker: Susannah Alleyne
Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection, understanding, and change. In this keynote address, we explore how personal narratives can drive equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the Canadian legal profession. From building authentic workplaces to strengthening institutional EDI policies and programs, this session will highlight the role of lived experience in shaping inclusive legal cultures.
HEALTH BREAK
2:30 PM -3:30 PM
Grand Salon (1&2)
Holistic and Collective Wellness for Black Lawyers
This session contains 1 hour of Professionalism Content.
Moderator:
Chioma Oriuwa
Njeri Damali Sojourner-Campbell, Fantanesh Attomsa, Dr. Cynthia Maxwell
This dynamic panel brings together voices from law, medicine, advocacy, and holistic wellness to explore what it means to care for ourselves and each other in the legal profession. Panelists will share insights on navigating the demands of legal practice while prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
3:30 PM -4:30 PM
Grand Salon (1&2)
JUDICIAL PANEL:
Judicial Insights on the Future of the Black Legal Profession
This session contains 1 hour of Professionalism Content.
Moderator: Jacqueline Beckles
Justice Gordon Cudjoe , Justice Chris Uwagboe,
Justice Lori Anne Thomas
As the legal profession undergoes rapid transformation, this panel brings together distinguished members of the judiciary to share their insights on the future of the Black legal community. The conversation will delve into how emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—and the digitization of legal processes are reshaping courtroom dynamics, professional identity, and advocacy.
4:30 PM -4:45 PM
Grand Salon (1&2)
CLOSING REMARKS
4:45 PM -6:30 PM
Foyer and
Member Lounge
Networking Reception
Conclude the day with a curated networking experience designed to spark meaningful conversations and foster professional connections. This session offers a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow attendees, reflect on the day’s insights, and explore potential collaborations in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere.
The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers has been approved as an Accredited Provider of Professionalism Content by the Law Society of Ontario.