Finalists

Robert Balcom is a seasoned legal executive and educator whose leadership has shaped some of Canada’s most prominent companies, including Loblaw Companies Limited, George Weston Limited, and Wittington Investments. As General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, he excelled in navigating complex M&A, governance, capital markets, and compliance challenges with integrity and strategic insight.

A dedicated advocate for the in-house counsel community, Robert serves on the Board of Directors of CBA In-House Lawyers and mentors emerging legal leaders. He also brings his expertise to the classroom as an Adjunct Professor and advances thought leadership as a PhD candidate in corporate law at Osgoode Hall Law School. His work continues to influence best practices in governance, ESG, and the evolving role of corporate counsel in Canada.

Sean Sexton is Executive Vice President, Law, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at the Alberta Energy Regulator, leading legal strategy, governance, and regulatory services for a provincial agency of 1,100 employees. Over 15 years, he has progressed from Legal Counsel to EVP & GC, advising the Board, C-suite, and staff on complex legal, policy, and regulatory issues. He chairs the Ethics Committee, serves on the Management Pension Committee, and acts as a statutory decision-maker.

During his tenure, Sean has expanded the legal department’s size, enhanced compensation competitiveness, and strengthened professional development. He also mentors future lawyers through partnerships with Canadian and U.S. universities and has led AI governance initiatives shaping organizational risk management. Called to the Alberta bar in 2005, he holds an LLB from the University of Alberta, a BSc from the University of Calgary, and is completing the ICD.D designation.

Margot Spence is Executive Director, Legal and Chief Privacy Officer at Destination Canada, where she re-established the legal department post-pandemic, supports governance and compliance, and advises on innovation, including responsible use of AI. Her in-house career spans leadership at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Olympic Broadcasting Services, and Weyerhaeuser Canada, following earlier private practice and a decade as a legal educator at Capilano University.

Active in CBA In-House Lawyers, she served as National Chair, Treasurer, BC Section Co-Chair, and led the Funding Formula Task Force. Her governance experience includes Board Chair of the Vancouver Aquarium, guiding an $80M capital project, and Treasurer of the BC Courthouse Library Society. Called to the BC bar, she holds law and science degrees from UBC, the CIC.C designation, and a leadership certificate from the Chair Academy, pairing professional excellence with a sustained commitment to community service.

With over 20 years of legal expertise and two decades in government relations, Sabrina Anzini has built a career marked by strategic insight, policy influence, and impactful leadership. As Executive Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer of goeasy Ltd., she has been instrumental in shaping the company’s reputation across Canada, advancing policy in the non-prime lending sector, and leading transformative transactions, including the acquisition of LendCare.

A passionate mentor, Sabrina serves as Executive Sponsor of goeasy’s Women in Leadership initiative, fostering the next generation of leaders. Her diverse career spans senior roles at LoyaltyOne, the Prime Minister’s Office, and multiple federal ministries, giving her a unique perspective at the intersection of law, business, and policy. Recognized for her ethical leadership and collaborative approach, she continues to elevate the role of in-house counsel in driving organizational success and contributing meaningfully to the legal profession.

Hina Latif is VP, General Counsel & Secretary at Mercedes-Benz, recognized for her strategic insight, leadership, and dedication to fostering a people-first culture. Trusted across all levels of the organization, she has been instrumental in driving business success during times of transformation, leveraging her deep legal expertise and commercial acumen to mitigate risk and identify opportunities for growth. She spearheaded a company-wide contract overhaul, securing resources and buy-in across business areas, and actively contributes to strategic decision-making as part of the Executive Leadership Team.

Hina’s leadership extends beyond legal counsel. She is a mentor, connector, and facilitator, empowering her team and fostering collaboration across Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Benz Financial. She co-chairs the DEI Council, sponsors the ESG Committee, and promotes a culture of equity and inclusion. As President of the National GC Network, she has scaled influence across the profession. Hina’s exemplary leadership, vision, and impact make her a standout legal leader.

Christina Porretta is a transformative legal leader whose strategic vision and people-focused approach have redefined the role of in-house counsel at BDO Canada. Since joining as Chief Legal Officer in 2020, she has grown the legal team from four lawyers to thirteen professionals embedded across governance, commercial, M&A, employment, litigation, privacy, and innovation initiatives. Christina has led complex multi-provincial office sales, managed high-profile government investigations, and implemented generative AI tools to streamline legal operations, enhancing efficiency and quality.

As Board Secretary, Christina has modernized governance practices, ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic goals. She also champions talent development through mentoring programs, partner coaching, and firm-wide equity initiatives, fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture.

Alaine Grand transitioned from legal to business in 2018, when she moved from General Counsel to Vice President, Market Access & Strategic Customers at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (JJIM). With over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Alaine has successfully bridged legal insight with strategic leadership to advance both organizational goals and patient access.

At JJIM, she oversees market access strategy, health technology assessments, pricing, contracting, and government affairs. Since moving into her business leadership role, Alaine has guided her team in securing funding for 18 innovative treatments for Canadians facing challenging conditions, including cancer, major depressive disorder, and chronic illnesses.

As a key member of JJIM’s Leadership Team, she shapes strategy, engages external stakeholders, and influences national health policy. With industry leadership roles at Innovative Medicines Canada and the Public Policy Forum, Alaine demonstrates impressive vision, commitment, and impact.

Robert (Bob) Gray has enjoyed a 25+ year career at the Region of Halton, where he has evolved from legal advisor to executive leader. Beginning as Assistant Corporate Counsel, Bob advanced through leadership roles including Director of Legal Services, Commissioner of Legislative and Planning Services, and Commissioner of Corporate Services before being appointed Acting Chief Administrative Officer in 2024. As Commissioner, he oversaw diverse portfolios — Legal Services, Human Resources, Communications, Supply Chain, and Facilities — while guiding the Region through major restructuring and legislative change. As Acting CAO, he led 3,000 employees, worked with the Council on strategic priorities, shaped budgets, and managed intergovernmental relations during a crucial transition.

Known for his integrity, vision, and collaborative leadership, Bob has championed innovation, mentorship, and employee engagement initiatives. His steady rise demonstrates how legal acumen can evolve into enterprise-wide leadership, strengthening public service and community impact.

Evan Johnston’s career reflects an exceptional transition from accomplished legal counsel to transformative business leader. Currently President and CEO of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, Evan guides the strategic direction of one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers. His journey began in private practice with top firms in Canada and the UK before moving in-house, where he combined legal expertise with strategic leadership in senior executive roles at Stuart Olson Inc. and The Forzani Group Ltd. Since joining Wawanesa in 2016 as EVP, Strategy and Related Businesses, he has overseen major initiatives including the acquisition of Western Financial Group, the sale of Wawanesa General to AAA of Southern California, and negotiations for a new National Headquarters.

A CFA charter holder, EMBA graduate, and Chartered Insurance Professional, Evan’s leadership is focused advancing organizational goals through a business lens while leveraging his legal background to deliver sustained strategic impact.

Led by Conni Gibson, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Interac’s Legal Department has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Grounded in data and intentional strategy, the team identified representation gaps, particularly among Indigenous and Black professionals, and launched targeted programs to build a sustainable and inclusive pipeline of legal talent.

The Indigenous Summer Student Program, in partnership with leading law firms, provides Indigenous students with mentorship and experience across both private practice and in-house legal work. The TDSB Black Student Excellence Program offers internships, mentorship, and career development for Black high school students, demystifying legal pathways at an early stage.

Internally, Interac’s Legal Department has one of the most diverse teams in the organization and sets a high bar by requiring external counsel to report on their DEI commitments. With visible leadership from its Chief Legal Officer and dedicated resources, these initiatives have already improved recruitment pipelines and created lasting impact.

Kristina Milbourn, Managing Counsel, Litigation at Rogers Communications, is recognized for her strong commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. Leading Rogers’ national litigation team, she has not only overseen high-stakes cases and class actions but has also championed initiatives that build inclusive workspaces. Kristina has chaired multiple committees, including the EDI and Community Advisory Committee at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine and the Admissions Committee at Western University Faculty of Law, reviewing Black applicant streams to enhance equity in legal education.

Beyond her organizational leadership, Kristina has actively contributed to mentoring and education through IPIC-McGill Copyright MasterClasses and advisory councils, ensuring access and opportunity for underrepresented groups in law and technology. Fluent in French and with a global legal perspective through her LLM from Columbia Law School, she exemplifies strategic, ethical, and inclusive leadership, making her an outstanding candidate for the Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award.

Kenny Okunola, Legal Counsel at Information Services Corporation, is a trailblazing advocate for diversity and inclusion in the Canadian legal profession. His leadership extends beyond traditional legal work to systemic change, advancing equity and representation for internationally trained lawyers (ITLs), racialized professionals, and immigrants. He co-founded the ITL Network, launched the first national ITL Conference with over 350 participants and 55 speakers, and developed the ITL Manual in collaboration with the South Asian Bar Association. He has also pioneered mentorship and integration initiatives, including partnerships with CRIEC and the ITL Firm-Hop program, connecting ITLs with leading Bay Street firms.

As Vice-President of Global Lawyers of Canada (Alberta Chapter), Kenny has championed advocacy campaigns for equitable licensing and recruitment. Recognized nationally through multiple awards, Kenny exemplifies action in diversity and inclusion, using innovation, mentorship, and advocacy to create lasting impact within his organization and across the legal profession.

The Jobber Legal Department is a small, high-performing team that exemplifies wellness as a daily practice rather than a standalone program. Under the leadership of Senior Director of Legal Melissa Reiter, the team has cultivated a culture of psychological safety, mutual support, and genuine rest. Team members actively monitor workloads, life circumstances, and energy levels, enabling proactive coverage when someone takes time off and ensuring no one returns to an overwhelming backlog.

Melissa models full disconnection during vacations or mental health days, reinforcing that rest is respected and protected. This approach encourages junior staff to set boundaries without guilt, creating trust and sustaining long-term performance. Beyond the Legal team, Jobber promotes flexible wellness initiatives organization-wide, including remote work, meditation workshops, volunteer opportunities, and real-time recognition programs. By embedding wellness into daily work practices, Jobber’s Legal Department demonstrates that simplicity, trust, and mutual respect are the foundation of a truly healthy workplace.

The Legal and Corporate Affairs team at goeasy Ltd. leads a wellness program that integrates physical, mental, and community well-being into daily work life. Partnering with Human Resources, the team has supported initiatives such as the national rollout of Wellhub, giving employees flexible access to gyms, studios, and mindfulness resources, and negotiated enhanced health benefits with Sun Life, including expanded mental wellness coverage. They also helped implement access to Maple’s virtual healthcare platform and an Employee Assistance Program through ComPsych, offering confidential emotional, legal, and financial support.

Beyond health benefits, the team promotes balance and purpose through three annual paid volunteer days, fostering both community connection and team morale. These efforts reflect a culture of shared support, resilience, and genuine care across the organization.

Ravipal (Ravi) Bains, Director & Senior Counsel at the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), is recognized for his exceptional legal expertise, leadership, and collaborative approach. Since joining BCI in April 2024, Ravi has led complex high-profile transactions across private debt, fund investments, and public markets, including billion-dollar acquisitions, minority shareholdings, and co-investments with global investors.

Prior to BCI, Ravi spent nine years at McMillan LLP, rising to Partner while representing issuers and private equity funds in mining, forestry, and technology sectors. He received the 2019 Emerging Leaders (40 Under 40) award by M&A Advisor.

Samson Chan is the Associate General Counsel of London Drugs Limited, a leading retailer in Western Canada, where he leads legal strategy across commercial, technology, privacy, e-commerce, and pharmacy initiatives. Known for his solution-oriented and creative approach, Samson has driven innovative partnerships with companies such as DoorDash, Instacart, and Skip the Dishes, and spearheaded digital health and data infrastructure projects, including the 2024 cybersecurity response.

A polymath with diverse experience spanning business, healthcare, technology, law, and storytelling, Samson has also made significant contributions to the legal and broader community. He served as President of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers BC (FACL BC), where he expanded mentorship programs, promoted equity and diversity, and led initiatives like the documentary “But I Look Like a Lawyer.” He also serves as Vice-Chair of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, providing governance and strategic leadership. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, Samson exemplifies leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the legal profession.

Jennifer Cox is Legal Counsel at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and impact on the Canadian health research landscape. Since being called to the Ontario Bar in 2017, Jennifer has led transformative legal initiatives, including the development and implementation of nationally harmonized data sharing and participating site agreements. These agreements streamline processes across more than 50 institutions, cutting average data sharing timelines by 50% and enabling faster clinical trial start-ups and patient access to innovative treatments.

A dedicated mentor, Jennifer supports junior lawyers and legal interns, sharing expertise through national roundtables and CPD resources. Known as a strategist, bridge-builder, and innovator, she has proven that early-career in-house counsel can drive systemic change that benefits both organizations and the broader public good.

James Hall, General Counsel and Privacy Officer at Niagara Health, is a rising leader in Canadian health care and legal practice. Licensed in Ontario and a Certified Health Care Executive and Certified Information Privacy Manager, James combines legal expertise with strategic leadership to drive organizational excellence and privacy compliance. Since 2024, he has advised the Board and Executive Leadership on governance, negotiated high-level contracts and partnerships, and developed comprehensive privacy frameworks protecting sensitive health data.

James’s earlier experience includes legal research and policy development with the Public Health Agency of Canada, and project leadership in corporate legal frameworks at The Rounds. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he actively contributes to his community as a board member for Quest Community Health Centre and Music Niagara, and as President Elect of Rotary Club of St. Catharines South, demonstrating a commitment to health, culture, and service.

Interac’s Legal Department has led a comprehensive transformation that goes beyond technology to fundamentally reshape how legal services are delivered. Grounded in strategy, accountability, and engagement, the team’s innovations align legal operations with enterprise-wide priorities while improving long-term effectiveness.

Key initiatives include the implementation of Meese AI for knowledge management and drafting, Brightflag for AI-powered e-billing, the adoption of agile practices through the ADAPT transformation, and a mandate requiring all external counsel to propose alternative fee arrangements. Together, these changes have streamlined workflows, enhanced accuracy, increased cost predictability, and fostered stronger collaboration both internally and with external partners.

Interac’s success is rooted in its focus on people as well as tools. Through collaborative training, awareness programs, and stakeholder involvement, the team has driven adoption and built a culture of continuous improvement. Their work sets a clear benchmark for innovative, forward-thinking legal departments across Canada.

Since its creation 3.5 years ago, Jobber’s Legal Department has grown into a four-member team led by Melissa Reiter, General Counsel and Senior Director, Legal, and supported by Melanie Mireault, Rajiv Bansal, and Tiffany Leung. As Jobber scaled from 400 to 1,000 employees, the Legal team evolved innovatively to meet the needs of one of North America’s fastest-growing technology companies.

The team has transformed legal operations through technology and process innovation, implementing a Legal wiki, NDA request portal, AI-powered contract management system, legal precedents, and a dedicated legal help Slack channel. These tools enhance efficiency, improve compliance, and provide cross-functional visibility into obligations, contracts, and key metrics.

Beyond internal operations, Jobber’s Legal Department supports innovation across the business, advising on new software features and negotiating strategic partnerships, including AI-powered tools for customers. By combining technology, strategy, and agile processes, the team has set a benchmark for innovative legal practice in the technology sector.

At Unity Health Toronto, Chief Legal Officer Melanie de Wit and her team have redefined the role of legal counsel in healthcare innovation. Melanie pioneered a cross-disciplinary AI governance framework covering design, development, deployment, and monitoring, ensuring AI tools are compliant, ethical, and deliver measurable patient benefits. This approach contributed to the success of ChartWatch, an AI-enabled clinical tool that reduced unexpected inpatient mortality by 25%.

In 2022, they launched Canada’s first public-private collaboration to scale Toronto-made AI tools nationwide and into the U.S., creating novel legal and governance models that safeguard privacy, transparency, and accountability. Melanie’s influence, in particular, extends across the profession as a sought-after speaker, Chair of the Toronto Academic Health Sciences Network Legal Table, and award-winning educator at the University of Toronto.

Melanie and her team exemplify how legal departments can strategically enable innovation that aligns with organizational mission and transforms patient outcomes.

The Legal & Corporate Services Executive Vice-Presidency at Beneva brings together 125 professionals across Quebec City, Montreal, and Mississauga to deliver integrated legal, compliance, governance, and corporate services. In 2024, the team created a dedicated Privacy Office and compliance function embedding Privacy by Design, implemented an advanced legislative watch process to anticipate regulatory shifts, and merged legal affairs and litigation to improve strategy coherence while handling more files in-house. They also established a Corporate Affairs group uniting governance, transactional, and government relations expertise, strengthened the Code of Ethics and conflict-of-interest controls, and launched a Centre of Excellence in Fraud Prevention that successfully curbed threats involving deepfake technology.

In 2025, the team assumed a central role in Beneva’s complex merger with Gore Mutual, managing regulatory, governance, and legislative processes. Grounded in collaboration, ethics, and innovation, the department has transformed into a strategic driver of organizational performance and resilience.

Fengate Asset Management’s nimble legal team of four lawyers and two law clerks delivers sophisticated, innovative solutions across infrastructure, private equity, and real estate transactions throughout North America. In 2024 alone, they navigated over $1 billion in acquisitions, dispositions, and partner buyouts, alongside nearly $2 billion in financings. The team’s ability to execute complex, high-stakes deals under tight timelines — such as the record-setting C$1.8 billion recapitalization of eStruxture Data Centers — demonstrates their unmatched technical skill and business insight. They have also pioneered creative legal structures, including an ERISA-compliant fundraising solution for infrastructure funds and innovative financing for Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

Leveraging technology, deep collaboration, and a commitment to mentorship, Fengate Legal consistently enhances operational efficiency and supports strategic growth. With a reputation for pragmatism, integrity, and excellence, this small but powerful team sets a high standard for legal innovation in the investment management industry.

The lululemon Global Legal Team has transformed its operations over the past 18 months through a bold three-year strategy built on three pillars: Thriving and Engaged Team, Thinking with Scale, and Supporting Business Velocity. Supporting 39,000 employees worldwide, the 100+ member team addressed challenges including rapid headcount growth, global expansion, and increased legal demand by implementing innovative processes, technology solutions, and collaborative frameworks. Initiatives such as a global workload management system, a comprehensive communications plan, and targeted training programs led to a 24% improvement in workload perceptions, 89% favourability as a business partner, and a 30% reduction in contracts requiring legal review.

With a focus on connection, professional development, and scalable legal guidance, lululemon’s Legal Team has not only met but exceeded its ambitious goals, earning recognition as a model of legal innovation, efficiency, and engagement in a complex, fast-paced global environment.