Women General Counsel Canada upcoming events

WGCC Summer 2026 Networking Circles (18 Aug 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

WGCC Networking Circles
Invitation: Summer Circles 2026

Circle Topic: WGCC Leadership Series: Leading Beyond Legal - Navigating the Expanding General Counsel Mandate

Circle Summary:

Today’s General Counsel role extends far beyond legal risk management. Many legal leaders now oversee broader portfolios that include compliance, privacy, HR, culture, ESG, government affairs, investigations, and operational leadership, while serving as strategic advisers to executive teams and boards.

Join fellow WGCC members for an interactive discussion on how senior legal leaders are adapting to these growing expectations—balancing leadership, crisis management, organizational influence, board responsibilities, and personal sustainability. Together, we will explore practical approaches to managing complexity, leveraging AI and technology, and deciding what to stop doing in order to focus on what matters most.

The WGCC Networking Circles have been thoughtfully crafted to facilitate the discussion and exchange of ideas and insights among WGCC members, with a particular emphasis on legal leadership and professionalism and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). These small, informal groups offer an invaluable opportunity to forge connections with other WGCC members, expand your professional network and support system as you navigate the complex challenges that arise in legal executive roles.

BONUS: This Networking Circle has been approved for accreditation by the Law Society of Ontario. Click HERE for details.

Date and Time: WGCC Networking Circles are 60 minutes long and are scheduled as follows:

How to Sign up:

Send an email to info@womengc.ca indicating which circle you wish to attend, if you can attend more than one time slot, please indicate all that you can attend, along with your preferred time, so that we may adjust the attendees if necessary.
Please sign up ASAP – Guaranteed registration ends by – 12:00 EDT on Friday July 17th
Once you've signed up, please block the date and time in your calendar.
You will receive a calendar invitation and email containing the call-in information and materials for your chosen circle.
Please note that a scheduled Circle may be cancelled if interest is low for that time.

Directions for Attendees:

Note that Chatham House Rules apply to all WGCC Networking Circles.
Accept the calendar invitation from your WGCC Networking Circle Lead with the Circle details (Zoom/Teams) (you will get it soon, if you have not already received it).
Review the Circle Materials as time allows; full review isn't required.
If you do not have time, still attend - the discussion will be valuable.
On the day of the Circle please sign in using the invitation from your Circle Lead and please be sure to turn on your camera for maximum participation – your Circle Lead will start the discussion.

Circle Topic: WGCC Leadership Series: Leading Beyond Legal - Navigating the Expanding General Counsel Mandate

The role of General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer has evolved dramatically. What was once primarily a legal advisory function has become one of the most complex and influential leadership roles in the modern organization. Today’s General Counsel is expected not only to manage legal risk, but also to provide strategic business leadership, guide organizations through crises, oversee compliance and privacy programs, support human resources (or step in as lead for HR), lead employee resource groups, contribute to corporate culture, and often serve on external boards and industry bodies.

As the scope of the role continues to expand, so too do the expectations. General Counsel are increasingly called upon to act as enterprise leaders—balancing competing priorities, responding to emerging risks, influencing organizational strategy, and driving business outcomes while maintaining sound judgement, integrity, and resilience.

Join fellow WGCC members for a candid and engaging WGCC Networking Circle exploring how senior legal leaders are adapting to this evolving mandate. Through an open, peer-to-peer discussion, we will share practical experiences, leadership lessons, and approaches for successfully managing responsibilities that now extend well beyond traditional legal boundaries.

Together, we will explore how General Counsel are navigating broader portfolios that may include compliance, privacy, ethics, government affairs, human resources, ESG initiatives, investigations, corporate culture, and operational leadership. We will also discuss the growing expectations placed on legal leaders to champion diversity and inclusion efforts, sponsor employee resource groups, participate in external board and community leadership roles, and serve as trusted advisers to executive teams and boards of directors.

Importantly, we will reflect on what we have intentionally stopped doing in order to lead more effectively. What processes, habits, assumptions, or expectations have we let go of? How are we leveraging technology, including AI, delegating differently, simplifying decision-making, and focusing our energy on the areas where we can have the greatest impact? How are we simply just saying “No”?

Grounded in real-world experience rather than leadership theory, this discussion will provide an opportunity to exchange practical insights with peers who face similar challenges every day.

Key discussion themes:

The evolution of the General Counsel from legal adviser to enterprise leader
Leading through crises, uncertainty, and increasing organisational complexity
Managing expanded portfolios and when to say “No”
Sponsoring employee resource groups and shaping organisational culture
Balancing internal leadership responsibilities with external board and community commitments
Leveraging technology and AI to increase effectiveness and create capacity
Determining what to let go of in order to focus on what matters most
Building a sustainable leadership model for a role that continues to grow in scope, visibility, and influence

Come prepared to share your experiences and hear from peers who are redefining what it means to be a General Counsel in today's business environment.

Accreditation (Ontario): Circles are submitted for CPD credit in Ontario (other provinces upon request). More information will be available once approval has been received.

Sign up now by emailing:
Info@womengc.ca with your preferred Circle(s)!

WGCC Summer 2026 Networking Circles (18 Aug 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

WGCC Networking Circles
Invitation: Summer Circles 2026

Circle Topic: WGCC Leadership Series: Leading Beyond Legal - Navigating the Expanding General Counsel Mandate

Circle Summary:

Date and Time: WGCC Networking Circles are 60 minutes long and are scheduled as follows:

How to Sign up:

Send an email to info@womengc.ca indicating which circle you wish to attend, if you can attend more than one time slot, please indicate all that you can attend, along with your preferred time, so that we may adjust the attendees if necessary.
Please sign up ASAP – Guaranteed registration ends by – 12:00 EDT on Friday July 17th
Once you've signed up, please block the date and time in your calendar.
You will receive a calendar invitation and email containing the call-in information and materials for your chosen circle.
Please note that a scheduled Circle may be cancelled if interest is low for that time.

Directions for Attendees:

Note that Chatham House Rules apply to all WGCC Networking Circles.
Accept the calendar invitation from your WGCC Networking Circle Lead with the Circle details (Zoom/Teams) (you will get it soon, if you have not already received it).
Review the Circle Materials as time allows; full review isn't required.
If you do not have time, still attend - the discussion will be valuable.
On the day of the Circle please sign in using the invitation from your Circle Lead and please be sure to turn on your camera for maximum participation – your Circle Lead will start the discussion.

Circle Topic: WGCC Leadership Series: Leading Beyond Legal - Navigating the Expanding General Counsel Mandate

Grounded in real-world experience rather than leadership theory, this discussion will provide an opportunity to exchange practical insights with peers who face similar challenges every day.

Key discussion themes:

The evolution of the General Counsel from legal adviser to enterprise leader
Leading through crises, uncertainty, and increasing organisational complexity
Managing expanded portfolios and when to say “No”
Sponsoring employee resource groups and shaping organisational culture
Balancing internal leadership responsibilities with external board and community commitments
Leveraging technology and AI to increase effectiveness and create capacity
Determining what to let go of in order to focus on what matters most
Building a sustainable leadership model for a role that continues to grow in scope, visibility, and influence

Come prepared to share your experiences and hear from peers who are redefining what it means to be a General Counsel in today's business environment.

Accreditation (Ontario): Circles are submitted for CPD credit in Ontario (other provinces upon request). More information will be available once approval has been received.

Sign up now by emailing:
Info@womengc.ca with your preferred Circle(s)!

WGCC Summer 2026 Networking Circles (20 Aug 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

WGCC Networking Circles
Invitation: Summer Circles 2026

Circle Topic: WGCC Leadership Series: Leading Beyond Legal - Navigating the Expanding General Counsel Mandate

Circle Summary:

Date and Time: WGCC Networking Circles are 60 minutes long and are scheduled as follows:

How to Sign up:

Send an email to info@womengc.ca indicating which circle you wish to attend, if you can attend more than one time slot, please indicate all that you can attend, along with your preferred time, so that we may adjust the attendees if necessary.
Please sign up ASAP – Guaranteed registration ends by – 12:00 EDT on Friday July 17th
Once you've signed up, please block the date and time in your calendar.
You will receive a calendar invitation and email containing the call-in information and materials for your chosen circle.
Please note that a scheduled Circle may be cancelled if interest is low for that time.

Directions for Attendees:

Note that Chatham House Rules apply to all WGCC Networking Circles.
Accept the calendar invitation from your WGCC Networking Circle Lead with the Circle details (Zoom/Teams) (you will get it soon, if you have not already received it).
Review the Circle Materials as time allows; full review isn't required.
If you do not have time, still attend - the discussion will be valuable.
On the day of the Circle please sign in using the invitation from your Circle Lead and please be sure to turn on your camera for maximum participation – your Circle Lead will start the discussion.

Circle Topic: WGCC Leadership Series: Leading Beyond Legal - Navigating the Expanding General Counsel Mandate

Grounded in real-world experience rather than leadership theory, this discussion will provide an opportunity to exchange practical insights with peers who face similar challenges every day.

Key discussion themes:

The evolution of the General Counsel from legal adviser to enterprise leader
Leading through crises, uncertainty, and increasing organisational complexity
Managing expanded portfolios and when to say “No”
Sponsoring employee resource groups and shaping organisational culture
Balancing internal leadership responsibilities with external board and community commitments
Leveraging technology and AI to increase effectiveness and create capacity
Determining what to let go of in order to focus on what matters most
Building a sustainable leadership model for a role that continues to grow in scope, visibility, and influence

Come prepared to share your experiences and hear from peers who are redefining what it means to be a General Counsel in today's business environment.

Accreditation (Ontario): Circles are submitted for CPD credit in Ontario (other provinces upon request). More information will be available once approval has been received.

Sign up now by emailing:
Info@womengc.ca with your preferred Circle(s)!

WGCC Summer 2026 Networking Circles (20 Aug 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:00:00 GMT

WGCC Networking Circles
Invitation: Summer Circles 2026

Circle Topic: WGCC Leadership Series: Leading Beyond Legal - Navigating the Expanding General Counsel Mandate

Circle Summary:

Date and Time: WGCC Networking Circles are 60 minutes long and are scheduled as follows:

How to Sign up:

Send an email to info@womengc.ca indicating which circle you wish to attend, if you can attend more than one time slot, please indicate all that you can attend, along with your preferred time, so that we may adjust the attendees if necessary.
Please sign up ASAP – Guaranteed registration ends by – 12:00 EDT on Friday July 17th
Once you've signed up, please block the date and time in your calendar.
You will receive a calendar invitation and email containing the call-in information and materials for your chosen circle.
Please note that a scheduled Circle may be cancelled if interest is low for that time.

Directions for Attendees:

Note that Chatham House Rules apply to all WGCC Networking Circles.
Accept the calendar invitation from your WGCC Networking Circle Lead with the Circle details (Zoom/Teams) (you will get it soon, if you have not already received it).
Review the Circle Materials as time allows; full review isn't required.
If you do not have time, still attend - the discussion will be valuable.
On the day of the Circle please sign in using the invitation from your Circle Lead and please be sure to turn on your camera for maximum participation – your Circle Lead will start the discussion.

Circle Topic: WGCC Leadership Series: Leading Beyond Legal - Navigating the Expanding General Counsel Mandate

Grounded in real-world experience rather than leadership theory, this discussion will provide an opportunity to exchange practical insights with peers who face similar challenges every day.

Key discussion themes:

The evolution of the General Counsel from legal adviser to enterprise leader
Leading through crises, uncertainty, and increasing organisational complexity
Managing expanded portfolios and when to say “No”
Sponsoring employee resource groups and shaping organisational culture
Balancing internal leadership responsibilities with external board and community commitments
Leveraging technology and AI to increase effectiveness and create capacity
Determining what to let go of in order to focus on what matters most
Building a sustainable leadership model for a role that continues to grow in scope, visibility, and influence

Come prepared to share your experiences and hear from peers who are redefining what it means to be a General Counsel in today's business environment.

Accreditation (Ontario): Circles are submitted for CPD credit in Ontario (other provinces upon request). More information will be available once approval has been received.

Sign up now by emailing:
Info@womengc.ca with your preferred Circle(s)!

WGCC Mahjong Night (9 Sep 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

WGCC Emeritus and Board members are invited to a relaxing, social evening of Mahjong, graciously hosted at the home of WGCC member, Jolie Lin. Come catch up, enjoy light refreshments, and either play or simply observe as you learn about the game. No previous experience is required - this will be a casual and fun evening for all!

Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM (EDT)

Location: Downtown Toronto (Bathurst & Wellington). Address will be shared upon registration.

*We kindly ask that you register by Wednesday, September 2.

For questions about this event, please contact: info@womengc.ca.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sweet Escape | Truffle Making at Blakes (16 Sep 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Sweet Escape
An Evening of Truffle Making at Blakes

Join fellow WGCC members for an evening of connection, conversation, and creativity. Gather over wine, delicious hot and cold bites, and a live, chocolatier-led experience where guests roll and customize their own gourmet truffles using premium toppings.

Reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships, and spend a relaxed evening filled with engaging conversations, delightful refreshments, and a unique chocolate-making experience.

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Time: 5:00 - 7:30 PM (ET)

Location: Blakes | 199 Bay Street, Commerce Court West, Suite 4000, Toronto, ON M5L 1G5

*Spots are limited so please register early! We kindly request your RSVP by Tuesday, September 8 to assist us in planning effectively.

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Note: For any inquiries or in the event you need to cancel your registration, kindly contact us at info@womengc.ca.

Proudly hosted and sponsored by:

Sept 17 | Exclusive WGCC Masterclass Series | Elevating from the Legal Seat to the Board Table (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

We are delighted to offer you an exceptional, members-only opportunity - a four-part virtual WGCC Masterclass series, “Elevating from the Legal Seat to the Board Table,” delivered by Watson Board Advisors, one of Canada’s most respected and experienced board advisory firms.

Available exclusively to WGCC members, this complimentary, curated series reflects our commitment to providing unparalleled access to top-tier expertise, insight, and practical tools that support your journey to the boardroom.

Why this series is truly unique

Watson brings over 20 years of experience advising more than 600 boards across Canada. Their sessions are grounded not in theory, but in real-world boardroom experience—offering candid insight into how boards truly operate, how directors are selected, and what distinguishes those who succeed.

This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from seasoned advisors who work inside boardrooms every day - insight that is typically difficult to access and even harder to replicate.

Session details | September 17, 2026 | Fully virtual | 12:00 - 1:30 PM (ET):

Session 3 (September 17) | Entering the Boardroom: Resumes, Interviews, and Onboarding
Acquire the tools to secure your first board role—including crafting a compelling board resume, navigating interviews, and building credibility from day one.

*Please note: This registration is for the September 17 session only. Each session in the series requires separate registration.

Series Dates:

Thursday, June 11, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Thursday, October 29, 2026

Designed as a cohesive journey (while allowing flexibility to attend individual sessions), this series equips you with practical, actionable strategies to position yourself for, secure, and excel in board roles.

What You Will Gain

Session 1 (June 11) Governance Fundamentals and Purpose
Demystify the boardroom. Gain a clear understanding of governance, fiduciary duties, and board dynamics—and how your GC experience translates (and where it doesn’t).

Session 2 (July 23) | Positioning Yourself for Board Opportunities
Move beyond the “legal seat.” Learn how to define and articulate your value proposition, position yourself strategically, and understand how boards and advisors identify top candidates.

Session 4 (October 29) | Contributing Effectively as a Director
Learn what sets high-impact directors apart—from influencing boardroom discussions to sustaining meaningful contribution while navigating the GC/director distinction.

*We encourage you to secure your place early and commit to the full series to maximize the value of this unique offering.

For any inquiries, feel free to contact us via email at: info@womengc.ca.

December 9 | Exclusive WGCC Masterclass Series | Elevating from the Legal Seat to the Board Table (9 Dec 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Why this series is truly unique

This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from seasoned advisors who work inside boardrooms every day - insight that is typically difficult to access and even harder to replicate.

Session details | December 9, 2026 | Fully virtual | 12:00 - 1:30 PM (ET):

Session 4 (December 9) | Contributing Effectively as a Director
Learn what sets high-impact directors apart—from influencing boardroom discussions to sustaining meaningful contribution while navigating the GC/director distinction.

*Please note: This registration is for the December 9 session only. Each session in the series requires separate registration.

Series Dates:

Thursday, June 11, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Wednesday, December 9, 2026

What You Will Gain

*We encourage you to secure your place early and commit to the full series to maximize the value of this unique offering.

For any inquiries, feel free to contact us via email at: info@womengc.ca.