Dec 02, 2025
In this episode of CL Talk, recorded live at the Canadian Legal Summit, host Robert De Toni moderates a candid conversation with firm leaders Kurt Schlachter of Stringam, Jacqueline Dinsmore of Caravel Law and boutique founder Ashlee Froese on what it really takes to keep today’s lawyers. The panel delves into why younger lawyers are no longer motivated solely by partnership, how culture plans, “success plans,” and flexible budgets can replace vague promises, and why flexible work arrangements must be genuine rather than merely policy rhetoric. They also tackle the mental health impact of the billable hour, the role of a “director of lawyer happiness,” the rise of reverse mentorship in an AI-enabled practice, and the hard business realities around portable books of business, equity buy-ins and alternative career paths beyond the traditional ladder.
Jun 16, 2026
Litigator Allison Speigel joins host Tim Wilbur to talk through how a small firm uses flat-fee billing, quick decisions, and plain talk with clients to take on the country's largest firms
Jun 02, 2026
Flex Legal's Erin Cowling joins CL Talk on AI billing fights, the shiny-object trap, and why freelance counsel are senior strategists
May 26, 2026
A candid conversation with one of Canada's leading legal innovators on what AI looks like inside a major firm
May 19, 2026
The retired judge’s memoir lays bare the failures of family and criminal courts
May 05, 2026
A coach, speaker and former Bay Street lawyer on why it is not just about knowing the law
