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.
May 05, 2026
A coach, speaker and former Bay Street lawyer on why it is not just about knowing the law
May 04, 2026
Hear how a leading Canadian deal lawyer is using AI to sharpen strategy, not replace it.
Apr 22, 2026
CIB’s chief legal and information officer talks housing, Indigenous equity, trade and AI
Apr 07, 2026
The Stewart McKelvey strategy chief joins CL Talk to unpack AI, mentorship, and the new skill set juniors need
Mar 17, 2026
The legal academic speaks about a tool she is developing to flag suspect audio, video and documents
