Welcome Reception

Whether you attended the Wednesday intensive programs or just arrived into town, start off the 2009 Annual Forum by mingling with new faces and familiar friends over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, in a setting that overlooks Toronto’s waterfront and Lake Ontario. Complimentary for all attendees and their guests.

Come experience some of Toronto’s best nightlife with other young lawyers (that is, those lawyers under the age of 36 or who have been admitted to practice for less than 5 years) and first and second time attendees to the Forum. The first stop is Bier Markt, a Belgian themed hotspot with over 100 brands of beer from 24 countries, where everyone can enjoy drinks and dinner while getting to know each other. Then, the party moves to Pravda, a refreshingly unique bar that features an amusing take on the icons of former communist Russia.  Don’t get left behind, as past attendees always rave about this event!   Additional fee for attendees and guests.

Secrets of the Sisterhood - Workplace Networking and Mentoring - Author Peggy Klaus recently wrote that “teaching career skills is not enough if we ignore one of the most important reasons for holding these events in the first place: learning to value one another so we can all get ahead.” Do you receive enough support from your women colleagues? Are the senior women in your workplace prepared to share their experiences and act as your guides? Has the economy impacted your relationship with women colleagues, for better or for worse? How can women help each other with business development? How can in-house women attorneys support each other? Please join us at the Women’s Caucus Breakfast for engaging roundtable discussions on how women can improve the quality of each other’s working life.  Additional fee for all attendees.

Located in the heart of Toronto’s Chinatown district, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) was recently  transformed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.  One of the most distinguished art museums in North America, the AGO is home to 73,000 works of art from Canada and around the world.  After touring the numerous galleries, guests will explore Chinatown and eat a delicious traditionally served dim sum lunch at the nearby Bright Pearl Restaurant.  Additional fee for guests.

All attendees are cordially invited to a networking reception on Thursday afternoon hosted by LADR and the ABA Forum on Franchising’s Diversity Committee. LADR is the Forum’s committee for issues concerning litigation and ADR. The Diversity Committee is devoted to increasing the involvement of members of diverse ethnic and racial groups in Forum activities and leadership roles. Renew old acquaintances and make new ones at this Reception, while unwinding from the day’s seminars before heading out to the Annual Reception.  Complimentary for all attendees.

The Corporate Counsel Committee will host a cocktail party for this year’s member event., the only event at the Forum limited exclusively to in-house counsel. In-house counsel share unique challenges, perspectives and experiences. Come network with other in-house counsel in a casual and fun environment. Cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Only attendees with tickets will be admitted.  Additional fee for attendees.

Spend the evening at the newly expanded Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) with its historical buildings and breathtaking "Crystal" addition (see brochure cover photo).  Once inside, guests can explore galleries showcasing Asian, Native North American and early Canadian culture, as well as the spectacular dinosaur galleries featuring a massive 90-foot Barosaurus skeleton (one of only two Barosaurus skeletons on display in the world). Mix and mingle through the exhibits while enjoying cocktails and creative cuisine at various stations throughout the ROM.  Complimentary for all attendees.  Additional fee for guests.

IFDI provides an opportunity for education, networking and the exchange of ideas among franchise lawyers from around the world. This year’s IFDI breakfast program will focus on the issues that keep franchisors around the world up at night in these troubled times by featuring a seasoned panel of in-house and outside counsel  from the United States, Canada and the U.K., all with in-house experience acting for franchise systems with U.S. and international operations.  Additional fee for attendees.

The Solo and Small Firm Network is open to attorneys who are members of or employed by law firms of ten or fewer attorneys. This dynamic group will meet over breakfast to network and exchange ideas. The focus is on how to leverage knowledge, technology and networking to level the playing field—in litigation, in transactional work, in client development and in Forum leadership. Learn what your peers are doing and share your own experiences in roundtable discussions. Participants can expect to gain ideas and information that will help them build more successful and efficient practices.  Additional fee for attendees.

Now that the program is over, the real fun can begin. At the turn of the 20th Century, the area where the Boiler House stands was heavily steeped in vats of stilled whiskey, solid red brick, and steaming smokestacks. In the present day, the Distillery District is now a string of freshly renovated buildings along cobblestone streets full of acclaimed art galleries, fine dining, boutiques and entertainment, not to forget the occasional on-site Hollywood film production. Come join us for drinks, dinner and live jazz music at the Boiler House, an industrial chic restaurant with valuted ceilings and an award-winning chef.  Additional fee for attendees and guests.

The Community Service Event will support the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (“CAMH”) in downtown Toronto. CAMH is one of the world’s leading research centers in the area of addiction and mental health.

At CAMH, we will be engaged in indoor landscaping and interacting with outpatients and short-term residential patients. No experience necessary - just bring an open mind.

Even if you do not attend this event,  you may make a  donation by dropping off a check (made out to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) or cash at the ABA Registration Desk.

Your trip to Toronto would not be complete without a visit to Niagara Falls!  We will take the “Journey behind the Falls” tour, where you emerge deep below and behind the heart of Niagara. After this close encounter with nature,  take pictures of the majestic Falls or shop for souvenirs before proceeding to Pellar Estates Winery for lunch. This unforgettable lunch on 40 picturesque acres in Niagara's wine country will be followed with a visit to the charming 19th century town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. One of the oldest settlements in the Province of Ontario, the town has been restored to depict its heritage.  Additional fee for attendees and guests.