Virtual Roundtable – The Challenges of Learning and Development for Small Firms

Learning and development is an interesting and inspiring space. Some problems, solutions and ideas can have universal application, and some rely heavily on the environment you are working in. Smaller law firms can face unique challenges. That is why the Learning & Development, and Small Firms sub-sections have joined forces! We are hosting a Roundtable discussion to:

1. understand what L&D looks like at different small firms – how is it structured, and programs implemented
2. understand the biggest challenges facing small firms when it comes to L&D
3. discuss challenges and brainstorm potential solutions

We welcome participation from individuals working in firms of all sizes! Different ideas, experiences and perspectives will enrich the conversation and bring value for all participants. Even if you work in a larger firm, there can be valuable insights to take away from this discussion.

Roundtable Moderator and Panelists

We have aimed for a diverse panel to encompass individuals who are immersed in the small firm experience, all the way to the opposite end of the spectrum to those who work in large firms with specialized L&D departments. Our panelists have a variety of professional backgrounds and experiences. They have worked on large scale projects, they have helped start up new firms, they have worked in various capacities within the legal profession. This will be an interesting discussion with varied ideas designed to help you solve the everyday challenges you face.

Margaret Cividino – Moderator

Margaret is a Manager, Learning at Miller Thomson LLP where her portfolio oversees Learning & Development for the Firm’s lawyers, students and clients. Margaret has worked in the legal industry for over 20 years, the last 17 of which have been in the learning and development space. Margaret is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator, instructional designer and education technologist who loves designing and delivering training content that keeps learners curious and engaged. She holds a Master of Education from Simon Fraser University with a focus on the use of technology, specifically gamification in eLearning.

Barbara Blouin – Panelist

Barbara is the Training Specialist at Boughton Law Corporation. She has over two decades of experience working as a trainer in the legal industry. She is the co-founder of the then ‘Training Subsection’ at the BCLMA (our current Learning and Development Subsection). Barbara has been involved with substantive project work in the learning and development space, including firmwide upgrade training at a large national firm. Passionate about learning and sharing of ideas, Barbara networked within the local legal community to grow the membership of the subsection.

Kayleigh Hansen – Panelist

Kayleigh Hansen is the Operations Manager at Poulus Ensom Smith LLP, a boutique commercial and securities litigation firm in Vancouver. Drawing on over 10 years of experience in the legal industry, Kayleigh has introduced modernized and efficient firm policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure that staff and lawyers are well-supported and up-to-date with current legal trends and innovations. She is passionate about advancing the legal industry and embracing positive changes that align with evolving work-life balance expectations and employee needs. Outside of work, Kayleigh enjoys spending time with her English bulldog, Hank (who also serves as the assistant office manager at PES), hiking, skiing, and exploring the breweries in her hometown of Port Moody.

Kathleen Brett – Panelist

Kathleen is the Director of Operations & Talent at MEP Business Counsel. Kathleen has spent her career in the legal industry at both local and national firms, and her experience spans Human Resources, Learning & Development, Operations, Project Management, and Accounting.  Her current role leverages all her varied experience toward overall management and strategic planning for the firm. Both professionally and personally, Kathleen is passionate about learning and development, spending a significant portion of her time developing programs and conducting seminars for knowledge and skill development for lawyers and staff and volunteering her time as a guest speaker at universities and high schools on workplace preparation.

Housekeeping

We encourage you to turn on your VIDEO to keep this a ‘face to face’ engagement if you can.

When you arrive in Zoom, please update your name and add your title (e.g. Sarah Scott, Firm Administrator).

The link will be emailed 2 to 3 business days before the event. There is no cost to attend.

For questions contact: Amy Sobels, L & D Co-Chair     [email protected]