The BLSA Canada National Conference is the premier annual event organized by the Black Law Students' Association of Canada, bringing together legal professionals and students from across the country. As the largest gathering of Black law students in Canada, the conference provides a unique platform for networking, professional development, and community building within the legal field.
The 2025 conference, themed "Innovating Today, Impacting Tomorrow," focuses on honoring Black history while reimagining the future of legal practice. Key sessions include "Pathway to Partnership: Insights from Students to Partners," "Empowering Voices: Black Queer Perspectives in Law and Advocacy," and "The Modern Lawyer: Leveraging Social Media to Build Your Brand." These sessions aim to address contemporary legal challenges and promote innovative solutions.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of practical opportunities, such as networking mixers, a career fair, and professional headshot sessions. Notable speakers from diverse legal backgrounds will share their experiences and insights, enriching the conference experience. The event also features social gatherings like the Gala: Regency Revelry, fostering a sense of community among participants.
This conference is ideal for Black law students, legal professionals, and allies seeking to engage with the Black legal community, gain valuable insights into the practice of law, and build lasting professional relationships. It offers a supportive environment to discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, and collaborate on shaping a more equitable future in the legal profession.
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Speakers(23)
Antoine Collins
Member at Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
Antoine L. Collins has over two decades of legal experience in the United States and Canada, currently serving as a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
Crystal Witter
Law Student at Schulich School of Law
Crystal Witter is a law student at the Schulich School of Law, moderating the panel on leveraging social media to build a professional brand.
Dr. Chika Onwuekwe
Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Trican Well Service Ltd.
Dr. Chika B. Onwuekwe, KC, ICD.D is the Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Trican Well Service Ltd., a leading oil and gas service company.
Efua Gyan
Associate at Lerners LLP
Efua Gyan is an associate within the Dispute Resolution and Advocacy and Health practice groups at Lerners LLP, with experience in civil litigation and public law.
Enoka K. Bainomugisha
Law Student at Osgoode Hall Law School
Enoka K. Bainomugisha is a law student at Osgoode Hall Law School, moderating the panel on perspectives from Crown and Defence in criminal law.
Isabelle Cadotte
Regional Director at The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company
Isabelle Cadotte is the Regional Director for The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company in Western Canada and leads its Indigenous Trusts practice nationally.
Jackson Virgin-Holland
Lawyer at McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Jackson Virgin-Holland is a lawyer at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, moderating the panel on Black queer perspectives in law and advocacy.
Kenny Okunola
Co-Founder at The ITL Network
Kenny Okunola is the Co-Founder of the Internationally Trained Lawyers (ITL) Network and Legal Counsel at ISC, with expertise in corporate and securities law.
Kris-Andre Smith
Law Student at Osgoode Hall Law School
Kris-Andre Smith is a law student at Osgoode Hall Law School, moderating the panel on uplifting Black men in law and leadership.
Michael Akins
Associate at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Michael Akins is an associate at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, participating as a panelist discussing leadership and mentorship for Black men in the legal profession.
Nashara Peart
Senior Associate at Bodman PLC
Nashara Peart is a Senior Associate at Bodman PLC, practicing both commercial and probate litigation, and a former BLSA Canada National President.
Nicole Beausoleil
Associate at Torys LLP
Nicole Beausoleil is a second-year associate at Torys LLP, focusing on corporate and securities law, with an emphasis on capital markets transactions and M&A.
Raphael T. Eghan
Partner at Dentons
Raphael T. Eghan is a partner in Dentons’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, specializing in investigations and capital markets regulatory proceedings.
Raphael Tachie
Partner at Dentons
Raphael Tachie is a partner in the Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation group at Dentons, with responsibilities extending across both Toronto and Vancouver.
Selasie Doe-Demosse
Law Student at Peter A. Allard School of Law
Selasie Doe-Demosse is a law student at the Peter A. Allard School of Law, moderating the panel on Black in-house counsel driving change in corporate law.
Shanice Teape
National Conference Chair at BLSA Canada
Shanice Teape is the National Conference Chair for BLSA Canada, leading the organization of the 34th Annual National Conference.
Stephen Abosi
Associate at McMillan LLP
Stephen Abosi is an associate at McMillan LLP, participating as a panelist discussing mental health and wellness in the legal profession.
Storme McKop
Associate at Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Storme McKop is an associate at Lowenstein Sandler LLP in New York, advising emerging and high-growth companies on equity financings and corporate governance.
Tami Oguntona
Law Student at University of Calgary Faculty of Law
Tami Oguntona is a law student at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, moderating the panel on financial literacy for future lawyers.
Teni Odetoyinbo
Law Student at Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Teni Odetoyinbo is a law student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, serving as the moderator for the panel on mental health and wellness in the legal profession.
Theresa Donkor
Senior Associate at Rudnicki & Co
Theresa Donkor is a senior associate at Rudnicki & Co, participating as a panelist discussing the criminal justice system from both Crown and Defence perspectives.
Vivian Oduro
Legal Counsel at ISC
Vivian Oduro is Legal Counsel at ISC, with a background in privacy and data governance, legal and operational risk management, and improving legal operations.
Zhané Stimpson
Senior Associate of Youth Engagement at Wealthsimple Foundation
Zhané Stimpson is a Toronto-based content creator and advocate for financial literacy, serving as Senior Associate of Youth Engagement at Wealthsimple Foundation.
Event Details
- Date
- February 14, 2025
- Location
- 🇨🇦 Calgary, Canada
- The Westin Calgary
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Black law students, legal professionals, and allies
- Attendees
- 600+