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Meritas® – 2024 US & Canada Regional Meeting and Firm Management Forum Recap

Last month, Luca Citton, Chair of Meritas and President of Boughton Law, along with Boughton’s COO Shantela Blaeser, and board member Richard Uhrle, attended the 2024 Meritas US & Canada Regional Meeting and Firm Management Forum in Montreal. Hosted at the Vogue Hotel, the event brought together Meritas members from across North America for two days of insightful discussions, networking, and collaboration on cross-border legal services.

The meeting began with a welcome from Mike DeFrank (Wyrick Robbins), David Reid (Brazeau Seller Law), and local hosts Julie Doré and André Ryan from BCF Business Law, setting a positive tone for the day’s agenda.

Exploring US & Canadian Trade Relations

The keynote speaker, John Parisella, offered a comprehensive overview of the current and future state of US and Canadian trade relations, providing critical insights against the backdrop of political polarization in the United States. “John’s perspectives were both timely and highly relevant for navigating the economic shifts we’re seeing across North America,” remarked Citton.

Panel on Enhancing Client Service

One of the event’s key discussions centered on enhancing client service in today’s evolving legal landscape. Panelists from different regions across North America shared strategies for improving client relationships, particularly in light

of emerging industries and regulatory changes. “The range of insights we heard really highlighted the value of the Meritas network in helping us anticipate and address client needs,” noted Citton. The session also sparked an engaging Q&A, providing attendees with actionable takeaways for their firms.

Meritas Opportunities and Industry Roundtable

Luca Citton led a roundtable on industry and practice group opportunities, emphasizing how Meritas firms can capitalize on the flow of referrals across North America. “By tapping into the network’s existing strengths, we can uncover significant opportunities in various sectors, from technology to healthcare,” Citton said. The discussion underscored the importance of building connections within the network to drive client success.

Women’s Leadership Panel: A Focus on Future Leadership

Leadership development took center stage during the Women’s Leadership Panel, moderated by Lynn Murray and featuring Shantela Blaeser alongside Julie Doré and others. Blaeser shared her thoughts on the importance of inclusive leadership in driving innovation. “Leadership is not just about guiding the team but creating environments where diverse perspectives can thrive,” she said.

Firm Management Forum: A Deep Dive into Law Firm Leadership

The Meritas Firm Management Forum, held at BCF Business Law office, provided another key platform for member firms to engage in meaningful dialogue. This forum, attended by senior firm leaders, focused on the challenges facing modern law firm management. Facilitated by Tim Corcoran, the sessions covered critical topics such as the integration of AI and technology in legal practice, lawyer compensation models, and succession planning.

Corcoran’s session on AI and technology delved into how firms can embrace these tools to enhance efficiency and remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry. “The conversations around AI were forward-looking and practical, offering real insights into how we can integrate technology without compromising on the personalized service our clients expect,” noted Citton.

The forum wrapped up with a session on succession planning, addressing the growing need for firms to prepare for generational shifts. Corcoran guided the group through the economic and practical aspects of developing robust succession plans that ensure continuity and stability within firms.

With a full agenda of knowledge-sharing, networking, and leadership development, the summit reaffirmed the strength of the Meritas network and charted a clear course for continued collaboration in the coming year.

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