OBA Managing Partners Roundtable Series

Legal practice today is filled with constant change, and law firms must adapt to stay competitive. As managing partner, you are regularly called upon to effectively steer your firm through change and transitions. Ensure you are equipped with this year’s Managing Partners Roundtable Series. 

Designed specifically for Managing Partners of small and medium-sized firms, this series is a platform for you to engage with our expert faculty and your colleagues in a high- level knowledge and experience exchange. Each session commences with a presentation, followed by an opportunity for you to discuss your challenges and share your ideas as you gather insights and learn from others around the table with you.

Session 1: Being a Change Leader and Readying Your Team for Change
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Get the insights you need to be a change leader. Find out how change really is different today, and how you can ready yourself and your team for change. 
Speaker: Dr. Kirsten Robertson, Goodman School of Business, Brock University

Session 2: Technology Adoption Strategies
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Join us to gather helpful advice on how to effectively on-board new technologies at your firm. Learn how to spot adoption resistance and get strategies to help you get your team effectively using new technologies to enhance efficiency and client service. 

Session 3: Growth Through Lateral Partners  
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Bringing on lateral partners can be an effective growth strategy for your firm, but bringing on the wrong lateral partner can cause more disruption than reward. Join us to unpack how to find the right fit and effectively manage the integration of a new lateral partner.
Speaker: Allan Ritchie, Loopstra Nixon LLP

Session 4: Navigating Leaves of Absence
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Leaves of absence may be planned or unexpected, in joyous or distressing circumstances. Get helpful insights on navigating these events effectively as we explore: 
•    Best practices for leave policies
•    Key advice for smooth transitions
•    How to support employees upon their return

Session 5: Managing Partner Succession Planning and Transitions
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Who will take over the firm when your time as managing partner comes to an end? When a managing partner retires or steps down, a careful and deliberate transition is critical to ensure ongoing strategic momentum for the firm. It is also essential that a succession plan for the role of managing partner is considered and in place well in advance. Gather best practices for planning for and making managing partner transitions effectively with this candid session.