IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025

2 Nov - 7 Nov 2025

Session information

Competing and thriving: can small and medium size law firms punch above their weight against international legal heavyweights?

Wednesday 5 November (1430 - 1545)

Committee(s)

Law Firm Management Committee (Lead)

Description

In this session we will discuss the areas where smaller law firms have potential strength and can concentrate their efforts in competing against much larger and international competitors:  

1. Collaboration (do fee sharing and multidisciplinary models allow strength and depth to be brought to smaller firm clients?)  

2. Culture (how can a positive and dynamic culture make the smaller firm an attractive destination for junior lawyers)?  

3. Connections (how can informal and formal networks assist?)  

4. Computers (how has artificial intelligence and technology levelled the playing field?)  Ultimately, we will conclude that small and medium firms can indeed punch above their weight if they play to their own strengths!

Session / Workshop Chair(s)

Judit Budai Szecskay Attorneys at Law, Budapest, Hungary; Vice Chair, Small and Medium Firms Subcommittee

Speakers

Eric Baijal BBM Solicitors, Wick, Scotland; Chair, Small and Medium Firms Subcommittee
Fabiola Cavalcanti Araujo e Policastro Advogados, São Paulo, Brazil; Scholarship Officer, Latin American Regional Forum
Monique Jilesen Lenczner Slaght, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Phillip Roberts PCR Law & Associates, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia