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FACL Conference 2021:
Renewal & Solidarity

Join Us Virtually!

The theme for our 14th annual conference is Renewal & Solidarity.

Our keynote speaker is William F. Lee (Partner at WilmerHale).

We are working with the Asian law student organizations at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, and Queen’s Law School.

When?

Mixer: Thursday, February 18, 2021 (evening)
Conference Day 1: Friday, February 19, 2021 (afternoon)
Conference Day 2: Saturday, February 20, 2021 (morning)

Where?

We will meet virtually on the Remo platform. Be prepared to introduce yourself and have conversations as you would at an in-person networking event.

Introduction

FACL Ontario’s 14th annual conference will occur virtually on the Remo platform. To attend the conference and mixer, you will need:

  1. A free Remo account; and
  2. A desktop or laptop that has the latest operating system and browser version (Chrome is
    preferred). Remo does not work on tablets.

Test your system here: https://geartest.remo.co/ (If you are using a VPN to access Remo, please read this even if the test indicates there is no issue: https://remo1.freshdesk.com/en/support/solutions/articles/63000240970; other troubleshooting resources are available here:
https://help.remo.co/en/support/solutions/63000148262).

To get the most out of the conference and mixer:

  1. Before the mixer, set up your Remo virtual business card (including adding your website and
    LinkedIn URL).
  2. During the conference and mixer, turn on your camera and microphone. Then speak with
    attendees at your table, and move freely to other tables to meet other attendees.

Upon Entering the Ballroom

Upon entering the Ballroom, Remo will drop you at a virtual table. Turn your camera and microphone on.

This tip sheet shows you features of Remo, how to attend sessions, and which rooms they will occur in: https://on.facl.ca/facl-14th-annual-conference-resources/

To get to:

  • The Ballroom, click on the Fasken logo;
  • Room A, click on the BLG logo; and
  • Room B, click on the Stockwoods logo.

If you do not see any sponsor logos:

  • In the Ballroom, click on the screen and drag the floor plan upwards to see logos on the bottom of the screen; or
  • In Room A or Room B, click on the screen and drag the floor plan to the left to see logos on the right of the screen.

When navigating to a different room:

  • If you receive an error message that you’re already logged into a session, close the tab or window with the presentation, and refresh the new tab or window. You can do this either by clicking the URL and then pressing enter, or clicking the refresh button on the top left corner of your browser; or
  • If you receive see a screen with square(s) showing the FACL Ontario logo and Conference or Mixer rooms, click on the room you want to enter and select “Join event now!”

Technical Issues

If you are experiencing technical difficulties:

  • When entering the Ballroom while the Conference, Mixer, or Pre-Mixer is occurring, please email us at faclconference2021@gmail.com; or
  • After you enter the Ballroom, please go to the Tech Help lounge on the left of the screen on the first floor, or enter into the chat (if possible) that you need assistance and which table you are at. Note: If your camera and microphone are not working, a refresh of your browser, or logging out and back in, often resolves this issue.

In case you are waiting for us to help you with technical issues, please see Remo’s troubleshooting resources: https://help.remo.co/en/support/solutions/63000148262

Links

Please see the below for the links to the conference. Please note that you will only be able to access the conference if you have purchased a ticket and are on our attendee list. If you are unable to access the site, please contact our tech support email at faclconference2021@gmail.com.

There are three rooms for each day. Entry is through the Ballroom starting at:

 

Please note that the Event Schedule Below is subject to change.

Ticket Type Price Cart
     

Event Schedule

4pm to 5pm

Virtual Platform Support and Pre-Mixer: Thursday, February 18, 2021

4:00 – 5:00: Registration, Virtual Support and Networking
4:15 – 4:35: Fulfilment, Passion and Satisfaction: Creating Career Success and Attracting Your Dream Job

Fulfilment, Passion and Satisfaction: Creating Career Success and Attracting Your Dream Job

Are you attracting the dream job or opportunities you want? Did you know that every time you think, you are connecting with like-minded people? This meditation is designed to help you visualize yourself living out the dream opportunities you desire. You will learn proven techniques to do less, receive more, and attract meaningful connections. Use this meditation as a tool to kick off your networking session and become a powerful magnet to attract anything you want.
– Guided meditation by Maneesha Gupta, Founder of Mindful Lawyer Canada

4:40 – 5:00: Intro to Meditation – Relax, Reset, and Deep Rest with Harps and Bells

Intro to Meditation – Relax, Reset, and Deep Rest with Harps and Bells

“I have never meditated, how do I start?” This musical meditation will wipe away the day’s stress, bringing with it inner calm. See how you can easily learn to practice our 5 favourite meditations whenever you need it most. Are you seeking to relieve job strain, minimize anxiety, attract better personal relationships or determine life’s direction? No matter what the stress or anxiety, even a single mindfulness session can provide immediate relief.
– Guided meditation by Maneesha Gupta, Founder of Mindful Lawyer Canada

5pm to 7:15pm

Mixer: Thursday, February 18, 2021

5:00 – 5:10: Registration and Networking
5:10 – 5:15: Opening Remarks
5:15 – 5:25: A Background to the Harvard Admissions Case
5:25 – 5:55: New Normal Networking Tips

New Normal Networking Tips

This program contains 30 minutes of Substantive content

Building and maintaining relationships is a critical part of our personal and professional well being. How we can do that during a pandemic that has required us to keep physical distance? Three panelists with three different practices at three different stages of their career offer their suggestions in one of our rapid fire panels.

Speakers

5:55 – 6:00: Closing remarks
6:00 – 7:15: Networking

12pm to 5:30pm

Conference Day 1: Friday, February 19, 2021

12:00 – 12:10: Registration and Networking
12:10 – 12:15: Opening Remarks by Co-Chairs Gerald Chan and Eva Chan
12:15 – 12:20: Opening Remarks by Chief Justice George R. Strathy, Court of Appeal for Ontario
12:20 – 12:55: Keynote Address by William F. Lee, Partner at WilmerHale; lead trial counsel in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (pre-recorded address; live Q&A on Saturday)
12:55 – 1:10: Awards and Scholarship Presentations
1:10 – 1:20: Networking Break
1:20 – 2:25: Allies Against Anti-Black Racism

Allies Against Anti-Black Racism

This program contains 60 minutes of EDI Professionalism content

The tragic events of this year have awakened many to the reality of anti-Black racism, not just in the United States but right here in Canada. As a group of racialized lawyers, FACL Ontario’s members are uniquely positioned to help combat anti-Black racism within their communities, the justice system, and society at large. But how can they best do so? How should they think about the different currents of racism that affect distinct communities? How can they draw on their own experiences with anti-Asian racism to enrich (rather than diminish or detract from) their understanding of anti-Black racism? What are some concrete ways in which they can work towards racial justice in the legal profession, criminal justice system, workplace environment, etc.? Our distinguished panel will offer their unique insights into these challenging and all-too urgent issues.

Speakers

2:25 – 2:35: Networking Break
2:35 – 3:40: Pandemic Priorities Among In-house Legal Departments OR Navigating a Virtual Recruit: A Discussion About Best Practices and Diversity Initiatives

Pandemic Priorities Among In-house Legal Departments

This program contains 30 minutes of EDI Professionalism content and 30 minutes of Substantive content

One of the lessons of the pandemic is that in-house lawyers are essential. In addition to the challenge of having to deliver advice in a rapidly changing legal environment, the pandemic has also had an impact on working arrangements. Our panelists will discuss ways to communicate effectively under these arrangements; ways to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in the current environment; and tips for career development.

Speakers

Navigating a Virtual Recruit: A Discussion About Best Practices and Diversity Initiatives (pre-recorded panel discussion; live Q&A)
The past year has certainly been one like no other, with unprecedented changes made to the student recruitment process and interview formats. Join us for a conversation with student recruitment members about best virtual interview practices, tips for success in recruitment, and being confident in discussing one’s background with respect to diversity. Topics will also include communicating over video and diversity initiatives in the workplace.

Speakers

3:40 – 3:50: Networking Break
3:50 – 4:20: New Normal Practice Tips

New Normal Practice Tips

This program contains 30 minutes of Substantive content

Seasoned practitioners will share tips for coping with the new reality of practice during COVID times, ranging from litigating via Zoom and managing the work-life blur.

Speakers

4:20 – 5:30: Networking

8:30am to 2:00pm

Conference Day 2: Saturday, February 20, 2021

8:30 – 8:45: Registration and Networking
8:45 – 9:50: Protection, Preservation and Purpose: Assessing the Legal Landscape in Environmental Law OR AI/Algorithms, Race, and the Law

Protection, Preservation and Purpose: Assessing the Legal Landscape in Environmental Law

This program contains 45 minutes of EDI Professionalism content and 15 minutes of Substantive content

From Indigenous law and the Crown’s duty to consult, to regulatory law and constitutional litigation, environmental lawyers must engage a cross section of practice areas in order to be top of their game. Join us for a conversation with leading environmental law practitioners as they share their knowledge, experiences and career advice as we discuss the intersection between the environment and equity from a racialized lens.

Speakers

AI/Algorithms, Race, and the Law

This program contains 45 minutes of Professionalism content and 15 minutes of EDI Professionalism content

Artificial Intelligence (AI), algorithms, and machine learning are playing an ever-increasing role in the legal sphere. Our panelists will discuss the positive and negative implications of AI developments in legal technology, including the solutions AI aims to provide, the potential for algorithms to perpetuate existing biases in the legal system, privacy concerns stemming from Big Data, the impact of AI on access to justice, and what these developments mean for racialized lawyers and future lawyers.

Speakers

9:50 – 10:00: Networking Break
10:00 – 11:05: Rebuilding Access to Justice During the Pandemic OR Dismantling the Model Minority Myth, and Anti-Indigenous & Anti-Black Racism in Asian Communities

Rebuilding Access to Justice During the Pandemic

This program contains 60 minutes of Professionalism content

The pandemic has exacerbated existing access to justice issues. How do we work together to rebuild? Our panelists will discuss the ways in which barriers towards access to justice have been further exacerbated by the pandemic. More importantly, the panelists will discuss how we, as a community, can support those who have been most impacted and address these issues.

Speakers

Dismantling the Model Minority Myth, and Anti-Indigenous & Anti-Black Racism in Asian Communities

This program contains 60 minutes of EDI Professionalism content

The global pandemic has amplified pre-existing injustices in targeted communities from the deaths of migrant workers, to anti-Asian discrimination, to anti-Black and Indigenous racism in policing, criminalization, and imprisonment, among many other struggles. This panel seeks to draw connections between these struggles with a mind towards building solidarity, and confront the tensions in doing so. Simply put, are we really all in this together? What does solidarity demand of Asian communities, and how do we reconcile our obligations as settlers on Indigenous lands and contributors to anti-Black racism? What does solidarity look like in light of the inequalities amongst and within our own communities? This panel aims to inspire important reflections on solidarity as a site of ongoing struggle, and challenges us to hold ourselves accountable and think more deeply about how to meaningfully contribute to and build collective resistance.

Speakers

11:05 – 11:15: Networking Break
11:15 – 11:25: Lifetime Achievement Award
11:25 – 11:40: Keynote Q+A with William F. Lee
11:40 – 12:45: Biggest Mistakes Senior Counsel Has Made

Biggest Mistakes Senior Counsel Has Made

This program contains 60 minutes of Substantive content

We all strive for excellence, but even the best of us make mistakes. Young lawyers are particularly vulnerable to believing in a standard that anything short of perfection is failure. Three successful senior legal professionals candidly share their past mistakes, what they learned from them, and how they overcame them, with the hope of debunking the myth that good lawyers never make mistakes.

Speakers

12:45 – 12:50: Closing Remarks
12:50 – 2:00: Networking

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Silver Sponsors

Omatsu Scholarship Sponsors

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