Alumni newsletterSpring 2026 View in browser In the firm One of the things I’ve always valued about BLG is that we don’t stand still. We build on what’s made the firm strong, and we keep getting better for our clients and for each other. The past few months have brought milestones worth sharing. We
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Alumni newsletter
Spring 2026

View in browser

In the firm

One of the things I’ve always valued about BLG is that we don’t stand still. We build on what’s made the firm strong, and we keep getting better for our clients and for each other.

The past few months have brought milestones worth sharing. We were named a Top Diversity Employer for the eighth consecutive year, and we welcomed 23 new lawyers to partnership. These moments build on the inclusive culture and leadership that so many of you helped shape during your time at BLG.

I’m especially grateful to the BLG alumni community for helping BLG’s annual United Way campaign reach a meaningful milestone. Together, you raised nearly $40,000, a powerful reflection of the generosity that has long been part of our BLG community.

Looking ahead, we're making deliberate investments in how we work. The biggest is artificial intelligence, because our clients expect us to move faster and focus on the work that will get them the best result.

At BLG, we’re treating AI literacy as a core skill for modern practice, focusing on the partnership between human judgment and machine intelligence. The future belongs to lawyers who can merge machine learning with human wisdom so they know what tool to use, when to challenge its output, and always stay accountable for the advice they give. You can see this in action through our BLG 301 training, where associates use AI to draft client emails and then critique and improve the output together, and the regular firm-wide meetings and mandatory training for lawyers that explore responsible use, innovative case examples and best practices.

Let’s keep the conversation going. This community is a resource you can draw on when you’re hiring, exploring a move or facing a business challenge that needs the right legal partner. Join our LinkedIn group for broader conversations, or email me.

Our profession continues to evolve, and I’m glad we can stay connected and keep learning from each other.

David DiPaolo  
National Managing Partner and CEO, BLG

If you received this newsletter from someone else and would like to make sure you stay In the know, please complete our alumni form to update your contact information.

In the spotlight

Shining a spotlight on BLG alumni who are inspiring others, whether through their careers or personal lives.

Jenna Kaye, Odyssey Trust Company

Jenna reflects on her journey from private practice to CEO of Odyssey Trust. She shares candid insights on mentorship and advancing women in leadership.

Read the Spotlight

Rob Wilson, Pomerleau

Rob shares his journey from private practice to in-house leadership at Pomerleau and shares insights on adaptability, collaboration and continuous growth in a changing industry.

Read the Spotlight

Keep us in the know – Share an inspiring story about you, or someone in the BLG alumni community, for a chance to be featured In the spotlight.

In the community

Being engaged in our communities has long been a proud part of BLG’s culture. We celebrate each other’s achievements, awards and community involvement initiatives.

  • Amy Peck (née Davison) – appointed Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
  • Peter Banks – named a Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in Calgary.
  • Stéphane Richer – named a Judge of the Superior Court of Québec for the district of Montréal.

    Keep us in the know – If you have a community story you would like to share, please tell us about it here.

    In the network

    Our alumni community is constantly evolving and keeping track of your fellow alumni is not always easy. We are pleased to share the following career moves organized by the BLG office they worked in, with links to alumni LinkedIn profiles for easy connection. 

    Keep us in the know - inform us of any moves and changes in your career.

     

    Montréal

    Lynne Chlala
    Blue Cross Life - General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer

    Maro Coric
    CNA Insurance - Director, Legal

    Elisa Henry
    WSP - Associate General Counsel - Technology, Commercial and Data Law

    Vanessa Jodoin
    AGF Group Inc. - Chief Commercial & Corporate Officer

    David Torralbo
    Alithya - Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

    Ottawa

    Leanne Laughlin

    Choice Properties - Vice President, Legal Leasing

    Joelle Walker

    Canadian Association of Optometrists - Chief Executive Officer


    Toronto

    Stephen Alsace

    Royal Bank of Canada - VP Financial Crimes Transformation and Global Head of Sanctions and ABAC

    Suzanne Blanchard
    Manulife - AVP, Legal, Individual Insurance & Affinity

    Bindu Cudjoe

    TD - General Counsel, Canadian Banking

    Mike Denyszyn

    Ontario Securities Commission - Associate Vice President, Registrant Conduct and Registration

    Anila Dumont

    BMO - Associate General Counsel, Wealth Management


    Neda Foroughian

    Cleveland Clinic - Associate Counsel (Canada)


    Adrienne Ho

    Building Ontario Fund - Senior Legal Counsel

    Jonah Kahansky

    Loblaw Companies Limited - Legal Counsel


    Monique Pettigrew

    Bitwise in Europe - General Counsel and Head of Compliance, Europe


    Kay Elizabeth Turner

    Canada Development Investment Corporation - Senior Legal Counsel

    Vancouver

    Svet Savova

    Conwest Developments - General Counsel


    Siobhan Small

    New Tymbal Resources Ltd. - Chief Legal Counsel


    Elaine Tham

    The Jim Pattison Group - General Counsel


    As our readers and leaders, we are counting on you to help us all remain In the know. If you have any updates you would like to share, please do so via the links in the designated sections above.

    BLG Alumni LinkedIn Group

    Join today

    If you have any questions about the content of this newsletter or would like to contact any of the individuals mentioned herein, please contact alumni@blg.com.

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