Aird & Berlis Showcases Leadership at IBA 2025 Annual Conference in Toronto

Jack Bernstein, Sherri M. Altshuler, Aarondeep (Aaron) S. Bains, Jennifer A. Bishop, Melanie Cole, Jill P. Fraser, Michael A. Goldberg, Francesco Gucciardo, Timothy M. Lowman, Jeffrey K. Merk, Marni Pernica, Dasha Peregoudova, Jennifer Shayko, Christopher Slade, Steve J. Tenai, Nick Torchetti and Mark van Zandvoort

Aird & Berlis was proud to play a meaningful role in the International Bar Association (IBA) 2025 Annual Conference, which brought thousands of delegates from around the world to Toronto.

Throughout the week, our firm contributed actively through panel discussions, leadership programming and networking opportunities that connected the global legal community with the best our city has to offer.

Highlights included hosting a special dinner reception at Casa Loma, welcoming Interlaw members at a reception led by Aaron Bains and Nick Torchetti and organizing an exclusive luncheon for the IBA Women Lawyers’ Committee hosted by Jennifer Bishop.

Several partners played significant roles across the conference agenda:

Sherri Altshuler and Dasha Peregoudova co-chaired the session “Evolving Landscapes: Current Legal Issues in Cannabis,” which offered a comprehensive review of legal developments in cannabis regulation across North America.
Dasha Peregoudova spoke on three panels covering global sports regulation, governance and gender equity.
Christopher Slade co-chaired the session, “Managing the GAAR-isson,” which examined the evolving domestic and international anti-avoidance rules.
Jennifer Bishop co-moderated a “Fireside Chat with Women Leaders,” featuring leaders from around the world who reflected on their paths to leadership and the evolving role of women in the legal profession.

In anticipation of the conference, we also released our Guide to Toronto to help international attendees navigate the city during their stay.

Aird & Berlis extends sincere thanks to everyone who joined us and to the IBA for an exceptional conference.

We were honoured to showcase Toronto and connect with colleagues from around the globe.