By American Bar Association
The American Bar Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting will be held in Toronto August 6-12 with the theme “Rule of Law Rising: Advancing Law in a Connected World.”
The event will feature sessions in conjunction with the Canadian Bar Association and look at issues involved with cross-border relations and trade, new technologies and their effect on the legal profession and concerns about the rule of law.
A highlight of the meeting will be the Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities presenting its fourth Legal Summit of the Americas program, which brings together lawyers from the United States, Mexico and Canada to discuss and analyze current cross-border legal and societal issues.
In addition, the ABA House of Delegates — the association’s policymaking body — will meet at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Halls F and G on Aug. 11 and 12. For details on the proposals for debate and vote during the two-day session, click?here.?
Notable programs (all times are EDT) include:
—Thursday, August 7
• “Northern Exposure: What Are the Neighbors Doing?” — Explore how the U.S. and Canada approach competition and consumer protection law. Compare legal frameworks and enforcer roles and learn about key reforms to Canada’s Competition Act. Gain practical insights on cross-border compliance, enforcement trends and what each country can learn from the other. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Mezzanine Floor, Chestnut, 9-10 a.m.
• “Still Friends? Competition, Innovation & AI Cooperation” — The U.S. and Canada are important trade and law enforcement partners. New administrations, political priorities, and trade wars, plus innovation and competition are paramount. Will there be cooperation in competition, data security, and AI? Could economic nationalism hinder trade and innovation? A high-level panel will discuss recent transitions and future possibilities. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Mezzanine Fl, Chestnut, 10-11 a.m.
• “Bridging Borders: Canadian and US Legal Perspectives” — As Toronto welcomes the ABA to town, join us to take advantage of this rare and highly valuable opportunity to engage and build relationships with counsel from both sides of the border. Canadian and U.S. lawyers are coming together to learn from one another and about one another, as we forge connections, enhance expertise and collaborate to better serve clients whose interests reach across the border, spanning our two countries. Sessions at the event include “Cross-Border Business Operations: What I Wish You Knew About My Jurisdiction;” “Managing Transactional Risk in an Unsettled Cross-Border Environment;” “Navigating Justice in the Courtroom and in the Court of Public Opinion;” and “Responding to Polarization and Overcoming Division.” Ontario Bar Conference Centre, 20 Toronto Street, 12:30–4:30 p.m.
• “It's a New World: The United States Supreme Court, and Canadian Perspectives” ?—?An expert panel brings experts from Canada and the United States to discuss events and cases of interest in the U.S. Supreme Court and how they impact courts, lawyers and the rule of law generally. The panel will also discuss issues and challenges foreseeable in the future. Ranging from business litigation to criminal and international law, and involving both countries, this panel will expose attendees to what is happening in the United States’ highest court, domestically and internationally, and empower lawyers and others to work effectively for their clients. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, Library, 2:30-4 p.m.
• “Children Who Never Came Home: US and Canada Responses to Native Boarding School Abuses”— This program will discuss the U.S. and Canadian Native Residential/Boarding School Era, during which many Native children were removed from their homes and communities only to suffer horrific abuses and tragic deaths. The panel will further discuss Canada's enactment of the Truth and Reconciliation Act, with appropriations to fund programs and activities working towards healing those who continue to suffer from the historical trauma.
The panel will also discuss the historic apology issued by U.S. President Joseph Biden, along with the organizations that are working towards similar legislation in the United States. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, Confederation 3, 3:30-5 p.m.
• “ABA 2025 International Human Rights Award presentation” -- Ruth López, a constitutional lawyer and educator who has devoted her life to defending the fundamental rights of Salvadorans and advancing public transparency, will receive the ABA 2025 International Human Rights Award. Distinguished Guests & Board of Governors Dinner, Omni King Edward Hotel, 17th Fl, Crystal Ballroom. 6-9 p.m.
—Friday, August 8
• “ABA Experts Session: Technology Issues” — The panel will discuss lawyers’ ethical and professional obligations when it comes to technology, how to adapt to new technology, including remote work issues and generative AI (e.g., client expectations and billing impacts), and tech issues that clients may be facing (e.g., tracking technology lawsuits, IP and employment issues relative to generative AI). We hope that the open discussion among participants will not only raise issues that can help each other anticipate challenges but also manage and overcome them. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• “Joint ABA/CBA-Trade/Cross Border Relations Program” — As global dynamics shift and domestic politics continue to evolve, the U.S.–Canada relationship faces new pressures and opportunities. This high-profile showcase session will explore the current state of trade, diplomacy and cross-border cooperation between the two countries. From regulatory alignment to political friction, panelists will examine the legal, economic and strategic implications for both nations. Featuring renowned political commentator David Frum, this session will take the form of a timely and lively debate on the challenges and prospects for the U.S.–Canada partnership in a rapidly changing world. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, Library, 8:30-10 a.m.
• “From Forest to Frame: The Legal Landscape of Mass Timber” — Mass timber, an engineered, wood-based structural material suitable, has come to the forefront of building design, carrying the promises of efficiency, sustainability and resiliency and the potential to address deeply rooted issues, such as the housing and housing affordability crisis that grips Canada and the United States. This program will explore the legal issues related to mass timber — from managing and harvesting forest resources to revising codes to better enable mass timber construction. Fasken LLP, 333 Bay St., Suite 2400, 9-10 a.m.
• “Challenging Federal Administrative Decisions and Regulations on Appeal,” — As a result of the change in the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court’s elimination of Chevron deference in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (June 28, 2024), challenges to federal administrative decisions and regulations will continue to increase over the next several years. This increase will undoubtedly be fueled by the Supreme Court’s holding in Corner Post, Inc. v. Board of Governors (July 1, 2024) that the six-year statute of limitations for challenging certain agency regulations runs from when the plaintiff is injured by the final agency action rather than the date of the regulation’s adoption. This discussion will focus on how to effectively challenge federal administrative decisions and regulations on appeal. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• “Innocence for Sale: The Intersection of Child Labor and Sex Trafficking” — Despite laws prohibiting child labor and sexual exploitation, trafficking of children persists at an alarming rate. Trafficking occurs within a complex legal and economic landscape. This international panel of judges, advocates and experts will explore how immigration policies, economic drivers and enforcement challenges shape trafficking trends. Panelists will discuss barriers to prosecution, the intersection of child labor and sex trafficking and the impact of gender, nationality and legal status on victim vulnerability. Through case studies and interactive discussions, the panel will highlight best practices, trauma-informed approaches and survivor-centered justice to strengthen efforts in combating child trafficking worldwide. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, Library, 2-3:30 p.m.
• “Voting Rights for US Citizens Abroad: Deciphering the Alphabet Soup of UOCAVA and FVAP” -- What are your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen living or spending time abroad during a federal, state or local election? How do UOCAVA, FVAP and FPCA set the voting framework for military and overseas citizen voters? This panel will set the background and rights and responsibilities for voters to vote in federal, state, local and tribal elections. They will also explore innovations in voting abroad and in the states — from online voter registration to online absentee ballot requests and in some cases online voting — and the legitimate security concerns that accompany them. Discussion will range from practical tips to ensure access to the ballot box as well as a discussion of the security of the electoral process and how that impacts the use of technology in voting. Fasken LLP, 333 Bay St., Suite 2400, 2:15-3:15 p.m.
• “Valuing Personal Injury Claims” — Improve your skills for evaluating personal injury cases. Whether you represent plaintiffs or defendants, it's essential to evaluate personal injury cases as early and as accurately as possible. We will discuss how plaintiffs' attorneys can identify and avoid high risk or low value cases by asking the right questions and getting the right information. We will also discuss how defense counsel can assess case values earlier and take advantage of early settlement opportunities. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
—Saturday, August 9
• “Legal Summit of the Americas” — Programs include: The Rule of Law in the Face of Today’s Shifting Winds (8:30-10 a.m.); Lessons in Today's Rapidly Changing Immigration Landscape (10:30 a,m.-noon); Keynote Program with Ana Maria Salazar, award-winning journalist, analyst and expert (noon-1 p.m.); Navigating Employment Law in the Americas: Key Issues and Trends (1-2 p.m.); and the release of a new report by the ABA Hispanic Commission — Latinos in the U.S.: Overcoming Legal Challenges, Engaging in Civic Life. (2:45-3:15 p.m.) Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Quebec Room, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• “Effective and Ethical Use of AI in Your Practice” — This session will explore how AI is changing the practice of law and answer burning questions about the many opportunities to enhance your practice with the use of AI and the ethical lines in the sand about AI use. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• “Crossing the Line: Due Process, Executive Power and the Future of Immigration in the U.S. and Canada” — A panel of immigration experts will look at the issues of due process in immigration proceedings and enforcement and the role of executive powers in carrying out policy. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, 9:30-11 a.m.
• “Business Development & Marketing Strategies” — Strategies, techniques and best practices for attracting, building, growing and retaining legal clients in a highly competitive marketplace will be discussed. This interactive session will encourage attendees to share their experience and successes in developing business while, at the same time, answering questions prompted by the discussion. The program will be meaningful for lawyers at any stage of their legal careers. Participants will consider how to: think about marketing and business development; provide strategies in targeting prospective clients; how to network effectively and efficiently; how to become active with certain groups and organizations to network purposefully; provide proven techniques that will produce clients; and discuss how to prepare a quality business marketing plan. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• “Mediation Mistakes to Avoid and Strategies for Success” – The session will address strengthening mediation advocacy with practical strategies that lead to better results. Whether you represent plaintiffs or defendants, navigating mediation effectively is key to achieving favorable outcomes for your clients. The program will cover common mistakes attorneys make in mediation — and how to avoid them — and teach actionable tools to prepare more strategically, negotiate more effectively and follow up more productively. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 2-3 p.m.
• “Silver Gavel Awards Presentation” — The ABA presents these awards to recognize work in media and the arts published or presented during the preceding year that have been exemplary in helping to foster the American public’s understanding of law and the legal system. Sheraton City Centre, Lower Concourse Floor, Sheraton Hall C, 3-4 p.m.
—Sunday, August 10
• “Women Lawyers of Achievement: Margaret Brent Awards”?— The Commission on Women in the Profession's Margaret Brent Awards celebrates five incredible women lawyers. Fairmont Royal York, Convention Floor, Ontario, 3-4:15 p.m.
(https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2025/07/aba-annual-meeting-focus-cross-border-rule-of-law/)
The American Bar Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting will be held in Toronto August 6-12 with the theme “Rule of Law Rising: Advancing Law in a Connected World.”
The event will feature sessions in conjunction with the Canadian Bar Association and look at issues involved with cross-border relations and trade, new technologies and their effect on the legal profession and concerns about the rule of law.
A highlight of the meeting will be the Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities presenting its fourth Legal Summit of the Americas program, which brings together lawyers from the United States, Mexico and Canada to discuss and analyze current cross-border legal and societal issues.
In addition, the ABA House of Delegates — the association’s policymaking body — will meet at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Halls F and G on Aug. 11 and 12. For details on the proposals for debate and vote during the two-day session, click?here.?
Notable programs (all times are EDT) include:
—Thursday, August 7
• “Northern Exposure: What Are the Neighbors Doing?” — Explore how the U.S. and Canada approach competition and consumer protection law. Compare legal frameworks and enforcer roles and learn about key reforms to Canada’s Competition Act. Gain practical insights on cross-border compliance, enforcement trends and what each country can learn from the other. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Mezzanine Floor, Chestnut, 9-10 a.m.
• “Still Friends? Competition, Innovation & AI Cooperation” — The U.S. and Canada are important trade and law enforcement partners. New administrations, political priorities, and trade wars, plus innovation and competition are paramount. Will there be cooperation in competition, data security, and AI? Could economic nationalism hinder trade and innovation? A high-level panel will discuss recent transitions and future possibilities. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Mezzanine Fl, Chestnut, 10-11 a.m.
• “Bridging Borders: Canadian and US Legal Perspectives” — As Toronto welcomes the ABA to town, join us to take advantage of this rare and highly valuable opportunity to engage and build relationships with counsel from both sides of the border. Canadian and U.S. lawyers are coming together to learn from one another and about one another, as we forge connections, enhance expertise and collaborate to better serve clients whose interests reach across the border, spanning our two countries. Sessions at the event include “Cross-Border Business Operations: What I Wish You Knew About My Jurisdiction;” “Managing Transactional Risk in an Unsettled Cross-Border Environment;” “Navigating Justice in the Courtroom and in the Court of Public Opinion;” and “Responding to Polarization and Overcoming Division.” Ontario Bar Conference Centre, 20 Toronto Street, 12:30–4:30 p.m.
• “It's a New World: The United States Supreme Court, and Canadian Perspectives” ?—?An expert panel brings experts from Canada and the United States to discuss events and cases of interest in the U.S. Supreme Court and how they impact courts, lawyers and the rule of law generally. The panel will also discuss issues and challenges foreseeable in the future. Ranging from business litigation to criminal and international law, and involving both countries, this panel will expose attendees to what is happening in the United States’ highest court, domestically and internationally, and empower lawyers and others to work effectively for their clients. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, Library, 2:30-4 p.m.
• “Children Who Never Came Home: US and Canada Responses to Native Boarding School Abuses”— This program will discuss the U.S. and Canadian Native Residential/Boarding School Era, during which many Native children were removed from their homes and communities only to suffer horrific abuses and tragic deaths. The panel will further discuss Canada's enactment of the Truth and Reconciliation Act, with appropriations to fund programs and activities working towards healing those who continue to suffer from the historical trauma.
The panel will also discuss the historic apology issued by U.S. President Joseph Biden, along with the organizations that are working towards similar legislation in the United States. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, Confederation 3, 3:30-5 p.m.
• “ABA 2025 International Human Rights Award presentation” -- Ruth López, a constitutional lawyer and educator who has devoted her life to defending the fundamental rights of Salvadorans and advancing public transparency, will receive the ABA 2025 International Human Rights Award. Distinguished Guests & Board of Governors Dinner, Omni King Edward Hotel, 17th Fl, Crystal Ballroom. 6-9 p.m.
—Friday, August 8
• “ABA Experts Session: Technology Issues” — The panel will discuss lawyers’ ethical and professional obligations when it comes to technology, how to adapt to new technology, including remote work issues and generative AI (e.g., client expectations and billing impacts), and tech issues that clients may be facing (e.g., tracking technology lawsuits, IP and employment issues relative to generative AI). We hope that the open discussion among participants will not only raise issues that can help each other anticipate challenges but also manage and overcome them. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• “Joint ABA/CBA-Trade/Cross Border Relations Program” — As global dynamics shift and domestic politics continue to evolve, the U.S.–Canada relationship faces new pressures and opportunities. This high-profile showcase session will explore the current state of trade, diplomacy and cross-border cooperation between the two countries. From regulatory alignment to political friction, panelists will examine the legal, economic and strategic implications for both nations. Featuring renowned political commentator David Frum, this session will take the form of a timely and lively debate on the challenges and prospects for the U.S.–Canada partnership in a rapidly changing world. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, Library, 8:30-10 a.m.
• “From Forest to Frame: The Legal Landscape of Mass Timber” — Mass timber, an engineered, wood-based structural material suitable, has come to the forefront of building design, carrying the promises of efficiency, sustainability and resiliency and the potential to address deeply rooted issues, such as the housing and housing affordability crisis that grips Canada and the United States. This program will explore the legal issues related to mass timber — from managing and harvesting forest resources to revising codes to better enable mass timber construction. Fasken LLP, 333 Bay St., Suite 2400, 9-10 a.m.
• “Challenging Federal Administrative Decisions and Regulations on Appeal,” — As a result of the change in the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court’s elimination of Chevron deference in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (June 28, 2024), challenges to federal administrative decisions and regulations will continue to increase over the next several years. This increase will undoubtedly be fueled by the Supreme Court’s holding in Corner Post, Inc. v. Board of Governors (July 1, 2024) that the six-year statute of limitations for challenging certain agency regulations runs from when the plaintiff is injured by the final agency action rather than the date of the regulation’s adoption. This discussion will focus on how to effectively challenge federal administrative decisions and regulations on appeal. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• “Innocence for Sale: The Intersection of Child Labor and Sex Trafficking” — Despite laws prohibiting child labor and sexual exploitation, trafficking of children persists at an alarming rate. Trafficking occurs within a complex legal and economic landscape. This international panel of judges, advocates and experts will explore how immigration policies, economic drivers and enforcement challenges shape trafficking trends. Panelists will discuss barriers to prosecution, the intersection of child labor and sex trafficking and the impact of gender, nationality and legal status on victim vulnerability. Through case studies and interactive discussions, the panel will highlight best practices, trauma-informed approaches and survivor-centered justice to strengthen efforts in combating child trafficking worldwide. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, Library, 2-3:30 p.m.
• “Voting Rights for US Citizens Abroad: Deciphering the Alphabet Soup of UOCAVA and FVAP” -- What are your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen living or spending time abroad during a federal, state or local election? How do UOCAVA, FVAP and FPCA set the voting framework for military and overseas citizen voters? This panel will set the background and rights and responsibilities for voters to vote in federal, state, local and tribal elections. They will also explore innovations in voting abroad and in the states — from online voter registration to online absentee ballot requests and in some cases online voting — and the legitimate security concerns that accompany them. Discussion will range from practical tips to ensure access to the ballot box as well as a discussion of the security of the electoral process and how that impacts the use of technology in voting. Fasken LLP, 333 Bay St., Suite 2400, 2:15-3:15 p.m.
• “Valuing Personal Injury Claims” — Improve your skills for evaluating personal injury cases. Whether you represent plaintiffs or defendants, it's essential to evaluate personal injury cases as early and as accurately as possible. We will discuss how plaintiffs' attorneys can identify and avoid high risk or low value cases by asking the right questions and getting the right information. We will also discuss how defense counsel can assess case values earlier and take advantage of early settlement opportunities. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
—Saturday, August 9
• “Legal Summit of the Americas” — Programs include: The Rule of Law in the Face of Today’s Shifting Winds (8:30-10 a.m.); Lessons in Today's Rapidly Changing Immigration Landscape (10:30 a,m.-noon); Keynote Program with Ana Maria Salazar, award-winning journalist, analyst and expert (noon-1 p.m.); Navigating Employment Law in the Americas: Key Issues and Trends (1-2 p.m.); and the release of a new report by the ABA Hispanic Commission — Latinos in the U.S.: Overcoming Legal Challenges, Engaging in Civic Life. (2:45-3:15 p.m.) Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Quebec Room, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• “Effective and Ethical Use of AI in Your Practice” — This session will explore how AI is changing the practice of law and answer burning questions about the many opportunities to enhance your practice with the use of AI and the ethical lines in the sand about AI use. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• “Crossing the Line: Due Process, Executive Power and the Future of Immigration in the U.S. and Canada” — A panel of immigration experts will look at the issues of due process in immigration proceedings and enforcement and the role of executive powers in carrying out policy. Fairmont Royal York, Main Mezzanine Floor, 9:30-11 a.m.
• “Business Development & Marketing Strategies” — Strategies, techniques and best practices for attracting, building, growing and retaining legal clients in a highly competitive marketplace will be discussed. This interactive session will encourage attendees to share their experience and successes in developing business while, at the same time, answering questions prompted by the discussion. The program will be meaningful for lawyers at any stage of their legal careers. Participants will consider how to: think about marketing and business development; provide strategies in targeting prospective clients; how to network effectively and efficiently; how to become active with certain groups and organizations to network purposefully; provide proven techniques that will produce clients; and discuss how to prepare a quality business marketing plan. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• “Mediation Mistakes to Avoid and Strategies for Success” – The session will address strengthening mediation advocacy with practical strategies that lead to better results. Whether you represent plaintiffs or defendants, navigating mediation effectively is key to achieving favorable outcomes for your clients. The program will cover common mistakes attorneys make in mediation — and how to avoid them — and teach actionable tools to prepare more strategically, negotiate more effectively and follow up more productively. Sheraton City Centre, 2nd Floor, Huron, 2-3 p.m.
• “Silver Gavel Awards Presentation” — The ABA presents these awards to recognize work in media and the arts published or presented during the preceding year that have been exemplary in helping to foster the American public’s understanding of law and the legal system. Sheraton City Centre, Lower Concourse Floor, Sheraton Hall C, 3-4 p.m.
—Sunday, August 10
• “Women Lawyers of Achievement: Margaret Brent Awards”?— The Commission on Women in the Profession's Margaret Brent Awards celebrates five incredible women lawyers. Fairmont Royal York, Convention Floor, Ontario, 3-4:15 p.m.
(https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2025/07/aba-annual-meeting-focus-cross-border-rule-of-law/)
