WGCC Summer Networking Circles
Invitation: July 15 & 17 | August 12 & 14, 2025
From Cost Centre to Value Creator
The WGCC Networking Circles have been thoughtfully crafted to facilitate discussions and the exchange of ideas and insights among WGCC members, with a particular emphasis on legal professionalism, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). These small, informal groups offer an invaluable opportunity to forge connections with other WGCC members, expand your professional network, and build a support system as you navigate the complex challenges that arise in legal executive roles.
BONUS: Circles are eligible and submitted for CPD credit in Ontario and other provinces upon request.
Date and Time: WGCC Networking Circles are 60 minutes long and are scheduled as follows:
How to Sign up:
- Send an email to info@womengc.ca indicating which circle you wish to attend, if you can attend more than one time slot, please indicate all that you can attend, along with your preferred time, so that we may adjust the attendees if necessary.
- Sign up early to avoid disappointment – but no later than Wednesday July 9th.
- Once you sign up, ensure to “HOLD” the time/date in your calendar.
- You will receive a calendar invitation and an email containing the call-in information and materials for your chosen circle.
- Please note that a scheduled Circle may be cancelled if interest is low for that time.
- If you miss the above deadlines, please send an email to info@womengc.ca for possible options.
Directions for Attendees:
- Chatham House Rules apply to all Networking Circles.
- Once the deadline for signing up has passed, you will receive a calendar invitation with the Circle details (Zoom/Teams).
- Please take five minutes to review the Circle Materials in advance - the articles are a quick read and help spark focused and meaningful discussions.
- We encourage you to STILL ATTEND a Circle, even if you do not have time to review any of the materials, as you will gain valuable insights from the discussion.
- On the day of the Circle, please connect and turn on your camera – your Circle Lead will start the discussion.
Circle Topic: From Cost Centre to Value Creator
While it might sound like alchemy, it’s absolutely possible for a legal department to contribute significantly to an organization’s bottom line. Think of it as turning a high-maintenance houseplant into a productive garden! Depending on the industry, size and mandate of the legal department, the considerations will vary, but a common theme is the need for legal leaders to demonstrate value and effectively tell their story. Below are some areas to consider:
Sub-Topics | Discussion Points:
- Intellectual Property Monetization: Proactively managing and monetizing your organization IP portfolio can lead to exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships and joint ventures around trademarks, copyrights, etc. IBM and Google legal teams are renown for their monetization efforts.
- Litigation as an Asset: While litigation is often seen as a costly and risky affair, it can sometimes result in substantial financial gains. By strategically pursuing or defending lawsuits, the legal department can secure favourable settlements or judgments that contribute to revenue.
- Contract Management: Efficient contract management can lead to better terms and conditions, reducing costs, increasing profitability and the cultivation of performance incentives. Legal departments such as Coca-Cola and GE are known for their ability to identify and enforce underutilized clauses that generate revenue.
- Risk Management: By identifying and mitigating risks, legal departments can protect the company from costly legal issues and compliance penalties. A proactive approach can save money and preserve revenue streams.
- Regulatory and Compliance Expertise: Leveraging expertise in regulatory and compliance matters can create opportunities for the company to enter new markets, secure grants, or benefit from tax incentives. The pharmaceutical industry and their legal departments are a good example.
- Alternative Fee Arrangements (AFAs): Exploring AFAs with external law firms and service providers can lead to cost savings and better budget predictability.
- Training and Prevention Programs: Implementing training programs to educate employees on legal matters, such as intellectual property protection, contract management, and compliance, can prevent costly mistakes.
- Data and Analytics: Utilizing data and analytics to track legal spending, identify trends, and optimize resource allocation can lead to significant cost savings and improved financial performance.
Join the conversation by reviewing these short articles that provide insights on how to enable a legal department to become a value creator:
- Legal Department Roles And Responsibilities: Adding Value by Dazychain
- Unlocking Success: A Guide to Legal Department KPIs & Metrics by Chambers and Partners
- 4 Strategies to Demonstrate Legal Team Value by SpotDraft
Don’t Wait! Sign up today!
Info@womengc.ca
*Some Networking Circles may be led by our EMERITUS members, offering a unique opportunity to gain insights from former General Counsels and Senior Executives!
WOMEN GENERAL 