12:00 PM
MUSKOKA
Muskoka Retreat: WILD Edition
Step away from the day-to-day and immerse yourself in a focused, high-impact day and a half getaway designed exclusively for women in-house lawyers.
Join a curated group of Counselwell members for a restorative retreat at Taboo Resort in Muskoka - just long enough to reset, recharge, and reconnect, yet short enough to fit into your schedule.
📅 Thursday, August 6, 2026 (12:00 pm) - Friday, August 7, 2026 (4:00 pm)
📍Taboo Muskoka Resort & Golf
1209 Muskoka Beach Rd, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R1
✅ Accredited for 4.0 CPD hours
3 Professionalism and 1 EDI, per the Law Society of Ontario
Hear it from our attendees:
Laurie Crocker
Executive Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel at Skyline Group of Companies
"The event exceeded expectations! The first ever retreat organized by Counselwell for in-house female counsel was a hit. The topics were timely and important. The group was just big enough to have diversity but not so big as to become just another conference. Hats off to the organizers - they nailed it!"
Shall Malik
Senior Legal Counsel at Ataccama
"What stood out most was the safe, supportive space created for open dialogue, reflection, and growth. Coupled with time for leisure and connection, this retreat was not only enriching but also truly restorative. I left feeling seen, supported, and reenergized, both personally and professionally. I highly recommend future events like this for any in-house counsel looking to connect, learn, and reset."
Agenda
Accredited for 4.0 CPD hours
3 Professionalism and 1 EDI, per the Law Society of Ontario
Day One: Thursday, August 6th
12:45 PM
Welcome, icebreakers, agenda overview, and expectations for the day.
1:15 PM
This roundtable will explore the key decisions, defining moments, and lessons that shape legal careers. Participants will share insights on navigating career crossroads, building a strong professional reputation, and increasing Legal’s influence within the business as a trusted advisor to leadership. The discussion will also cover overlooked negotiation opportunities and the challenge of balancing personal career growth with leading and developing others.
2:05 PM
Grab some snacks and coffee!
2:15 PM
Join your peers on a beautiful nature walk through the woods of Muskoka!
Bring a piece of Muskoka home with you at our paddle painting workshop!
Unwind and connect over some friendly competition
3:45 PM
Earlier this year, Ivo ran an independent benchmark study pitting their advanced AI against an AmLaw 25 Special Counsel. While the AI performed well on speed, the study highlighted exactly where human attorneys excel: nuance, relationship-building, and high-stakes judgment.
This deeply validating session will identify and celebrate what makes a human lawyer indispensable. We will explore how to hone your unique "legal intuition" and deal-context awareness, the exact human skills that no algorithm can replicate.
4:35 PM
Pure, unstructured leisure time to read, swim, nap, chat dockside
6:15 PM
Gather dockside for a relaxed taco bar dinner and refreshing margaritas!
7:30 PM
Straight after dinner, join us as we set sail for a scenic evening cruise, with plenty of drinks and sweet treats!
9:00 PM
Gather around the fire to wind down, swap a few last stories, and enjoy a nightcap under the stars. With drinks served and the fire crackling, it’s the perfect, relaxed end to the evening.
Day Two, Friday, August 7th
8:00 AM
Fuel up for the day ahead!
8:55 AM
9:00 AM
This discussion will explore how in-house lawyers can build influence beyond their title and create impact across the business. Participants will discuss the shift from being viewed as a legal gatekeeper to becoming a strategic partner who helps the business navigate risk and achieve its objectives, while sharing practical habits for building credibility, strengthening relationships, and earning a seat at the leadership table.
9:50 AM
Grab some coffee and snacks!
10:00 AM
Join your peers on a beautiful nature walk through the woods of Muskoka!
Bring a piece of Muskoka home with you at our paddle painting workshop!
Unwind and connect over some friendly competition
11:30 AM
Join us for an evidence-based look at the essential pillars of women's long-term wellness. Drawing insight from the Women’s Wellness Hub, this session breaks down the science behind better sleep, the mechanics of managing everyday food cravings, and critical strategies for lifelong bone and heart health. We’ll also demystify how these foundational habits naturally support the body through hormonal shifts, including the transitions of perimenopause and menopause. Walk away with practical, daily routines to boost your energy and protect your future health.
12:30 PM
Enjoy a delicious lunch with your peers!
1:30 PM
Join your peers on a beautiful nature walk through the woods of Muskoka!
Bring a piece of Muskoka home with you at our paddle painting workshop!
Unwind and connect over some friendly competition
3:00 PM
Let’s take a final moment to pause and reflect. We’ll gather as a group to synthesize the retreat's themes, share key insights from the roundtables, and map out how to carry this momentum forward.
Tickets
All tickets include:
- Access to day and half retreat with 30 women in-house lawyers, focused on professional development, recharging, and diving deep into the challenges of being a woman in the legal profession (and how to work through them)
- 1 night stay at the beautiful Taboo Resort in Muskoka
- Access to all Counselwell programming and activities at the retreat
- All meals (2 lunches, 1 breakfast, 1 dinner), snacks, drinks
- 4 hours of accredited CPD (3 Professionalism, 1 EDI)
Premium Member Ticket
Ticket Price: $350
Discounted rate reserved for Premium members (apply for Premium membership).
Core Member Ticket
Ticket Price: $700
For Core members and in-house lawyers who are not currently members of Counselwell.
