Championing External Counsel Panels: Managing Cyber Risks & Leveraging AI

With over 20 years of work experience in the technology, innovation, legal, and cybersecurity domains, Raj is a passionate and driven tech entrepreneur who founded Secure Engage, a platform for end-to-end relationship management of law firms. He has a strong background in organizational leadership and business management, having completed an executive MBA Alt (PLDA) at Harvard Business School and a Certification in Advanced Cyber Security from Stanford University.

Prior to launching Secure Engage, He worked at BMO for 15 years, where he worked with the legal, corporate, and compliance group on several projects and strategic initiatives. Introducing, analyzing, and developing disruptive technologies.

He's known for being a strong mentor to entrepreneurs and a coach. Outside of work, He is passionate about continuous learning, mentoring young people and outdoor activities with his family.

As Founder of Linnovation Works, and co-founder of SecureEngage, I am deeply committed to the transformative potential of true leadership and innovative thinking.

My goal is to empower GCs and legal leaders, through tailored coaching and advisory services, to excel in organizational design, strategy development, exceptional legal operations, and authentic leadership. After nearly 20 years in private practice, I spent more than a decade at Bank of Montreal in roles such as Chief Legal Officer of its Canadian Personal & Commercial Banking businesses, Technology & Operations, and Head of Knowledge Management & Innovation — my journey has been one of continual growth and significant impact. Today, I champion legal operations with a keen focus on use of legal tech, meaningful reporting through clear communications, and more cost-efficient delivery of legal services through streamlined outside counsel programs.

My approach is rooted in practical innovation, having spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives for eDiscovery, centralized board reporting and professional leadership programs that have set industry benchmarks. Before my corporate tenure, I was a partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. I currently serve on the boards of Canada’s National Ballet School (as chair of its Nominating and Board Governance Committee) and Women General Counsel Canada.

Bindu is the Executive Vice-President, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Inclusion and Equity Officer, and Corporate Secretary for Laurentian Bank of Canada. Previously, she was the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Canadian Western Bank, and prior to that served in a number of increasingly progressive roles at Bank of Montreal with her last as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Technology and Operations & Chief Knowledge Officer. Bindu began her legal career at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and continued as a Partner with McMillan LLP.

Active in her professional and local communities, Bindu is a proud mother of three and is currently a Director with the Oakville Community Foundation and the Association of Corporate Counsel and serves in an advisory capacity with Alexa Translations. Bindu has been recognized as one of the top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada and has received the Baker McKenzie Innovation Award at the 2023 Canadian General Counsel Awards, the 2023 Diversity Award from the South Asian Bar Association of Toronto, the Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award at the 2023 Canadian Corporate Counsel Association/ Mondaq Awards and the 2021 President’s Award for Women General Counsel Canada, and in 2021 she was nominated as a Female Trailblazer by Canadian Lawyer magazine.