Rooted and Rising: Leading with Intention

Our 2026 NextGen Summit will focus on the theme "Rooted and Rising: Leading with Intention," aimed to prepare NextGen advocates with practical skills and confidence to take charge in their career.

2026 AGENDA

Thursday, April 16, 2026
7:30 AM
Registration opens
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Welcome and Framing the Day
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Ethics of Influence: Advocating for Yourself Without Crossing Ethical Lines

MCLE Ethics Panel (1 hr)

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break: A purposeful connection experience
  • Meet the speakers corner
  • Topic Circles
  • Reflection Prompts
  • Refreshments
  • Movement/stretch zone
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Workshop: Leveraging AI in the Legal Practice

This interactive, skills-based 90-minute workshop equips lawyers with practical tools to use generative AI competently, ethically, and effectively in legal practice. Through real-world demonstrations and guided exercises, panelists from in-house and law firm roles will show how AI is currently used for legal analysis, client service, and business development, while addressing privacy, confidentiality, supervision, and risk. Participants will identify opportunities to increase their professional value using AI.

Participants will learn: 

  • How to use generative AI tools competently and ethically in legal workflows 
  • How to assess risks related to confidentiality, privacy, and accuracy 
  • How to increase professional value through AI fluency—today and in the near future 
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Networking Lunch

Optional guided conversation tables:

  • Leadership at all levels
  • Delegation & Managing Up
  • AI in Legal Practice
  • Pathways to Partnership/GC
  • Boundaries & Well-Being
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Takeaways: a representative from each table shares key insights
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
You Don't Need to Earn Rest - Boundaries and Well-Being for Ambitious Lawyers

Participants will learn how to:

  • Recognize complacency vs. renewal 
  • Set boundaries with difficult stakeholders 
  • Create capacity for growth 
  • Develop tiny-mighty habits for resilience 
  • Develop the courage to leave when necessary 
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Networking Break
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Mindful Relationships: Navigating Your Network

Participants will learn how to:

  • Build relationship currency at work 

  • Navigate your network and cultivate sponsors, mentors, allies, and friends 

  • Strengthen your influence 

  • Take ownership of your relationships and get clear on your influence with key stakeholders, colleagues, clients, and peers. 

4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Closing Remarks
4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
Networking Reception

Light bites and drinks • “Ask Me Anything” tables with speakers           

Speakers and agenda are subject to change