CBA In-House Lawyers leader receives the 2025 Women in Law Leadership Award and King's Counsel appointment.
TORONTO, ON – February 2, 2026 – Jennifer Freund, President of CBA In-House Lawyers, has received two significant professional honours recently: the 2025 Women in Law Leadership Award and appointment as King's Counsel (KC).
She received the Women in Law Leadership Award for Leadership in the Profession (Government or In-House), recognizing her outstanding leadership as President of CBA In-House Lawyers and her advocacy on behalf of in-house and government counsel.
Her appointment as King's Counsel acknowledges her exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession.
"I am truly grateful to receive both the Women in Law Leadership Award and the King's Counsel appointment," Freund said. "Being recognized by both my peers and the profession as someone who makes a difference for others is a true honour."
In addition to her volunteer role as President of CBA In-House Lawyers, Freund serves as Policy and Governance Counsel at the Law Society of Alberta, a position she has held since 2015. In this capacity, she provides guidance on regulatory and governance matters affecting Alberta's legal profession.
As President of CBA In-House Lawyers, she has overseen the organization's recent transformation, including the rebrand from the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association. The change reflects the organization's commitment to serving all in-house lawyers, whether they work in corporate, government, or non-profit settings.
"One of the things that matters to me is diversity in the profession, not just in terms of workplaces and industries, but also in terms of personal characteristics," says Freund. "Part of the work I have done with CBA In-House Lawyers, including involvement with the rebrand, has focused on creating a welcoming place for all in-house counsel. So every lawyer, regardless of their circumstances, has a home where they feel they belong and can contribute."
Through her leadership, Freund continues to help shape CBA In-House Lawyers as a modern, inclusive organization that reflects the breadth of in-house practice in Canada and supports lawyers at every stage of their career.
About CBA In-House Lawyers
CBA In-House Lawyers (formerly the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association) is Canada's home for in-house counsel. Founded in 1988, we represent over 5,000 in-house lawyers across every province and territory, spanning all sectors, industries, and stages of practice. Our work supports in-house counsel as strategic advisors and business partners through a combination of professional development, thought leadership, and peer connection. We deliver practical, relevant programming designed to reflect the realities of in-house practice and the evolving role of legal departments. For more information, visit cbainhouse.org.