Butter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Jan Marin to today's conversation, where they discuss a new project that Gluckstein Lawyers is launching: The Post-Settelment Resource Guide, a guide for people at the end of their settlement. This guide is meant to assist everyone involved in putting a settlement together for an individual or a family that has been through a case. This tool is crucial for guardians to know how to manage settlement funds more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

[1:52] Brenda shares how she met Glucksteing Lawyers and later became part of the team.

[3:52] Jan provides context about this guide, which aims to assist guardians in administering and managing settlement funds.

[7:27] Brenda explains what the passing of the account is about.

[9:40] Jan explains who a guardian is.

[11:16] Sometimes, being a parent and a guardian can be conflictive.

[15:48] Jan highlights the most significant difference between a guardian and a parent.

[17:50] Jan talks about the management plan.

[18:44] Brenda advises other parents about crucial aspects they should consider when working on their management plan.

[22:47] Mental health and recreational activities are two aspects all parents/guardians should prioritize in their management plans.

[26:05] Jan advises allowing flexibility in your management plan and explains how that would look.

[29:28] Brenda emphasizes the importance of having consideration over mental health care.

[32:02] Jan explains how passing an account works.

[34:17] Brenda shares her personal experience on how passing an account looks.

[41:12] Jan provides additional suggestions on passing the accounts.

[43:44] This is a business transaction; try to keep the emotional aspect out.

[45:44] You can be an excellent parent and still have to learn to be a good guardian.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Jan Marin

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Simona Jellinek to discuss the recurrent topic of sexual abuse in sports. This topic has become more prevalent lately as a result of the World Junior Hockey sex assault case, but unfortunately, this is not an isolated event; other disciplines, like gymnastics and taekwondo, among other sports.

Key Takeaways:

[3:40] Brenda addresses the vulnerability of young people playing sports.

[4:20] Simona highlights two different aspects: the sexual assault suffered by players and the sexual abuse perpetrated by them.

[6:07] Simona discusses the criminal aspect of the sexual assault that took place during the World Junior Hockey in London, Ontario.

[9:06] It is unusual to have both civil and criminal cases on the same incident.

[10:51] In this civil case, players abused someone outside the association. What is the organization's responsibility?

[15:55] Simona addresses other cases where settlements are reached.

[16:37] Simona talks about more cases of sexual assault in sports.

[19:48] What is the link between elitism and sexual abuse in sports?

[22:07] When a civil case is pursued, does this impact the organization?

[23:40] Sometimes, civil cases can be more effective in finding the truth than criminal cases.

[26:36] Simona talks about the value of money in civil cases.

[29:30] Are there fundamental system changes in organizations?

[33:11] Simone explains the statute of limitations.

[35:01] Sexual violence doesn't mean it is violent, but it is still wrong.

[35:55] Some people take decades to talk about sexual assault, even when they always knew it was wrong. People come forward whenever they are ready.

[37:25] What if the sexual assault happens outside of Ontario?

[40:58] Policies change often after lawsuits point to what people did wrong.

[43:22] There was a time that no one wanted to talk about sexual abuse. The fact that we are talking about it and bringing awareness about sexual assault is a significant step forward.

[47:14] As a victim, taking the first step to talk about sexual assault is a huge step; what follows is easier

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about our work at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Simona Jellinek

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Brenda Agnew and Charles Glusckstein host today's episode, where they discuss the extraordinary events that took place and share the highlights for the Gluckstein family in 2023.

Key Takeaways:

[1:40] Charles shares what 2023 looked like for Gluckstein Lawyers.

[5:45] The development of the post-settlement resource guide was an outstanding achievement in 2023.

[7:40] Charles talks about the involvement in the 60s scoop survivors cases.

[9:25] Brenda shares the growth of Gluckstein Lawyers during 2023.

[13:17] Charles discusses the importance of Elaine Bright's inclusion in Gluckstein's Team.

[15:18] Simona's Team brought a lot of awareness to the Gluckstein family.

[20:03] In 2023 Gluckstein opened a new group for survivors of sexual abuse (Sexual Abuse Lawyers Alliance).

[22:00] What was different in the legal landscape in 2023?

[27:15] Brenda and Charles discuss the new hybrid working environment, does it really work? Should we go back to a full in-person approach?

[34:20] Screen fatigue is real!

[36:12] What is coming out for tech in 2024?

[46:43] Charles confesses it is a little scary to think about the reach of AI in ten years.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Charles Gluckstein

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Tiffany Lawand-Frasier as the co-host for today's episode. Joining them is Dr. Matthew Galati, founder of Brain Changes Initiative and a survivor of a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. He researched how best to heal and created his own recovery protocol based on revolutionary new science around a brain-supporting lifestyle. Against all odds, he recovered fully to complete his medical training and has come full circle as a physician.

Key Takeaways:

[3:32] Tiffany shares the story of how she met Dr. Gallati.

[5:03] Dr. Gallati narrates the terrible accident he experienced and his miraculous recovery.

[8:52] Dr. Gallatitells how his rehabilitation began.

[10:56] Even though Dr. Gallati knew he could recover from the brain injury, there were many challenges in his healing journey.

[13:03] The one organ Dr. Gallati needed to accomplish his goal of becoming a physician was his brain; he needed to find a way of healing.

[15:23] Dr. Gallati's pillars were the backbone of his recovery.

[19:01] Dr. Gallati describes the first pillar: Aerobic exercise.

[19:48] The second pillar is Cognitive activity.

[20:26] A healthy diet, mindful meditation, and great sleep hygiene are crucially important to memory and cognition.

[22:02] Mental fatigue was one of Dr. Gallati's main symptoms.

[23:01] Dr. Gallati lists the main aspects of a brain-healthy diet.

[23:56] How did Dr. Gallati get the idea of starting The Brain Changes Initiative?

[28:26] Dr. Gallati is a doctor who understands invisible illnesses in a way that only a survivor from TBI would.

[32:42] One of Dr. Gallati's main goals is spreading awareness.

[34:25] Dr. Gallati explains why neuroplasticity stands at the core of the Brain Changes Initiative..

[36:40] Why is weekly movement so crucial for brain health?

[37:31] Dr. Gallati discusses the support work that neuroscientists lead.

[39:15] Dr. Gallati advises those who are in the early steps of recovering from brain injury.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Tiffany Lawand-Frasie.r

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Brain Changes Initiative

Follow Brain Changes on Instagram

My Stroke of Insight, Jill Bolte Taylor

Brenda Agnew, your host, has the pleasure of welcoming Lynne Harford to today's conversation.

Lynne is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. She is also certified as a Clinical Traumatologist and Art Therapist from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. Lynne has maintained a leadership role within The Social Work Consulting Group since she joined in 2008 and is The Director of Pediatrics within the practice. She brings with her almost 20 years of clinical pediatric knowledge and draws upon her vast experience and multitude of approaches, which include art therapy, therapeutic play, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, grief and trauma, mindfulness-based approaches, and solution and strengths-based counseling.

Key Takeaways:

[5:07] Lynne discusses the event where she met Brenda, addressing the importance of caring for professionals' mental health.

[6:48] Lynne defines burnout.

[10:05] Brenda highlights the value of connection.

[11:46] Lynne addresses the stigma of mental health.

[15:38] Brenda, as a mother of a child with special needs, shares how she physically prepares for what might come and how neglected is the preparedness regarding the mental health aspect.

[18:29] Lynne explains how often we see mental health from a place of conformity when there is work in building resilience and acquiring healthy habits.

[22:07] Be aware of what you are feeding your mind with.

[24:48] Brenda and Lynne discuss the issue of control.

[26:23] Lynne suggests: Do not have an attachment to the outcome.

[29:54] Lynn explains why we need certainty and also uncertainty.

[34:01] Anxiety is pretty contagious.

[35:12] We must find the balance between routine, structure, playfulness, and spontaneity.

[42:12] Lynne shares healthy communication skills.

[43:34] Lynne talks about the work she does.

[46:48] Lynne talks about her upbringing.

[50:53] Lynne discusses trauma and how it can shape how someone sees the world.

[54:23] Caring for our mental health starts with embracing vulnerability and authenticity.

[58:17] Brenda shares the value of the Compassion Fatigue Events.

.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Lynne Harford.

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

The Habit of Breaking Free from Yourself, Dr. Joe Dispenza

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Vanshika Dhawan to today's conversation about the importance of legal literacy.

Vanshika graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, earning her JD. While at law school, Vanshika volunteered with Advocates for Injured Workers and helped to provide legal support for clients in need. Additionally, she assisted with her expertise in advocacy and education in the areas of constitutional rights at the David Asper Centre. Vanshika was called to the bar in June 2023.

Prior to joining Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein, Vanshika articled at a litigation boutique in Toronto, assisting with sexual abuse and sexual assault cases. Vanshika received her Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Honours), where she studied medical cell biology, specifically the neurobiology of trauma, and obtained her master's in professional communications from Toronto Metropolitan University. Vanshika was an advocate supporting with the research of sexual assault and survivor discourses in the Canadian criminal justice system, in addition to years of experience advocating for survivors in various non-legal contexts.

Vanshika's practice at Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers will be focused on representing survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. She is passionate about helping survivors better understand and navigate the legal system. When not practicing law, Vanshika enjoys writing, reading fiction novels, going to the theatre, and being by the ocean.

Key Takeaways:

[4:44] Vanshika shares how she helps clients navigate the difficult journey of being a survivor of sexual assault/abuse.

[6:11] There are different parts of the healing process, and the civil litigation process can be one of them.

[7:02] Vanshika highlights the healing power that regaining a piece of control has for the victims.

[9:50] What does legal literacy mean?

[13:21] What are the means by which we should be trying to improve legal literacy?

[15:47] What are we actually doing to improve legal literacy?

[20:34] Vanshika shares what a campaign to support legal literacy can look like.

[27:06] What are the tools and resources that people need in order to be able to make informed decisions?

[29:25] Vanshika talks about how the legal landscape has changed in the past two decades and how that impacts victims.

[34:21] The legal system can be a harsh environment for survivors.

[37:50] What are some actionable steps people can take to make sure the literacy piece is in place?

[42:42] Vanshika explains why legal literacy is important.

[:]

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Vanshika Dhawan

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Visit AfterMeToo.com

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Linda O'Brien to today's conversation. Linda joined the Gluckstein family from Evans Philp, where she was a Managing Partner, leading the team in insurance defense tort litigation. She is now a key member of our Sexual Abuse group with the Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein team, helping to advocate for survivors.

Linda has experience before all levels of courts in Ontario and before both the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and private arbitrations. She has been a speaker at both legal and insurance industry-sponsored seminars. She is a past member of the Hamilton Law Association, The Advocate's Society, The Canadian Defence Lawyers, and the Defence Research Institute.

Linda is proud to have been involved in the Law Society of Upper Canada's Justicia Project, which includes fifty law firms across Ontario pledging commitment to discussing and promoting policies and practice to retain and advance women lawyers in the private practice area of law. Linda is a past member of the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board and most recently served as a Mentor to second-year law students in the Civil Procedure course at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Key Takeaways:

[3:30] Linda discusses her professional journey before arriving at Gluckstein Lawyers.

[6:48] Linda confesses some lawyers are actually the "bad guys".

[8:30] Linda emphasizes the value of kindness and compassion when communicating with clients.

[10:17] Brenda shares how she waited seven years to speak in court and found a heartwarming lawyer on the defense side who respected and valued her feelings and apologized sincerely.

[14:08] How did Linda decide she wanted to work as an Insurance Defense lawyer?

[15:31] Linda became interested in the field of sexual abuse and started working with Jellinek Ellis at Gluckstein Lawyers.

[18:45] Linda confesses her passion for this area of the law, even though it is such a traumatic field.

[20:45] Did Linda have to experience a shift in perspectives to work on the defense side?

[25:54] Linda became friends with so many clients over the years.

[26:44] What are some of the most difficult aspects of working with sexual abuse cases?

[30:33] Linda shares how hard is to prove the effects reflected on the client were caused by the sexual abuse experienced decades before.

[32:56] How long does it take to reach a resolution on an institutional sexual abuse case?

[35:32] Brenda and Linda address the matter of compensation, which in most cases is the only acknowledgment received by the victim.

[42:24] Brenda and Linda confess they wish they didn't have work.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Linda O'Brien

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Bethany Nicholson to today's episode to share the story of how she became interested in law and became the lawyer she is today.

Bethany joined Gluckstein Lawyers as a summer student in 2021 and returned as an articling student in 2022. She earned her J.D. from the University of Ottawa Law School in 2022.

While in law school, Bethany was the Vice President of the Health Law Students Association and was the Lead Coordinator of the Walker Health Law Moot. She also participated in various advocacy competitions, including the Nelligan O-Brien Payne Moot and the BLG and Dentons Negotiation competitions.

Key Takeaways:

[3:08] How did Bethany decide to be a lawyer?

[6:02] Brenda confesses she always wanted to be a lawyer.

[9:10] Bethany states that law school gives you little about the compassion piece of practicing law or how to communicate with clients.

[11:02] Bethany's career was a unique experience because it happened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[13:00] Law School is not a competition.

[13:44] Bethany talks about one student who realized law was not the right choice for him.

[16:16] Bethany did not like criminal law despite having different expectations.

[18:19] Why does Bethany love tort law so much?

[18:43] Bethany defines tort law.

[21:59] Brenda shares her appreciation for constitutional law.

[24:54] How do people figure out in which area of law they will be practicing?

[27:30] Remember that it is okay not to know.

[28:10] Bethany explains what happens after law school.

[31:25] What does it look like for Bethany to be a practicing lawyer?

[33:11] Bethany addresses how common it is to experience impostor syndrome.

[35:21] Brenda shares her thoughts about the new generation of lawyers.

[37:42] What does Bethany foresee for her near future?

[41:48] Brenda asks Bethany about the singular pronunciation of the word "defendant."

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Bethany Nicholson

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Shannon Moroney to the podcast. Shannon is the author of Through the Glass, her own journey following the violent crimes and incarcera­tion of her first husband., Out of The Shadow, and her newest book, Heal For Real: A Guided Journal to Forgiving Others―and Yourself by exploring what she calls the new f word: forgiveness.

Shannon is also an internationally recognized advocate of restorative justice, a powerful keynote speaker, one of the "world's 50 most resilient people" (Global Resilience Project), a New York Times "Women in the World" recommended writer (2016), and is featured by the international Forgiveness Project. She travels extensively to lead transformative forgiveness and healing retreats for people and communities overcoming trauma.

Key Takeaways:

[6:18] Brenda discusses a trauma-informed seminar she recently took.

[8:21] Shannon explains why we don't want to become a society in which we cannot speak.

[8:57] We live in a 'trigger world'.

[9:26] There is a distinction between big T trauma and little t trauma.

[11:56] Recounting means reliving; Shannon explains how Trauma Therapy approaches patients who have lived traumatic experiences.

[12:30] Shannon gives an example of how trauma affects our psychology.

[17:52] Shannon assures there is no chance of living in a non-triggering society; she supports this with an example.

[21:20] Shannon shares the story of her first husband.

[23:32] Anyone trying to recover from trauma has to take responsibility for the healing process.

[27:07] People who seek help in a therapist's office are really brave.

[30:47] Shannon talks about her big T Trauma.

[39:14] Shannon acknowledges her 'golden circle' and dives deep into the Justice System Trauma.

[46:28] Shannon explains how the restorative justice approach works in Canada.

[48:36] The civil justice process is much more restorative than the criminal process.

[51:04] Sometimes, people don't understand what they did was wrong.

[55:23] People who do monstrous things are not monsters; they are still people.

[1:00:12] Shannon expresses her passion for the work she does.

[1:02:30] Brenda explores the conversation with Shannon and highlights the main approached topics.

[1:04:54] Shannon shares her words of encouragement, empathy, and compassion.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Shannon Moroney

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Charles Guckstein, Managing Partner at Gluckstein Lawyers, is your solo host today; he will be discussing technology regarding security with the experts: Dr. Cain Elliott, Lead Futurist and Senior Vice President of Filevine, and Dean Sapp, Senior Vice President of the information security risk and compliance of Filevine. They will dive into security updates and information in the legal landscape that you can't miss. Learn how to protect your legal firm and clients, from emails to hiring a cloud provider.

Key Takeaways:

[4:35] Cain shares his journey to Filevine.

[6:33] Dean talks about his journey to the legal field.

[10:02] What basic knowledge must legal professionals understand to protect their data?

[13:18] Cain discusses when people tend to make the worst decisions.

[18:47] What happens after you click on that suspicious link?

[23:21] Cain explains legal security issues for beginners in this arena.

[29:20] Dean advises legal professionals about the steps to take when hiring a cloud provider.

[33:28] What kind of confidence does a firm have about its database being backed up?

[38:42] Keeping creating local copies is a common mistake.

[43:58] What every legal firm should be using to ensure the security of their documentation.

[44:45] Bad guys share the stolen information and make it available to other hackers.

[46:17] Two-factor authentication is the most effective control.

[46:38] Why would a firm choose FIlevine to secure their data?

[48:32] Dean explains Filevine's defense and depth approach.

[50:27] What is an Open Web Application Security Process?

[51:16] Cain shares an example from someone trying to hack Filevine's security.

[55:47] How is the AI explosion affecting law firms' security?

[1:00:12] Cain shares Dean's number-one advice: Run your updates !!! (They are usually there for security reasons ).

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Dr. Cain Elliott and Dean Sapp.

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin