Join Danielle as she sits down with one of Canada’s leading criminal defence lawyers, Marie Henein. They discuss the unique professional obstacles for women practicing criminal law, reflecting on their personal experiences and choices that helped them achieve success.  

In her new autobiography, Nothing but the Truth, Marie describes her journey from her childhood in Cairo to her prominent legal career in Canada. By providing an honest explanation of her role in the justice system and recounting her parents’ story of immigration and displacement, she hopes to inspire young women to carve out their own space in the legal profession.  

In this special episode of the Lawyers Lounge, Danielle and Marie examine the social undermining, double standards, media stereotypes, racial discrimination, and professional exclusion contributing to the exodus of women from the criminal law profession. Marie speaks about the impact of sexism on her journey and gives advice to fellow practitioners combatting sexism in their own legal careers, insisting “you’ve got to stay where you’re not wanted.” 

Other topics include: 

Join Danielle and criminal defence lawyers, Daniel Brown and Janani Shanmuganathan as they discuss the current state of sexual offence litigation in Canada.

Learn about the status of the Supreme Court of Canada case R. v. J.J. and the

In a new segment called “Trial Diaries”, Danielle brings us into the courtroom, providing context to the reverse disclosure regime in section 278.92 of the Criminal Code.

Other topics include:

Section 276 of the Criminal Code and the exclusion of a complainant’s past

Bill C-75 and the elimination of preliminary inquiries.

Special Guests: Daniel Brown has a criminal trial and appellate practice and is the co-author of Prosecuting and Defending Sexual Offence Cases, 2nd Edition. Janani Shanmuganathan specializes in criminal appeals, trials, and professional discipline.

Join Danielle and criminal lawyers, Erin Dann and Maya Kotob (Anita Szigeti Advocates) as they discuss the challenges and rewards of representing clients with mental health issues.

In this episode, our guests shed light on their experiences practicing at the intersection between criminal law and mental health law. They examine the difference between advancing legal interests and the therapeutic interests of clients and discuss key solutions to some of the challenges lawyers face in practicing in the mental health space.

Other topics include:

Special Guests: Erin Dann and Maya Kotob (Anita Szigeti Advocates)

On this week's episode of “The Lawyers Lounge,” tune in to the second part of guest speaker Eric

We then dive into Harpreet Saini's discussion with Emma Rhodes on the challenges of parenting,

The Lawyers Lounge is pleased to announce its exciting new segment – "Fact or Fiction" – in which

Special Guests: Eric Gottardi, Harpreet Saini, Emma Rhodes

Welcome back guest speaker Eric Gottardi! Learn which Supreme Court of Canada cases to look out for in 2021. Cases referenced include R. v. Khill — the Hamilton-area homeowner who was acquitted after shooting and killing an Indigenous man in his driveway, R. v. Sullivan/R. v. Chan — the future of the non-mental disorder automatism defence through self-induced intoxication, and more! Find out what Stephanie DiGiuseppe wrote on behalf of the CLA, addressing the unspoken challenges faced by legal practitioners who are also caregivers during the lockdown.

Special Guests: Stephanie DiGiuseppe and Eric Gottardi.

Discover how to start your own firm as Frances Mahon discusses practical

Find out how to advocate effectively in the virtual courtroom with Sana Halwani from Lenczner Slaght. Criminal defence lawyer Nader Hasan discusses all aspects of the Sharma decision, including Gladue factors, Section 15, the implications on mandatory minimum sentences, and the availability of conditional sentences.

Guest speakers: Nader Hasan, Sana Halwani

Danielle and Lisa present the second “Lounge Star” Award to Anthony Morgan, Emily Lam, and Faisal Mirza for their extraordinary work on the Sentencing and Parole Project, a non-profit organization that prepares enhanced pre-sentence reports for Black people marginalized by poverty and racial inequality. Sherif Foda discusses his novel approach to section 278 applications in a new segment called “How’d You Do That?”

Guest speakers: Anthony Morgan, Emily Lam, and Sherif Foda

Learn about the status of litigation challenging Bill C-75 with criminal defence lawyer Michael Lacy. Find out what criminal lawyers should know about immigration law with Cathryn Sawicki, how to balance family life and a busy criminal law practice with Harpreet Saini, and how to build your profile in the community with Danielle and Lisa’s quick-fire advocacy tip.

Guest speakers: Michael Lacy, Cathryn Sawicki, and Harpreet Saini