Episode 064: Being a New Lawyer: An Inside Story
Butter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Release Date: 08/25/2023
Butter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda welcomes her friend Kristy Dickinson, a rare disease patient, advocate, and founder of Kristy Dickinson Consulting. Together, they chat about the challenges of patient advocacy, the importance of lived experience in healthcare, and how systemic barriers often force patients and caregivers to become their own strongest advocates. They discuss the impact of delayed diagnoses, the need for a cultural shift in the medical field, and how healthcare professionals can work collaboratively with patients for better outcomes. Key Takeaways: [1:01] Brenda introduces guest Kristy Dickinson...
info_outlineButter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda Agnew is back, this time co-hosting with Charles Gluckstein as they sit down with Chris Clifford and Ted Bergeron, the founding partners of Bergeron Clifford LLP. In this episode, they chat about how legal practices are evolving, touching on how technology, diversification, and the challenges of life after COVID have shaped their approach. From growing their firms and embracing data-driven decisions to expanding into new practice areas, it’s all about staying client-focused. They also chat about the importance of mentorship, firm culture, and how tools like AI are transforming the way...
info_outlineButter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda Agnew is joined by Linda O'Brien, a lawyer with Gluckstein Lawyers, to discuss the world of personal injury law. Linda breaks down the complexities of personal injury cases, from medical malpractice to sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents, and more. Brenda and Linda delve into the different tiers of personal injury law firms, the importance of specialization, and why clients should do their homework when choosing a lawyer. They also address some of the challenges in the legal marketing world and emphasize the importance of putting the client’s well-being first. Key Takeaways:...
info_outlineButter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda Agnew, your host, is joined by Diana Harris, Gluckstein Lawyers' intake coordinator, and her sister Suzanne Coleman, the founder of Horse&Hands. Suzanne introduces us to Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL), a transformative therapy that uses horses to help individuals reconnect with their authentic selves. In this episode, they discuss how horses provide healing support to trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual abuse, by fostering trust, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. Suzanne shares her journey, the incredible wisdom of horses, and the remarkable...
info_outlineButter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Jan Marin to today’s episode to discuss Fertility Negligence claims. This medical area lacks regulation due to its recent prevalence in the last decade when many families began considering Fertility Clinics’ assistance in having children. Jan discusses the many risks involved in this area, sharing many valuable examples of families dramatically affected by mistakes committed by Fertility Clinics. Key Takeaways: [1:41] Jan explains how she became interested in Fertility Negligence. [4:40] What is Fertility Negligence from a malpractice...
info_outlineButter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes two incredible guests: and . Kevin is a Canadian Paralympian, Hero Mindset Speaker, Workshop & Team Building Facilitator. Kevin has surmounted incredible life challenges to reach the Olympic podium and now brings his powerful message of hope and resilience to audiences through his speaking and writing. He is a 2013 World Champion and 2014 Sochi Paralympic bronze medalist in sled hockey with an incredible story of overcoming tremendous adversity. Dana Parsons is the owner and CEO of where Kevin is about to begin his new program designed to help...
info_outlineButter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda Agnew and Tiffany Lawand-Fraser, your hosts, welcome , Case Manager with TriStar Health Management. She has been working with families and supporting individuals with traumatic injuries since 2002 and started her case management practice in 2007. Nicole’s academic and professional journey is a true testament to her commitment, passion, and dedication to supporting others. Key Takeaways: [2:07] Nicole talks about her current role and her connection with Glucksteing Lawyers. [3:57] How did Nicole begin her work as a case manager? [6:26] What is life care planning? [11:25]...
info_outlineButter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Vanshika Dhawan, today’s host, welcomes filmmaker Ally Pankiw. Ally made her TV directing debut with Netflix's “Feel Good,” which she also produced. She was also a writer on the “Schitt's Creek” and directed the "Joan Is Awful” episode of Netflix's Black Mirror. Ally recently released her first feature film, “I Used to Be Funny," which she wrote and directed. Ally and Vanshika share an interesting conversation about her career and her latest film, which portrays the reality of overcoming trauma and PTSD. Key Takeaways: [1:41] Ali talks about her film, “I Used to Be...
info_outlineButter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda Agnew and Jordan Assaraf, your hosts, are joined by Charles Gluckstein in today’s compelling episode. Together, they embark on a journey through the expansive realm of AI, tracing its origins and illuminating its transformative evolution up to the present day. Within the ever-growing sphere of technological advancement, AI's massive influence on the legal landscape emerges as both inevitable and indispensable. Key Takeaways: [2:24] Charles discusses AI origins and the two types of Artificial Intelligence. [5:02] Is there one AI source, or is each company creating AI programs?...
info_outlineButter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda Agnew and Vanshika Dhawan, your hosts for today’s episode, welcome Mandi Gray to today’s conversation about sexual assault and defamation law. Mandi is a researcher, writer, and advocate who lives in Toronto with her dog CeCe. She was awarded a PhD. She is currently an assistant professor in an undergraduate Criminology Program for research and teaching focusing on gender and violence. Mandi also consults with a wide array of profit and nonprofit organizations on complex problems related to gender justice and injustice. Key Takeaways: [2:58] Mandi shares how she got...
info_outlineBrenda 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:
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