Episode 087: Fighting for Justice, From Courtroom to Community with Kris Bonn
Butter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Release Date: 04/24/2025
Episode 087: Fighting for Justice, From Courtroom to Community with Kris Bonn
Butter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
In this episode, Brenda and Jordan sit down with Kris Bonn, managing partner at Bonn Law, to talk about his unique journey from criminal defense to personal injury and medical malpractice law. Kris opens up about his early career, high-stakes trials, the evolution of his family’s practice, and how small-town roots influence big legal wins. They also explore the importance of collaboration between firms, using tech to improve case management, and how competitive drive fuels strong client advocacy. Key Takeaways: [1:01] Kris shares his background and how his practice in Belleville grew...
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Episode 086: Creating Community Through Inclusion with Charlie Johnstone
Butter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast
Brenda Agnew and Jordan Assaraf catch up with Charlie Johnstone, the new President and CEO of Variety - the Children’s Charity of Ontario. They talk about his first few months on the job, how inclusion and community are driving everything forward, and why his experience running events like the Royal Winter Fair and Honda Indy helped him hit the ground running. They also dig into the importance of creating real partnerships, building sustainable programs, and making space for everyone—on and off the field. Key Takeaways: [1:01] Charlie introduces himself and shares his...
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Episode 085: The Power of Patient Advocacy with Kristy Dickinson
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...
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Episode 084: The Evolution of Legal Practices: Technology and Diversification with Charles Gluckstein, Chris Clifford, and Ted Bergeron
Butter 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...
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Episode 083: Understanding Personal Injury Law: The Importance of Expertise with Linda O'Brien
Butter 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:...
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Episode 082: Healing Trauma with Horses: Exploring Equine Experiential Learning with Suzanne Coleman
Butter 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...
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Episode 081: Fertility Negligence: Reasons, Devastating Impact on Families, and How to Prevent It with Jan Marin
Butter 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...
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Episode 080: Building Resilience: Embracing Life After a Traumatic Accident with Kevin Rempel and Dana Parsons
Butter 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...
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Episode 079: Life Coaching: Ensuring Quality of Life with Nicole Galeotalanza
Butter 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]...
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Episode 078: Media Depictions of Trauma and PTSD with Ally Pankiw
Butter 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_outlineIn this episode, Brenda and Jordan sit down with Kris Bonn, managing partner at Bonn Law, to talk about his unique journey from criminal defense to personal injury and medical malpractice law. Kris opens up about his early career, high-stakes trials, the evolution of his family’s practice, and how small-town roots influence big legal wins. They also explore the importance of collaboration between firms, using tech to improve case management, and how competitive drive fuels strong client advocacy.
Key Takeaways:
[1:01] Kris shares his background and how his practice in Belleville grew from his father’s original firm.
[3:18] The firm’s evolution: from real estate and criminal law to personal injury and medical malpractice.
[5:07] Kris’s transition from Bay Street to criminal defense, and eventually to personal injury law.
[7:13] How criminal defense shaped his courtroom confidence and cross-examination skills.
[10:15] Two major medical malpractice trials: the cases, the prep, and the outcomes.
[14:48] Kris reflects on how his business education and love of competition led him to law.
[21:49] The value of collegiality and mutual respect among opposing counsel.
[23:15] Why collaboration among lawyers can mean better outcomes for clients and how OTLA fosters that.
[26:31] How Kris modernized firm operations with systems, technology, and eventually AI.
[30:45] Why AI is becoming a game changer in summarizing medical records and file management.
[33:01] Major shifts in personal injury law: benefit cutbacks and increased difficulty in auto collision claims.
[35:40] The role of diversification and why criminal defense remains vital for firm stability.
[36:52] Memorable small-town cases: hitting cows, ATV crashes, and even an encounter with 60 Minutes!
[45:09] Key takeaways for lawyers and owners following a Court of Appeal case that changed liability law.
Mentioned in this episode:
To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.
To learn more about Kris:
Kris: Website
Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook
Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram
Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin