WARDS LEGAL MATTERS

Season 2, Episode 4 - Job Loss Lessons and The Law

It’s the most common, angst-filled, question when you all of a sudden find yourself unemployed: “What happens now?”
In the moment, it can be difficult to know what rights you have, what legal recourse you could pursue – if at all.
Lawyer Calvin Chan, who specializes in employment law, dispels some popular misconceptions surrounding firings, lay-offs, employee rights, employer responsibilities – and a whole lot of other stuff we incorrectly assume, or should know on the topic. He also offers some advice on what to do, and not do, when you learn “your services are no longer required.”
And because job loss is about more than just a loss of income, clinical social worker Lisa Greci joins us to discuss the emotional roller coaster, and the void, it creates. (She also has a special announcement, related to this topic of life transitions!)
Professor Glossary is back, too. Because a show about the law explained in clear language relies on an “expert” to, you know, clearly explain certain legal terms.
Music for this episode is by Sean Jamieson and Stella Panacci.

Season 2, Episode 4 - Trailer

Special Bonus Episode – Camille Williams-Taylor on International Women’s Day

A leader and inspiration to women – but also to everyone, really. Camille Williams-Taylor is Director of Education for The Durham District School Board. Hers is a path that saw many stops, many achievements, many milestones – but also more than a few instances where, as a woman, she had to dispel stereotypes, and adjust others’ expectations.
Ms Williams-Taylor was the keynote speaker at a recent International Women’s Day event hosted by the Lindsay Advocate. And we had the wonderful opportunity to speak with her about her journey at the sold-out luncheon at the Pie Eyed Monk.
Music for this episode is by Stella Panacci.

Season 2, Episode 3 - International Women’s Day Episode

In honour of International Women’s Day, we sit down with some of the women at Wards Lawyers. They share what this day in March means to them – and what their path to their profession was like. Yes, there’s been progress, in terms of gender parity – in law and all aspects of life. But as Golda Greenspoon, Victoria Smith, Amina Shabeen and Jessica Bolla point out, there’s still work to be done.
One woman with deep experience, wisdom and insight on this topic is Karissa Ward. The co-owner and founder of Wards Lawyers discusses where we were, where we are, and where (hopefully) we’re headed when it comes to the workplace.
All music for this episode comes to us from the very talented (and Kawartha Lakes neighbour!) Stella Panacci.

Season 2, Episode 3 - Trailer

Season 2, Episode 2 - A Wales of a Time Studying Law

Victoria Smith could have earned her law degree, entirely, closer to home.
But crossing the pond to study in Wales was just too enticing.
And graduating from a unique program that partners Trent U with Swansea U will, she says, ultimately make her a better lawyer. She tells us how.
Professor Devin Penner would agree. We speak with the coordinator of the program at his office in Trent University.
And we introduce a new segment, and expert to the show whose namesake says it all. Indeed, Professor Glossary - (yes, our tongue is firmly planted in cheek, here) – will provide clear definitions of some confusing legal terms.
Music for our show comes to us from artists – and Kawartha Lakes residents! – Stella Panacci and Sean Jamieson.

Season 2, Episode 2 - Trailer

Season 2, Episode 1 - Year in Rear View

When we set out to create this show one year ago, we wanted it to be more than just a list of lessons and tips about the law. We wanted it to be about community - our community - and the role the law plays in our lives.  This special end-of-year episode, with its audio montage of highlights from episodes in our first season, does, we believe, reflect this commitment. So, while you’ll certainly hear from legal experts from Wards Lawyers, you’ll also hear from neighbours and leaders who share your concerns and interests and passions – and commitment to our community and the people who call it home.
So, please think of this show as your show. And know that we welcome your input and suggestions as we look forward to bringing you Season 2 of Wards Legal Matters in 2025.
Theme music comes to you via two of those neighbours we mentioned. The wonderfully-talented Sean Jamieson and Stella Panacci.

Season 1, Episode 11 - Where There's a Will, There's a (Right) Way

Most of us don’t typically dive into learning its nuances and complexities (and legal implications) until we absolutely have to – shortly after that loved one has passed and we have to carry out their wishes.
If you’ve been named an executor, it’s a big responsibility. But it can be made smoother with a well-laid out Will. Stella Panacci, who shares her music for our show, joins us to also share her recent experience - its challenges, learning curves – with being an executor.
Lawyer Ryan O’Neill will tell us how to go about creating that easy-as-possible-to-carry-out Will for your executor. And Karissa Ward, co-owner of Wards Lawyer, and a specialist in estate planning, explains why waiting until your golden years to write a Will should not be a thing.
Theme music for this episode is by, yup, Stella Panacci.

Season 1, Episode 11 - Trailer