WARDS LEGAL MATTERS

Episode 9 – All aboard!

We like to think of our law firm as a sturdy and reliable ship that can navigate even the roughest waters, charting a sound path for our clients and their legal needs.
We can’t achieve this, of course, without a great crew. And that requires careful recruitment of people with that “all hands on deck, always” attitude.
In this episode, we introduce you to two of our newest crew members, lawyers Golda Greenspoon and Justin Broomfield.
Over coffee – at Lindsay’s coolest coffee spot, Kindred Coffee Bar - Golda and Justin tell host Denis Grignon of the path they charted to a career in law and why their ultimate destination was with Wards Lawyers.
And senior family law clerk Gabrielle Fisher tells us why she long ago chose Kawartha Lakes to be her home.
Music for our show provided by Sean Jamieson and Stella Panacci.  

Episode 9 - Trailer

Episode 8 – Cell Surf Check Out

It’s official. Phones are finally banned in classrooms!
Sort of...except when....uh...
Indeed, when the Ontario Ministry of Education laid out new rules about the hand-held digital distractions for this school year, the news was met with equal parts relief and skepticism. And a whole lot of confusion.
How will it be enforced, legally, by teachers and administrators? What rights can students and parents exercise?
Lawyers Alex McLeod and Ryan O’Neill will explain how the law might – and can – affect this classroom digital dilemma.
Jack Veitch of the Canadian Mental Health Association tells us how a high powered, high income job – like a career in law – can still come with some high stress. (Like the kind described by former lawyer Jason Ward in Episode 7). And how people in those careers can – and should – benefit from the same mental health supports that are available to everyone.
Music for our show is provided by Stella Panacci and Sean Jamieson.

Episode 8 - Trailer

Episode 7 - Jason's Journey Part 2

In this special episode, we return to Jason Ward’s kitchen table, more than a year and a half after the co-owner of the area’s most successful law firm opened up about his decision to leave a life of law – and focus on his recovery from addiction. Where is Jason now in that journey? What has he learned about how to manage his own mental health? What wisdom – and warning - can he impart for others in a high-pressure career, like the legal profession?
Jason shares how his story has evolved – and is still evolving – in his usual honest, candid and thoughtful manner.
We also welcome a new member to our theme music team in this episode: Singer-songwriter - and Kawartha Lakes neighbour! - Stella Panacci.

Episode 7 - Trailer

Episode 6 - Stalking’s legal – and emotional – toll

If they tell you they’re being stalked, believe them.
That’s the message from someone who works for a local social agency that cares for women in crisis, as well as a criminal lawyer whose files include cases of stalking. But it can be a complex issue – especially with how the legal system can act on it.
Alisha Fisher, community services manager with Women’s Resources, describes how stalking affects its victims – emotionally, financially and in terms of their own safety.
Lawyer Alex McLeod explains how the legal system works to protect those victims, and sets boundaries for those accused of it.
And lawyer Karissa Ward tells us why Wards Lawyers lends much support to Women’s Resources.
This episode deals with sensitive subject matter. Please take care when listening.
Theme music by Sean Jamieson.

Episode 5 – All right, students. Pencils (and phones) down!

In this special episode, we take our show on the road for a live recording at IE Weldon Secondary School in Lindsay. And the verdict is in: students in Mr Bergman’s Grade 12 law class came very well-prepared with a court room full of great questions for our panel of legal experts. Sam Drebit, Alex McLeod, Tory Smith, Hamid Asrar and Audrey Gregory addressed everything from lot severances and separation agreements, to jury selection and “the strangest case you’ve ever handled.” 
Theme music provided by Lindsay singer-songwriter, Sean Jamieson.

Episode 4 - New house. So, no problems. Right? Uh...well...

When you move into that newly-built house – (and there are many springing up in Kawartha Lakes) – there’s always a risk you’ll discover a....discrepancy. Maybe it’s a different flooring than you were expecting from the builder. Or it’s a crack in the foundation. Or worse. What’s your legal recourse? Lawyer, Calvin Chan, offers some insight and tips before, during and after you walk through the door of that brand new home.
And Articling Student, Victoria Smith, “leans” into a new installment of “That’s Not A Thing.”
Theme music by Sean Jamieson.

Episode 3 - Say, aren’t you that lawyer person?

For those of us who live in a small town, we’ve pretty much heard all the jokes.
The “Welcome” and “Come Again” sign on the same post. Your vehicle doesn’t need a turn signal, since everyone knows where you’re going. And so on...
These (cough) “jokes” are wildly mythical and unfair. 
Sort of.
Because, you see, a smaller population CAN make life more...familiar. As in, you’re bound to bump into someone you know when grocery shopping, gassing up the car, taking the kids to the library or hockey.
For lawyers practicing in a small centre – especially if they grew up there – that unique community atmosphere can present challenges. But it also offers some distinct advantages, too. We speak with Ryan O’Neill and Alex McLeod – both with Wards Lawyers in Lindsay  - about the pitfalls and pluses of practicing in their hometown. 
We also introduce a new feature called Advice-Tips. In this installment, Wards Lawyers law clerk Patti Chambers offers some sage counsel when preparing that will.
Theme music courtesy of singer-songwriter – and fellow C of KL resident!  – Sean Jamieson.