Law School Life & Beyond

This week Joey Galinsky is joined by Jonathan Ng. Jon is a 3L student in the JD/HBA program at Western Law.

This past summer, Jon worked at the Ministry of Finance and will return to complete his articles. Before law school, Jon's path to law school was anything but straightforward. Jon started off as a bio major before making the switch to Ivey HBA program and then to law school. Along the way, Jon pushed back against his doubts, including working through a stutter, and has overcome many challenges to get to where he is today. Currently, Jon is most interested in litigation and is excited to continue experiencing different areas of law both inside and outside of the classroom.

In this episode, Jon shares his journey to law school and law school experience. Jon discusses his experience with the OCI recruitment process and how he landed his position at the Ministry of Finance. Throughout the episode, Jon shares many practical tips and tricks to not only survive but thrive in law school.

This week Joey Galinsky is joined by Kimberley Ho! Kim is the National Director, Professional Recruiting for BLG. She works collaboratively with the Talent Acquisition National Team on strategic recruitment processes for lateral professionals and students. As a group, the team works together to develop creative and innovative student programs.

Kim has been responsible for student recruitment and student programs in the Calgary office since 2015, and continues to work in that capacity. Kim works closely with the members of the student committee in her role. Kim loves working with students and creating opportunities for their individual professional development and growth. She truly believes the strength of any student program is in building strong and cohesive teams.

In this episode, Kim shares her experience from working with students in her previous role as Assistant Career Advisor at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law. Kim discusses the law student recruitment process, the mentorship program at BLG and shares tips and tricks to help elevate candidate application materials!

This week Joey Galinsky is joined by Nicola Locantore and Daniel de. Kok. Nicola and Daniel are both law students at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. This summer Nicola and Daniel are both working as Summer Law Students at Neinstein LLP. 

Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers is a Toronto law firm focusing exclusively on serious personal injury, medical malpractice, accident injury and insurance claims for over 50 years. Neinstein lawyers deal with the complex legal, medical and insurance-related issues, helping you focus on your road to recovery.

In this episode, Nicola and Daniel share their journey to law school, their law school experience and the transition from the classroom to the hands-on learning experience they have gained while working at Neinstein. 

In this episode of the 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Amelia McLeod. Amelia is a Litigation Associate at Aird & Berlis LLP.

As an undergraduate, Amelia held leadership positions with the Ontario Student Debating Union, North American Universities Debating Championship and World Universities Debating Championship.

Amelia is a member of the firm’s Litigation Group. She advises clients on a broad range of commercial and administrative law matters. Amelia joined Aird & Berlis as an associate after summering and articling with the firm.

In this episode, Amelia shares her journey to law school and law school experience. Additionally, Amelia shares invaluable advice for current and future law students!

This week, Katya is joined by the Law School Life & Beyond co-founders, Ryan Delmar and Joey Galinsky. Katya and Ryan just finished their third year of law school in the Dual JD program offered between the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law and Detroit Mercy School of Law. Joey has just finished his third year of law school at the University of Toronto. 

In this episode, the trio discusses their law school experience, the growth of the Law School Life & Beyond platform, and tips for future and current law students. As this is Katya's last episode she is hosting for the Law School Life & Beyond Leadership Series, we want to say a massive thank you to her, as without Katya, this podcast series would not have been possible!

If you are a law student interested in getting involved in our platform please feel free to reach out to us on Instagram, LinkedIn or by email at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.come 

This week Katya Rowley is joined by John Bitove! John is a noted Canadian businessman and sportsman. He is the Founder of the Toronto Raptors of the NBA.

John earned an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Business (marketing) from Indiana University Bloomington in 1983. In addition, John received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor in 1984 and was called to the bar and admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario) in 1986.

A strong believer of giving back to the community, John founded S’Cool Life Fund, to support elementary schools across Canada in the areas of D.R.E.A.M.S (Drama, Recreation, Extracurricular, Arts, Music, and Sports). Since the launch in 2005, S’Cool Life Fund has raised over $2.8 million to fund extracurricular activities in Canadian public schools. To date S'Cool Life Fund has provided grants to over 1,000 schools for D.R.E.A.M.S. projects across Canada helping to make school life more enjoyable for thousands of public elementary children in grades K-8.

In this episode, John shares his journey to law school and law school experience. John discusses his professional journey and shares advice for students with business ideas and business venture ambitions. 

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Tim Hutzul! Tim is Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary at Shawcor. 

Tim has had an incredibly unique professional journey. In 1995, Tim graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. Following graduation, Tim completed his articles and worked as an associate at various well-known Bay Street firms. Tim took the opportunity to work in multiple areas of law, including corporate law, securities, and consulting, while working at both law firms and companies that ranged in size. 

Tim has placed a strong emphasis on giving back to the community through his volunteering and mentoring throughout his legal career. An active participant in his community, Tim is currently the pro bono Corporate Secretary and Advisor to Canada Basketball. In addition, Tim is the Alumni Advisor to the Sports & Entertainment Law Society at the University of Toronto and assists with finding and booking various speakers for events. Lastly, Tim has played an integral part in the development of the Law School Life & Beyond Leadership Series podcast by leveraging his connections to help the podcast grow and interview some incredible guests!

In this episode, Tim shares his journey to law school and his law school experience, the importance of networking and connecting with your peers, and his professional journey. Throughout the episode, Tim shares invaluable advice for future and current law students and young lawyers and embodies that there is no one path to success. 

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Jewel Haji. Jewel is an attorney in the litigation department at Honigman LLP based out of Detroit. Jewel concentrates her practice on complex commercial litigation matters. 

She has experience litigating contract disputes, shareholder disputes, injunction proceedings, disputes involving noncompetition and nonsolicitation obligations, disputes arising out of private equity transactions, and products liability actions. She has experience in state and federal courts in Michigan and throughout the country, including in Delaware, New York, Florida, Texas, and Illinois.

Jewel represents a variety of companies in a broad range of industries, including automotive suppliers, strategic and financial advisory firms, and consumer products manufacturers. Her practice also includes drafting significant motions, including dispositive motions and managing complex electronic discovery projects. In addition to her client work, Jewel serves on the firm’s Attorney Development Committee.

In this episode Jewel shares her law school journey and her experience as a litigator. In addition, she shares her advice for current and future law students!

In this episode of the 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Avi Charney. 

Avi has a unique background. He served in an elite intelligence unit of the I.D.F. (Israeli Defence Forces) and was discharged in 2010. His first legal job as a law student was as legal-copy editor of the Association of Jewish Lawyers’ Justice Magazine, a compilation of academic articles on international law. Avi completed his articles at a leading law firm in Tel Aviv, Israel, and then worked as an in-house lawyer at an investment house in Israel before being called to bar in Ontario.

Avi’s practice involves all things Estates and Real Estate related, with an emphasis on client service and satisfaction. Avi enjoys helping people with the important milestones in their lives, like purchasing property and making Wills. Avi is trusted legal advisor to a variety of individuals, estates and businesses. As a believer in access to justice, Avi prides himself on providing an enjoyable client experience by harnessing technology to facilitate meetings and the provision of legal services.

In this episode, Avi shares his journey to law school and law school experience. Additionally, Avi discusses his unique background and professional journey before sharing his advice for current and future law students!

In this episode of the 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Manoug Alemian! Manoug is an associate at Renno & Co. Renno & Co. is Canada’s Digital Law Firm that concentrates on startup and emerging technology law (specifically blockchain & crypto).

Manoug specializes in corporate, commercial, and transactional law. He brings his experience in associations and NGOs to transcend the traditional legal services. Equipped with a JD and LLL from the University of Ottawa, Manoug also boasts about interning in a Washington DC lobby group and at a UN embassy in NYC that allowed him to engage further in Canadian, US, and international politics. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Manoug is also a gourmet food connoisseur!

In this episode, Manoug shares his journey to law school and law school experience at the University of Ottawa. Additionally, Manoug discusses his professional journey and shares his advice for current and future law students!

In this episode of the 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Renée Mulligan. Renée is legal counsel with the British Columbia Ministry of the Attorney General.

Renée obtained her undergraduate degree in geography (B.A.) and her law degree (LL.B) from the University of British Columbia. Renée completed her articles with a criminal defence law firm in Vancouver, British Columbia. She was called to the bar in 2003, worked in private practice for two years, and worked with the BC provincial government leading law reform projects from 2005-2020 where her work involved leading high-profile civil law, human rights, and administrative law reform projects, including the development of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner in British Columbia with amendments to the Human Rights Code.

In this episode, Renée shares her journey to law school, law school experience, life after law school, and advice for current and future law students!

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Chris Trebilcock! Chris litigates labor and employment disputes in federal and state courts and administrative agencies across the country on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, medium and small employers, including governmental agencies.

Chris’s work with public bodies, school districts, and universities includes providing FOIA and OMA guidance, resolving student disciplinary matters and managing employee discipline and discharge. In addition, Chris has significant experience defending public bodies in FOIA and OMA litigation. Chris also routinely advises candidates, elected officials, political action committees, and ballot question committees on all matters involving campaign finance, ballot access, recounts and other election law issues.

In this episode, Chris shares his journey to law school and law school experience, life as a litigator, and explains the exciting area of labor and employment disputes. Chris concludes by sharing his advice for current and future law students!

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Mayor Bowman. Mayor Bowman was first elected Mayor on October 22nd, 2014, becoming Winnipeg’s 43rd Mayor.

Prior to taking office, Mayor Bowman was a business lawyer and a partner in a major Winnipeg law firm. Alongside his law practice, Mayor Bowman held many leadership roles across various boards and community organizations. Mayor Bowman holds a Bachelor of Arts (Adv) in history and political studies from the University of Manitoba and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toronto. In addition, he is the recipient of an honourary CPA.

During his first term, Mayor Bowman successfully worked to ensure Winnipeg became a key national voice on racism and inclusion, setting the city on a journey of reconciliation and adopting the city’s first Indigenous Accord. In his second term, he’s committed to making Winnipeg an international leader for human rights education, leadership, and promotion.

In this episode, Mayor Bowman shares his journey to law school and his law school experience. In addition, Mayor Bowman discusses his experience as a government official, his hopes to create a lasting impact with his work as Mayor, and that transparency in governance is the norm moving forward even after his term has ended. He has also thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside people in his community he otherwise would not have in traditional law practice. Mayor Bowman concludes by sharing his advice for future and current law students!

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Alexis Reed! Ms. Reed is the firm’s Director of Lateral Attorney Recruitment and Integration. Ms. Reed has 15 years of experience in attorney recruitment, derived in both the law firm and search firm settings and as a practicing attorney. She leads the firm's attorney hiring and integration efforts across all offices and departments. Ms. Reed partners with firm leadership to create and execute on best practices for identifying, hiring, and retaining lateral attorneys.

Prior to joining Honigman, Ms. Reed founded her own legal recruiting and consulting company, Reed Recruiting, LLC, where she partnered with leading Am Law international and national law firms on lateral attorney recruitment and placement, and consulted on implementing best practices in lateral search strategy and lateral partner integration. Ms. Reed also spent nearly ten years leading lateral attorney hiring and integration efforts at Jenner & Block LLP and Clark Hill, PLC.

In this episode Ms. Reed shares her law school journey, her experience as a litigator, her prior experience as a recruiter, her role as Director of Lateral Attorney Recruitment and Integration,  and advice to future and current law students!

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Timothy K. Kroninger. Tim is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Team as well as the Business and Corporate Services Practice Team. He has extensive experience in many legal business areas including intellectual property and contract law; corporate and general business law; franchise and marketing law; commercial transactions; warranty and disclosure law; and trademark, copyright, and technology licensing as well as litigation.

In addition, Tim is an Adjunct Professor of Law and Director of the Trademark and Entrepreneur Clinic for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Tim supervises and directs students of the class and Clinic in assisting clients, who have financial constraints that limit their ability to otherwise obtain quality legal assistance and are selected based on applications submitted.

In this episode, Tim discusses his work with the Trademark and Entrepreneur Clinic for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, his law school experience and journey, and his path after law school! 

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Tyrone Sequeira. Tyrone is a current 2L law student in the Dual JD program at the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy.

In law school, Tyrone serves as the Vice President of Academic of the Student Law Society, the Vice President of Advocacy for the Black Law Student Association, Windsor Chapter, Co-President of Innocence Windsor and a Project Lead for Pro Bono Students Canada.  

Through an intersection of these roles and interests Tyrone helped create a new Pro Bono Project for Youth with Incarcerated family members. In this new Pro Bono Project Windsor Law students will get to work with Windsor-Essex Children Aid Society to help make a lasting difference for youth in the Windsor community.

In this episode, Tyrone shares some insight on what motivated him to develop this new Pro-Bono Project and what role law students/ lawyers can play in giving back to their community.

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Hannah Lank. Hannah Lank is a 3L student at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. While in law school, Hannah founded the Family Law Club, participated in the Walsh Family Law Moot, co-led Orientation Week, and captains the women’s intramural basketball team. She is looking forward to articling in family and estates law at a firm in downtown Toronto beginning in August 2022!

In this episode, Hannah discusses her journey to law school, her law school experience, and shares tips and tricks for both current and future law students. 

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Dr. Aram Daniel Kerkonian. Dr. Aram Daniel Kerkonian is a Policy Advisor in the Aerospace, Defence and Marine Branch of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada where he offers insights, analysis and advice on domestic and international files related to space law and policy.

Dr. Kerkonian is the founder and former Chief Legal Consultant of Ardaker Space Consultants, a firm dedicated to providing private, public and not-for-profit clients with legal and policy insights pertaining to outer space.

An alumnus of Queen's University (BA), the University of Windsor (JD) and McGill University (LLM), a former student of Harvard University and the International Peace and Security Institute, and a recent graduate of the Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University (DCL), Dr. Kerkonian's independent research focuses on Canadian space law and policy, global governance and the sustainable development of outer space.

In this episode Dr. Kerkonian discusses his law school journey, his unique background as a space consultant and shares advice to current and future law students!

In episode nine of 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Spencer Bass! Spencer is an Associate at Stockwoods LLP.

Spencer joined Stockwoods as an associate in 2019. Since that time, Spencer has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, as well as the Federal Court of Appeal. He represents clients on a broad range of matters including corporate litigation, criminal defence, administrative law, and constitutional law.

Spencer was called to the bar in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, Spencer served as a law clerk to the Hon. Justice Suzanne Côté at the Supreme Court of Canada. He also completed a clerkship with Justices Groberman and Willcock at the British Columbia Court of Appeal in 2017-2018. Before clerking, Spencer worked as a summer student at a major national full-service firm, gaining experience in a broad range of corporate litigation.

In this episode, Spencer shares his law school and mooting experience, what it was like clerking at the Supreme Court of Canada and advice for current and future law students!

In episode eight of 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Lakin Afolabi! Lakin is the founder of Lakin Afolabi Law Professional Corporation.

Lakin is a criminal defence lawyer who fell into digital marketing.After years of paying companies that promised to build a nice website that would rank high on google for just a little bit more money (and not getting results), Lakin realized that he had to learn how to do it himself, and he did.

Lakin has a massive TikTok following and provides great insight into the life of a criminal lawyer. Be sure to follow Lakin on TikTok @styleattorney

In this episode, Lakin shares his law school experience, life after law school, how he got into digital marketing and advice for current and future law students!

In episode seven of 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Vinidhra Vaitheeswaran!

Vinidhra is an Associate at Kastner Lam LLP. Before practicing with Kastner Lam LLP, Vinidhra articled with the Ontario government’s Constitutional Law Branch and clerked for the judges of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, where she worked on a range of complex civil and criminal matters.

Vinidhra also clerked at the Nova Scotia Supreme Court and completed a clinical placement at Nova Scotia Legal Aid, where she assisted low-income clients with criminal law matters. She was also an oralist in the 2017 Laskin Moot, a peer educator for the Indigenous Black & Mi’kmaq Initiative, and a board member for the East Coast Environmental Law Association.

In this episode, Vinidhra discusses her law school experience and life after law school. She shares her insight into life as an articling student in Constitutional law and provides invaluable tips and advice throughout the episode.

In episode six of 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Zack Silverberg!

Zack is a litigation Associate at Mills & Mills LLP. Prior to joining the firm, he was an Associate with a litigation boutique in Toronto, where he represented a wide variety of clients in commercial, employment, insurance, and class action disputes.

Zack maintains a diverse civil litigation practice, including employment law, estate law and commercial litigation. He has appeared before all levels of Courts in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Divisional Court, and the Superior Court of Justice.

In addition, Zack is an educator, instructing the litigation program at 4L Academy.

In this episode, Zack shares his passion for litigation, law school experience and discusses his professional journey in the legal field. Zack discusses the difference between memos, opinions and what they look like in practice. Zack shares invaluable practice tips and guidance for law students.

In episode five of 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Mannu Chowdhury! 

Mannu Chowdhury is an associate at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, where he practices commercial, civil, and public law. He focuses on constitutional and administrative law issues and has argued before the Federal Court of Canada, the Ontario Divisional Court, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Mannu teaches constitutional law as a part-time lecturer at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. His works on constitutional and administrative law have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

In this episode, Mannu shares his law school experience and discusses his professional journey in the legal field. In addition, he shares what constitutional law is and what his practice consists of. Throughout the episode, Mannu shares invaluable practices tips and guidance for law students.

In our season 3 finale Katya Rowley is joined by her father, Paul Rowley! Paul is a graduate of the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law (2006). While at Windsor law, he completed both a semester and summer session at Legal Assistance of Windsor (LAW), which provides community legal services for those in the community unable to afford a private lawyer. He then articled at LAW.

Following his articles, Paul then spent 9 years in various Corporate Labour Relations/Human Resources positions in the automotive industry, before taking positions as In-House Counsel at the Children's Aid Societies of Windsor and Chatham.

He has published a chapter in Legal Education Materials on the subject of child protection law - and was a sessional Instructor teaching mediation in the Paralegal Program at St. Clair College.

 Currently, Paul is a sole practitioner, practising in all aspects of family law. This, in addition to being a panel member of both the Office of the Children's Lawyer, as well as Public Guardian and Trustee. 

Paul is an instructor with the Ministry of the Attorney General Mandatory Information Program - and he also participates in the Legal Aid Ontario Second Chair Program, which pairs junior lawyers of senior counsel, in order to gain trial experience. 

In this episode, Paul shares his journey to law school, law school experience, finding his passion and the importance of building and maintaining your reputation. In addition, Paul shares invaluable practice tips and advice for both future in current law students.

In episode four of 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Amy Block! Amy is Senior Counsel at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. 

Amy is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School. She started her career as an associate working in Big Law before moving over to work in government. In this episode, Amy shares her law school experience and discusses her professional journey in the legal field. In addition, she shares what a memo and opinion are in the litigation context and how they are used within her practice area. Throughout the episode, Amy shares invaluable practices tips and guidance for law students. 

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Joanna Eubanks and Gerry Antman! 

Joanna is a Partner at Shah Eubanks Lawyers. After surviving a serious motor vehicle accident as a teenager, Joanna Eubanks was inspired to help others who have sustained injuries. She understood the emotional distress and wanted to ensure those injured would receive the fair compensation they deserved. Joanna’s law practice is built on the core principle that each client is a person and not a file.

Gerry Antman is a Lawyer at Longo Lawyers. Gerry’s practice focuses primarily on motor vehicle collisions including those involving cyclists and pedestrians, occupier’s liability cases and medical malpractice; He has represented clients at the Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice and Court of Appeal; He has also been involved in accident benefits arbitrations and hearings at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and Licence Appeal Tribunal.

In this episode our guests discuss their law school experience, their roles with the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, life as a personal injury lawyer and share their advice to future and current law students!

In episode three of 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer is joined by Janani Shanmuganathan! Janani is a partner at Goddard & Shanmuganathan LLP, a criminal and regulatory law boutique.

Janani is a passionate and dedicated advocate. Her track record speaks for itself.

She has been counsel on almost 40 appeals at the Ontario Court of Appeal. She has argued at the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. She was also co-counsel in R. v. Nur, the first case in over 30 years where the Supreme Court found a mandatory minimum sentence unconstitutional and struck it from the Criminal Code. Janani is now one of Canada’s leading experts on challenging mandatory minimum sentences, having been part of four other successful challenges.

In addition to criminal law, Janani also does regulatory work, defending professionals subject to investigations and disciplinary proceedings. She has defended lawyers before the Law Society of Ontario on interlocutory suspensions, good character hearings, and discipline proceedings. Janani also acts for health professionals.

In this episode Janani discusses criminal law, life as a criminal lawyer, and advice for current law students!

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Tiana Perricone! Tiana is an Associate with Workly Law, representing both employee and employer clients with their wrongful dismissals, human rights issues, employment contracts, and workplace policies. Clients and colleagues would describe her as a fearless advocate, who is both determined and compassionate.

Tiana obtained her Canadian and American JD, with Honours, from the University of Windsor and Detroit Mercy School of Law. Prior to law school, Tiana received a Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Law and Business.

In this episode, Tiana discusses her time in the Dual JD program and life as a law student, what drew her to employment laws and her advice to future and current law students!

In episode two of 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer interviews Safia Thompson!

Safia is experienced in business and operations management and is a law student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She is the Founder and Co-President of Lincoln Law's Black Law Students' Association. She is eager to explore both transactional and litigation legal work with a keen interest in M&A and employment and labour law. Upon entering the legal profession, she hopes to help foster a community that emulates the values the Ryerson community promulgates.

In this episode, Safia discusses life as a law student, how she makes outlines and notes for her classes, balancing school and life, and advice she would give to her 1L self!

This week Katya Rowley is joined by the Honourable Madame Justice Wong. Justice Wong was appointed to the bench in late 2014 and presides over family, child protection, and criminal matters in the Ontario Court of Justice in Chatham, Ontario.

After completing her articles, Justice Wong intended to pursue plaintiff side insurance litigation, but was tasked with first taking a few family law cases at the firm she was working at. She ended up falling in love with the practice, and was an extremely successful lawyer in this field in the Windsor area. Justice Wong discusses how rewarding family law is, and how she truly felt she was making a difference in her clients lives by working on highly important cases such as custody access, child protection, and separation agreements.

In addition to her family law practice, Justice Wong opened up a mediation practice called Bridging Family Conflict with a few of her colleagues, after attending mediation courses offered for lawyers at Harvard.

Justice Wong discusses how she enjoys being active within her community, previously sitting on the Board of the Windsor Western Hospital before it merged to become Hotel Dieu Grace and Metropolitan Hospital. Justice Wong also sat on the board for the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.

In this episode, Justice Wong discusses her appointment to the bench, how the transition was for her and how that impacted her relationships with her colleagues. She also discusses the wonderful support she has received from other female judges, what drew her to a career in law, her law school experience, and advice she has for future and current law students!

In episode one of 4L Academy x Law School Life & Beyond Coaching Series, Aaron Baer interviews Hayley Pitcher! Hayley is currently Policy and Operational Counsel with the Ontario Court of Appeal. Previously, Hayley spent almost seven years working in Constitutional Law in the Constitutional Law Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General. 

In this episode, Hayley discusses what it is like working in Constitutional Law, what Constitutional Law looks like in practice, tips on getting comfortable reading and synthesizing cases in law school, and advice she would give to her 1L self! 

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Kory Steen! Kory is a Litigation Associate at Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC located in Detroit, Michigan.

Before pursuing a legal career, Kory worked in the hospitality industry. Through managing staff on a Japanese cruise line and opening a restaurant in Caesar's Windsor Hotel & Casino, Kory developed a keen understanding of effective business practices.

While in law school, Kory worked as a judicial intern to the Honorable Marianne O. Battani (2016). He also worked as an intern for Michigan's Attorney Grievance Commission (2017). After law school, Kory worked as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Avern Cohn (2018-2019). While working for Judge Cohn, he worked part-time as an adjunct professor for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law's Moot Court program. Kory draws on his business and courtroom experiences to keep his clients well-informed and zealously represented.

In this episode, Kory discusses what drew him to a career in law, his law school experience, what business litigation is and advice for future and current law students!

This week Katya Rowley is joined by John-Paul Rodrigues! J.P. is an award-winning legal instructor, and is the proud recipient of Career College Ontario's Excellence in Teaching Award and the Instructor of the Year at TriOS College’s Toronto Campus, in 2020.

He is passionate about helping paralegal students accomplish their dreams and goals at a number of colleges, where he is focused on developing and nurturing future legal practitioners into becoming strong and successful advocates. He is also the Program Coordinator for the Paralegal Program at TriOS College's Toronto Campus. J.P. spent a number of years teaching law in China, where he was featured on Chinese television and in other media for his teaching abilities.

J.P. is also an experienced lawyer, primarily advising clients who have been detained by the police on immigration and criminal charges, as telephone duty counsel. In this role, he has assisted thousands of individuals facing a wide range of charges, from impaired driving to murder.

In this episode, J.P. discusses what drew him to a career in law, his law school experience, his legal professional journey and advice for future and current law students!

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Benjamin Ries! Ben is the Housing law Staff Lawyer at Downtown Legal Services, a community legal clinic and a clinical education program, operated by the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto.

Ben articled with Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, was called to the Ontario bar in 2010, served as duty counsel at the Landlord and Tenant Board, and practiced as a staff lawyer in four other community legal clinics between Hamilton and downtown Toronto. Ben returned to DLS as a supervising lawyer in 2014 and was admitted to the New York bar in 2015, because you just never know.

In addition, Ben is the President of the Association for Canadian Clinical Legal Education and belongs to the Health Justice Faculty affiliated with St. Michael’s Academic Family Health Team.

In this episode, Ben discusses his law school experience, what housing law is, the challenges faced by tenants, gives advice to future and current law students and defines what success means to him.

This week Katya Rowley is joined by Norm Dotson! Norm is a Co-Founder of Confidant Consult, a multi-service law firm based in Detroit, Michigan. Norm obtained a Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering with a minor in Global Supply Chain Management from Wayne State University, as well as his J.D.

Norm started out his career working in intellectual property law at a large firm in Detroit, where his practice focused mainly on trademark and patent law. He has since transitioned to practicing primarily family law at his firm Confidant Consult.

In this episode, Norm discusses the perks of being your own boss, and how he enjoys the “family feel” of working at a smaller firm. Norm also discusses his journey to and through law school, gives advice to future and current law students, and defines what success means to him.

In this episode Katya is joined by Devyn Olin! Devyn is in her final year of the JD/MBA program at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law and the Rotman School of Management.

Devyn graduated with a BA from NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study. There, she dedicated her studies to exploring the nature of businesses and relationships in the context of the digital age, specifically narrowing her focus through the female lens.

Devyn completed an official Business Studies minor through the College of Arts and Sciences and Leonard N. Stern School of Business. She also served as Creative Director of Embodied Magazine, Gallatin's Arts & Culture publication, from her Sophomore to Senior year, helping transition the publication from print to digital.

In this episode, Devyn discusses her journey to law school, her law school experience, taking part in virtual OCI’s and advice for future and current law students!

This week Katya is joined by Hena Singh! Hena is a partner at Singh Lamarche LLP Workplace Advocates located in downtown Toronto. In addition, Hena is a mediator, certified Workplace Investigator, certified Compliance Officer and has a B.A., a Masters Degree in Psychology and an L.L.B.

Hena assists employers and employees with workplace issues of all types – from the contemplation of an employment relationship, to assisting in its continuation, as well as termination. She has the experience of having conducted hundreds of workplace investigations for a variety of organizations – in the public and private sectors, for both provincially and federally regulated organizations.

Hena is the author of the book A Practical Guide to Conducting Workplace Investigations and also the co-author of the book A Practical Guide to the Law of Terminations in Ontario. As a result of her formal credentials and extensive experience, Hena is a frequent presenter on various employment law, human rights and workplace investigation issues, and is recognized for providing her clients with practical and tailored solutions to employment issues.

In this episode, Hena discusses what drew her to a career in law, her law school experience, what employment law is, and advice for future and current law students!

This week Katya is joined by Keith Driscoll! Mr. Driscoll is an Attorney at Confidant Consult PLLC. Mr. Driscoll advises clients in a wide range of intellectual property (IP) matters, including the procurement and enforcement of IP.

In 2013, Mr. Driscoll began working as a law clerk, where he worked full time and attended evening law school. As a clerk, and under the mentorship and supervision of Attorneys recognized by Chambers USA and listed as some of America’s Best Attorneys, Mr. Driscoll become proficient in the procurement of IP, supported the enforcement of IP, and conducted legal research. More specifically, he drafted patent applications, office actions, IP agreements (Non-Disclosure, Work-for-Hire, etc.) and patentability, non-infringement, and validity opinions. Since becoming an Attorney in 2018, Mr. Driscoll has continued to develop and expand upon these skills, among new ones.

Mr. Driscoll is also an Adjunct Professor at the University Of Detroit Mercy School of Law where he enjoys teaching the Intellectual Property Law Firm Program course, and mentoring students.

In this episode, Mr. Driscoll discusses the different types of intellectual property, the litigation side of IP law, how he defines success, and advice for future and current law students!

This week Katya is joined by Troy Harris! Professor Harris is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Law and an expert in international arbitration and construction law.

Professor Harris practiced with the Atlanta office of King & Spalding for over ten years. He previously taught at Cornell Law School, Emory Law School, and the College of Management of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Professor Harris joined the Detroit Mercy Law faculty in 2010. He served as Interm Dean of the law school during the 2013-2014 academic year. Professor Harris is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and serves on the International, Commercial, and Construction Panels of Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association, on the Approved Faculty List for the Chartered Institute, and on the roster of the United States Department of State’s Fulbright Specialist Program, in the area of international arbitration. He is listed in Who's Who Legal: Arbitration 2015 - present, Who's Who Legal: Construction 2015 - present, and Best Lawyers in America (Construction), 2013-present.

In this episode, Professor Harris discusses why he chose to pursue a career in law, his law school experience, finding his passion, advice for future and current law students, and how he defines success! Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com

This week Katya is joined by Ryan Handlarski! Ryan is a Criminal Defence Lawyer, located in downtown Toronto.

In March 2011, Ryan started his own criminal law practice called RH Criminal Defence. He has continued to defend individuals charged with a range of offences, from charges such as domestic assault and impaired driving to offences such as trafficking cocaine, sexual assault and sexual interference, break and enter, aggravated assault and murder. In addition, Ryan has successfully defended hundreds of individuals and has represented people at every level of court in Ontario.

Ryan is extremely active on various social media sites and his website www.rhcriminaldefence.com offers incredible blog posts exploring life as a criminal defence lawyer. 

In this episode, Ryan discusses why he chose to pursue a career in law, his law school experience, finding his passion, and life as a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto! Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com

This week Katya is joined by Francine Herlehy! Francine is the Assistant Dean of Student Services at Windsor Law!

Francine began her career with a focus on litigation, before transitioning into working at the law school. In this episode, she discusses why this was the right move for her. Francine also discusses both what to do and what not to do on your law school application, and encourages prospective students to continue applying even if you are not accepted on your first attempt.

Francine gives excellent advice about how important it is to define what success means to you, and staying true to that throughout your time in law school and career. Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com

This week Katya is joined by Larry Linton! Larry is an Author, Musician, and Lawyer. Larry is from South Africa and a graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Larry is an immigration lawyer who’s career has spanned three countries: Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand. Larry is also a huge advocate for accessibility within the legal profession, having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s midway through his legal career.

In this episode, Larry discusses why he chose to pursue a career in law, his law school experience, building a career in Canada, learning to live intentionally and life as an immigration lawyer! Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com

This week Katya is joined by Michel Lederman! Michel is the Co-Director of Associate & Student Programs and Interim Co-Director, Law Clerk Programs at Goodmans, located in downtown Toronto.

Working with Co-Director Ali Mirsky, Michel and Ali lead the firm’s legal talent and management efforts, responsible for all aspects of the student and associates programs including managing summer and articling student recruitment, liaising with the Law Society on student-related requirements and initiatives, professional development, lateral hiring and performance management.

In this episode, Michel discusses why she chose to pursue a career in law, her law school experience, starting her career at Goodmans, and her role as a Co-Director of Associate & Student Programs! Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com

This week Katya is joined by Dave Stern! Dave is a partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP, located in downtown Toronto.

Dave provides creative and practical solutions for complex matters in the areas of Sports, Entertainment and Corporate/Commercial Law. Dave has a unique sports background, as he previously worked in the legal departments of both the Oakland Raiders and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., where he was regularly involved in software licencing, the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, sponsorships, contests and promotions, collective bargaining, athlete/player contracts, broadcasting and distribution.

In this episode, Dave discusses why he chose to pursue a career in law, his law school experience, finding employment in the highly competitive entertainment law industry and life as a Sports and Entertainment Lawyer in Toronto! Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com

This week Katya is joined by Jake Newton! Jake is an associate at Sherman Brown, where he counsels both corporate and individual clients on a variety of real estate, corporate, construction, employment and leasing litigation matters.

Jake joined Sherman Brown as a summer law student. He then articled at a litigation firm in downtown Toronto before returning to Sherman Brown as an associate. Jake regularly appears at the Superior Court of Justice and Small Claims Court. He is also experienced with Alternative Dispute Resolution methods, including mediation and arbitration.

In this episode Jake discusses why he chose to pursue a career in law, his law school experience, and life as a litigation lawyer in Toronto! Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com

This week Katya is joined by Randy McAuley! Randy is an associate in a business law group at Goodmans LLP located in downtown Toronto. His practice focuses on various aspects of corporate and securities law. Randy has acted for public and private entities, reporting issuers, investors and underwriters in capital markets transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance transactions and corporate reorganizations. 

In this episode Randy discusses his law school experience, the importance of developing relationships as a student and associate, and life as a corporate lawyer in Toronto! Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com.

This week Katya is joined by Alannah Fotheringham! Alannah is the Founder & Lawyer Coach at Clearmind Coaching.

Alannah is a University of Toronto Law graduate. In May 2020, after spending three years working in commercial litigation, Alannah left the traditional practice of law to start Clearmind Coaching. In this episode, Alannah shares her journey from law school to launching Clearmind Coaching. In addition, Alannah discusses her law school experience, her life as a litigation lawyer, and what she hopes to achieve with Clearmind Coaching!  

Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com

This week Katya is joined by Stephanie Provato! Stephanie is the Director of Business and Legal Affairs of the Television group at Entertainment One.

Stephanie is a Windsor Law graduate and has a wealth of experience in entertainment law! In this episode, Stephanie shares what entertainment law looks like from an in-house capacity, her experience at Windsor Law, why she chose to pursue a career in law, and her life as in-house counsel!! 

Questions for Law School Life & Beyond? Email us at lawschoollife.andbeyond@gmail.com