Butter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast Gluckstein Lawyers

Vanshika Dhawan, today’s host, welcomes filmmaker Ali Pankiw. Ali 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 “Joan Is Awful” episodes of Netflix's Black Mirror. Ali recently had her first feature film, “I Used to Be Funny.” Ali 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 Funny.”
[3:54] Ali explains how she chose the main character’s career as a stand-up comedian.
[6:37] Vanshika speaks about the difficult job of quantifying the damage done to the victims of sexual assault trauma.
[9:01] Achieving justice doesn’t close a victim’s healing journey.
[12:53] The systems in place allow abuse to happen.
[17:08] Ali describes how the main character appears passive as a trauma response, finding it difficult to take action in her own life.
[18:26] The film intends to validate victims of sexual assault in a way that the law can’t.
[20:17] Ali shares her experience with the leading actress’ impersonation of the main character.
[26:28] This Canadian film talks about what happens to our people every day.
[28:10] Humor can also be a way to survive together.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.
 
Learn more about Ali Pankiw
 
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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?
[8:17] What AI programs are used in the legal field?
[10:35] Are there programs that are specifically designed to assist lawyers?
[13:13] Are there any pitfalls in the use of AI that lawyers should be aware of?
[17:23] From a client's perspective, why must the legal firm they choose embrace new AI technologies?
[21:03] Will AI impact the quality of education of younger lawyers?
[22:01] Charles explores the quality of the work that AI does.
[24:36] How does a client know if the AI tools a firm is using are reliable and accurate?
[26:01] It is an issue for the law to recognize fake evidence.
[28:32] What kind of AI tools are judges using?
[31:35] Does the use of AI impact judicial independence?
[31:58] How does AI apply to modify images impact medical malpractices and product liability cases?
[33:55] Are lawyers being formally trained to use AI tools?
[39:21] The more you use AI, the more you learn what it can do for you.
[39:47] How is Jordan using Co-Pilot?
[44:09] Shortly, most of our ideas and decisions will be checked with AI to ensure they are sound.
[46:30] Charles talks about the imminent presence of AI-led robots covering different roles in assisting people.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.
 
Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter
Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook
Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram
Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube
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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 interested in the topic of gender-based violence.
[5:30] Mandi explains how meeting Lynn influenced her journey as an advocate for sexual assault victims.
[7:47] Mandi did not know that formal reporting of sexual assault could lead to a defamation lawsuit.
[11:20] Mandi discusses the anti-feminist backlash to discourage people from addressing sexual and gender violence.
[12:33] Mandi acknowledges some of her own misconceptions.
[16:01] How can you compensate for the loss of reputation monetarily?
[18:50] Many victims are often worried about what could be the consequences of reporting.
[22:55] What do advocates say about defamation lawsuits for reporting sexual violence?
[29:30] The discriminatory stereotypes about people who experience sexual violence are the foundation for defamation lawsuits.
[32:50] How should a rape victim act?
[33:15] Diana addresses the ethics on the defense side.
[37:45] Mandi talks about her book Suing for Silence. 
[41:28] Mandi shares other projects she is currently working on.
[44:33] The most important is that people make informed decisions.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.
 
Learn more about Mandi Gray
Documentary: The Diary of a Rape Trial, Mandi Gray
Suing for silence: Sexual Violence and Defamation Law, Mandi Gray
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Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram
Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube
Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin
 
 

Brenda Agnew, your host, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Aaron Palmer, the owner of Palmer Wellness and Rehab and an occupational therapist. They delve into the vital subjects of cultural responsiveness and humility, offering valuable insights and suggestions on how to exercise humility and achieve a better understanding of people from different cultural backgrounds,
 
Key Takeaways:
[3:21]  What does cultural responsiveness mean?
[6:48] Aaron shares the meaning of cultural competence.
[9:32] Be careful of stereotyping!
[11:08] Why is it important for organizations to be conscious of cultural competence and responsiveness?
[12:03] Don't be afraid to ask questions when working with people from different backgrounds.
[13:51] How can people understand more about different cultures?
[17:34] A commitment needs to arise after seeing the particular cultural background someone brings, 
[17:55] Aaron emphasizes the need to acknowledge our biases (we all have them anyway)
[19:34] Engaging in honest and authentic conversations with clients/patients is crucial.
[21:05] Aaron explains the therapeutic use of self.
[24:58] It is okay to admit we don’t know it all, show curiosity respectfully, and develop connectedness with clients. 
[29:01] Aaron speaks about balancing power imbalances.
[33:03] Aaron dives deep into the topic of cultural responsiveness.
[36:02] What does cultural responsiveness look like?
[39:58] We all have a reason for doing what we do. What is that reason?   
[41:48] What does Team Splitting mean?
[46:39] We are all just human beings.
[50:03] Aaron talks about his background, his motivation to become an Occupational Therapist, and how he conducts his business.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.
 
Learn more about Aaron Palmer
 
Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter
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Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin
 

Brenda Agnew and Tiffany Lawand Fraser, your hosts, are joined by Stacey Levine in today’s episode to explore the field of rehabilitation and the valuable strategies Behavioral Therapists provide to improve patients’s quality of life.
Stacey was named Healthcare Provider of the Year in the Award of Excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation in 2023. She is also co-founder and co-owner of Journey Rehabilitation and specializes in behavior therapy.
 
Key Takeaways:
[2:58] Stacey shares what motivated her to get into the field of rehabilitation.
[4:28] Stacey highlights the importance of working with a multidisciplinary team.
[5:52] Stacey explains in which part of the rehabilitation process she begins working with the patient as a Behavior therapy specialist.
[7:39] What is Behavioral Therapy? What does a Behavioral Therapist do?
[9:50] Stacey provides some examples of utilizing Behavioral Therapy.
[12:45] What kind of collateral support does Stacey provide to families and caregivers?
[15:05] Stacey explains how anyone could benefit from the strategies provided by Behavioral Therapists.
[17:28] Stacey shares how it is to deal with resistant patients.
[20:30] A behavioral therapist must find creative ways to engage the patient in the rehabilitation process.
[22:11] Stacey describes the people who can benefit from Behavioral Therapy.
[25:10] Stacey follows on some patients for years.
[27:01] Stacey admits using the strategies she proposes to clients.
[31:50] Stacey emphasizes the importance of being able to “disconnect” from the burden of work when it is time to return to her personal life.
[33:04] Behavioral therapy should be applied according to the patient’s needs.
[34:41] Which are the cases in which Behavioral Therapy is more used?
[37:21] Stacey shares the particularities of working with brain-injured patients.
[43:20] Discussion, awareness, and information about someone’s behavior is a way to encourage people to be more compassionate.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.
 
Learn more about Stacey Levine
 
Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter
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Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram
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Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin
 
 

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Linda O’Brien to today’s episode. Linda recently joined the Gluckstein family from a boutique litigation firm where she focused exclusively on civil litigation, defending tort litigants. She is now a key member of our Sexual Abuse group with the Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein team advocating solely for survivors of sexual abuse.
Over her almost 30 years of practice, Linda has appeared before all levels of courts in Ontario, along with appearances before numerous boards and at private arbitrations.
Linda is proud to be involved in initiatives to promote policies and practices to retain and advance women in law and to continue to serve as a mentor for many students and lawyers.
 
Key Takeaways:
[3:34] Linda talks about her work in the defense field before she started working for Gluckstein Lawyers.
[7:26] Linda highlights the value of being empathetic with clients.
[10:26] Brenda shares how she got the chance to speak in court after seven years of waiting.
[14:14] Linda shares how she chose the type of law she ended up working in.
[19:35] Linda discusses the importance of caring for clients and ensuring they are not retraumatized throughout the legal process.
[20:43] Is there a mind shift coming from the defense side to the plaintiff kind of work?
[25:23] Linda’s defense law background greatly benefits her work as part of the Sexual Abuse Group with the Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein team.
[26:57] What are some of the most challenging aspects of her work with the sexual abuse cases she takes at Gluckstein?
[31:21] Linda explains why causation is so complicated.
[33:10] How long does it take to resolve a historical sexual abuse case?
[37:45] No client goes to court for the money.
[42:01] Advocacy is a powerful work.
[42:57] Linda wishes she had no more work one day because that would mean no one would be suffering this way anymore.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.
 
Learn more about Linda O’Brien
 
Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter
Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook
Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram
Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube
Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin