Shows
The Business of Familychampioning change: from vision to valueWhat if your family business could change lives and give back to your community?Join me as I sit down with Jody Steinhauer, Chief Bargain Officer of the Bargains Group and founder of Engage and Change, where she shares her journey from entrepreneur to social advocate. Discover how Jodi’s initiatives—like survival kits for the homeless and employee-led charitable programs—show the power of business to create real social impact.Whether you’re part of a family business or passionate about making a difference, this episode...2025-04-2231 minThe Business of Familypassing the torch: keeping the peace in succession planning.How do you keep the peace in succession planning to avoid family disputes?Join me as I sit down with estate litigation lawyer Kimberly Cura, a partner at Lerners LLP, where she pulls back the curtain on the complex world of family estate disputes. We dive deep into the potential landmines of estate planning, family business succession, and the critical importance of communication.Learn how well-intentioned decisions can lead to costly legal battles, and discover practical strategies to protect your family's legacy and relationships. ...2025-04-1522 min
Anything But LawBridging the Gap: The Realities of Practicing Law and Legal EducationIn this special episode of Anything but Law, host Mark McAuley takes a rare deep dive into the realities of practicing law—exploring what law school doesn’t teach you but should. Joined by Lerners colleague Mitch Brown and Acting Dean Andrew Botterell from Western Law, the conversation unpacks the "hidden curriculum" of law school, the practical skills gap many young lawyers face, and how legal education prepares—or fails to prepare—graduates for the real-world demands of private practice.Drawing on their own experiences, Mark and Mitch discuss their transition from Toronto to London, Ontario, and the diff...2025-03-181h 28
Life Changes Channel#166 Mediation Makes a Difference. With Carolyn LloydCould mediation be the best solution for navigating your divorce? Here are some important points to consider.Mediator and Family Lawyer, Carolyn J. Lloyd joins me today to explain why mediation is often the best option for Carolyn is a Partner at Lerners LLP’s family law practice in London, Ontario, specializing exclusively in family law since being called to the Bar of Ontario in 2000. With extensive litigation, mediation, and arbitration experience as counsel, she is a trained and experienced mediator, collaborative family practitioner, and effective arbitrator. Carolyn focuses on helping clients resolve disp...2025-03-141h 00The Business of Familyemployment law & workplace policy in a family business.How do you understand the changing employment legislation and policy needs? Is your Family Business big enough to need these?
What can you do to protect your family business as your need for more employees grows?
Join me as I chat with Yola Ventresca, Managing Partner at Lerners LLP, where we explore tips to developing employment policies and complying with employment legislation to protect your family business.
Thank you to Marty Britton of Britton Management Profile Inc, for this episode's outro.
2025-03-0434 minThe Business of Familytaking over a family business without a plan.
How do you take over the business when there no plan?
What if there is no documentation? No processes and procedures, no job descriptions, no manuals to guide you.
Join me as a I chat with Marty Britton, President & CEO of Britton Management Profile Inc. about her journey and struggles of jumping feet first into running her family business she wasn't working in.Thank you to Kimberly Cura of Lerners LLP for this episode's outro.
2025-02-2534 min
The Cyber Business PodcastFrom IT Support to Business Strategy: The CIO’s Evolving Role in Law FirmsIn This Episode: Legal firms handle some of the most sensitive client data, making them prime targets for cyber threats. Adrian Ciocan, CIO of Lerners LLP, has worked diligently to transform his firm’s security posture, moving from a reactive to a proactive approach. He discusses how cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue—it’s a business risk that requires buy-in from leadership. With cyber threats, particularly business email compromise and ransomware, on the rise, Adrian emphasizes that education is the most effective line of defense. His team runs comprehensive security awareness training progra...2025-02-2444 min
Anything But LawInnovation and Community in the Music Industry at the City of Music ExpoIn this dynamic episode of Anything But Law, host Mark McAuley moderates a live panel featuring three prominent figures in the Canadian music industry. Join us as we dive into a captivating discussion with Juno Award-Winning Music Producer Dan Brodbeck, strategic Industry Leader Margaret McGuffin of Music Publishers Canada, and versatile Artist and Festival Director Melanie Brulé. Together, they explore how their unique paths and early musical influences continue to shape their contributions to the music world today.From the role of education in shaping the next generation of music professionals to the importance of community and c...2024-12-0532 min
Anything But LawJake Karls: Crafting Authenticity and Success from a Home Kitchen to a Global BrandWhat if success in business isn’t just about strategy, but about authenticity and emotional intelligence? In this episode, Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, shares his journey from making chocolate in his home kitchen to building a global brand. Jake emphasizes the power of transparency, personal support, and community in shaping his success. He opens up about how his marriage and family relationships serve as pillars through the challenges of entrepreneurship.Jake also explores the transformative role therapy plays in business. Initially hesitant, he now sees it as an essential investment in both personal and professional gr...2024-11-1351 min
Anything But LawJulian Franklin: From Law To Sports Marketing LeadershipHow does a dream of becoming a lawyer transform into a top executive role in sports marketing? In this episode, we sit down with Julian Franklin, Vice President of Partnership Development and Strategy at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, to explore his unconventional career path. Julian’s story begins with an unexpected pivot from law school aspirations to a marketing internship with the Toronto Blue Jays, eventually leading him to executive roles at major brands like Kraft Heinz and his own successful agency.Julian opens up about the pivotal decisions, challenges, and mentors that shaped his career, of...2024-10-2353 min
Anything But LawPiper Riley Thompson: Overcoming Adversity and Empowering Future LawyersDuring her first year of law school, Piper Riley Thompson battled depression and doubt, often questioning if she was on the right path. In this episode, she opens up about her remarkable journey of resilience and self-discovery, which led her to become a career advisor and Ontario bar exam coach. Drawing strength from her grandmother's wisdom, Piper’s story is filled with pivotal moments that offer both hope and practical advice to anyone considering a career in law.Piper's journey highlights the unexpected turns a legal career can take, showing how she transitioned from practising law to a...2024-10-021h 00
Anything But LawAaron Baer: From Law Firm to Legal Tech Innovation at 4L AcademyEver wonder if there’s a better way to learn and practice law? In this episode, Mark chats with Aaron Baer, a trailblazer in the legal tech world, who took his early frustrations as a young lawyer and turned them into a fresh approach to legal education and practice. Aaron shares how he identified major gaps in traditional law training and his journey from a typical law firm to creating 4L Academy, where he introduced hands-on, practical training during the pandemic. His story is all about bridging the gap between theory and real-world experience for junior lawyers.We...2024-09-0656 min
Anything But LawMiranda Ayim: From Olympic Glory to Mental Wellness & LeadershipIn this episode of Anything But Law, we explore the extraordinary journey of Miranda Ayim, a three-time Olympian who has transitioned from a world-class basketball player to a leading advocate for mental wellness and empowerment. Miranda opens up about her experiences as the captain of the Canadian national team, her challenges with injuries, and how she discovered the importance of mental and emotional health. Now a mental wellness coach, Miranda shares valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and the deep connection between mind and body. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that transcends the world of sports and offers lessons...2024-08-0952 min
Anything But LawOlympic Gold Medalist Damian Warner on Success, Adversity, and ResilienceWhat does it take to achieve Olympic gold and inspire the next generation? Join us in the Season 3 premiere of Anything But Law as we uncover the story of Damian Warner, the celebrated decathlete from London, Ontario. From childhood games to Olympic glory, Damian shares his journey, the impact of educators, and the pivotal moments that shaped his path.Discover how his love for sports, sparked by basketball legend Vince Carter, led to an unexpected passion for track and field. Learn about his rigorous training, the balancing act of fatherhood, and the unwavering support from his long-time...2024-08-0154 min
Friends Who ArgueManaging Partners RoundtableIn this episode, Kim Potter speaks with Yola Ventresca and Emily Lawrence about their experiences as managing partners of their respective law firms. They discuss how Yola and Emily came to be appointed to those leadership roles, what they have learned, and how they would describe their management styles. They also discuss the emergence of younger, female managing partners at several law firms and what accounts for this shift in law firm management.Yola Ventresca is the managing partner at Lerners LLP, practicing in London Ontario. She is engaged in a diverse litigation-based practice. She is a me...2023-07-1142 min
Anything But LawUncorking a New PassionWe started season 2 of Anything But Law talking to Erin Durant about her burnout, and subsequent career rebirth in law. Since then, we have spoken to a number of guests about their fascinating ventures outside of law. In our final episode of season 2 we come full circle and speak to Joe Groia about how he planned and created a refuge for himself from what was, quite possibly, the most difficult time in his career. Join us to hear about how Joe’s journey in creating a winery was a conscious effort to provide comfort while going through a difficult ti...2023-05-0457 min
Anything But LawThe Advocate at Town HallThis week on Anything But Law, Dom talks to Doug Judson about his role as Town Councillor in Fort Frances, Ontario. Tune in to hear Doug describe how his interest in politics came to be, where politics have gone in recent years, and what's next for him. Most importantly, you'll hear how it all ties together with his career in law.Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Dom Magisano Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio Graphic Design: Jen Luchka and Dawn Yan Theme and Underlying Music...2023-04-1948 min
Anything But LawThe Countryside CounselIn this week's episode of Anything But Law, Dom chats with lawyer and hobby farm developer Miles Backhouse. Miles joins Dom to talk about how the hobby farm came to be, how he has adjusted to life in the countryside, and how the hobby farm has provided balance between his personal and professional lives.Presented by: Lerners LLPHosted by: Dom MagisanoExecutive Production: Natalee DavisProject Management: Dylan WillemsAudio Engineering: Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording StudioGraphic Design: Jen Luchka and Dawn YanTheme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuleyPresented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by...2023-04-0649 min
Anything But LawTall Ships and 18 Wheelers: The Unusual Path to LawThis week, we veer slightly off path from our season's theme of lawyers with interesting side hustles. Join Dom as he chats with former Lerners associate Chris Shorey about his less-than-traditional path to becoming a lawyer, from working on tall ships to driving coast to coast in 18-wheelers.Presented by: Lerners LLPHosted by: Dom MagisanoExecutive Production: Natalee DavisProject Management: Dylan WillemsAudio Engineering: Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording StudioGraphic Design: Jen Luchka and Dawn YanTheme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuleyPresented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis...2023-03-2236 min
Anything But LawThe Legal Grind: Balancing Court and CoffeeYou may remember Emily from our first season, when she joined Mark to talk about the importance of emotional intelligence and taking care of your mental health. This season, she returns to talk with Dom about the passion that has allowed her to find purpose as a litigator. A fellow partner at Lerners, Emily has enjoyed working as a barista in her downtime and cites it as an experience that’s changed her outlook on life and even helped her in her career as a lawyer. Presented by: Lerners LLPHosted by: Dom MagisanoExecutive Production: Natalee DavisProject Management: Dy...2023-03-0848 min
Anything But LawUnleashing the Beat: A Lawyer's Journey from the Courtroom to the DJ BoothThis week on Anything But Law, Dom talks to fellow lawyer Varoujan Arman about his passion for music and DJing, how he's able to balance a career in law and music, and where the two passions intersect.Presented by: Lerners LLPHosted by: Dom MagisanoExecutive Production: Natalee DavisProject Management: Dylan WillemsAudio Engineering: Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording StudioGraphic Design: Jen Luchka and Dawn YanTheme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuleyPresented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Ch...2023-02-2236 min
Anything But LawFrom Burnout to Balance: Part 2In part two of Dom's interview with Erin Durant, they chat about the passion that keeps her going outside of work: softball. A sport she's played for the better part of her life, Erin has taken on many roles, from player, to coach, to administrator, and leader. In this conversation, you'll hear how it allows her to find balance in her busy life. Presented by: Lerners LLPHosted by: Dom MagisanoExecutive Production: Natalee DavisProject Management: Dylan WillemsAudio Engineering: Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording StudioGraphic Design: Jen Luchka and Dawn YanTheme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy...2023-02-0752 min
The Yunusov QuestionCynthia Kuehl on law firm strategy, the life of a litigation file, and what men can learn from women [S04E02]Cynthia Kuehl is Chair of Lerners LLP.
Important: this video contains no legal advice. You must consult a lawyer or another professional about your specific situation.
Cynthia Kuehl: https://www.lerners.ca/cynthia-kuehl/
Yunusov Law Professional Corporation: https://lawto.ca2023-01-2751 min
Anything But LawFrom Burnout to Balance: Part 1In the first episode of season two, host Dom Magisano sits down with lawyer, author, and softball player, Erin Durant. Recorded as a two-part episode, part one covers Erin’s book, “It Burned me all Down”, which describes her experience of a devastating burnout while working as a partner. Listen as they talk about Erin’s struggles that led to her burnout, followed by the opening of her own firm, which allowed her to focus on building a high performing, yet healthy work environment. Presented by: Lerners LLPHosted by: Dom MagisanoExecutive Production: Natalee DavisProject Management: Dylan WillemsAudio Engineer...2023-01-2500 min
Anything But LawWelcome to Season 2Welcome to Season 2 of Anything But Law! This time, we have a new host, new guests, and a new spin. We'll be taking you on an audio journey exploring the lives of other lawyers, learning about their side hustles and passion projects that help bring them joy.Presented by: Lerners LLPHosted by: Domenico MagisanoExecutive Production: Natalee DavisProject Management: Dylan WillemsAudio Engineering: Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording StudioGraphic Design: Jen Luchka and Dawn YanTheme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuleyPresented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project...2022-12-2102 min
The Yunusov QuestionEarl Cherniak on his famous cases, longevity in law, and on Lerners LLP [S03E22]Earl Cherniak is a senior partner at Lerners LLP. He was counsel of record in such cases as Whiten v. Pilot Insurance Co., Lac Minerals, and Groia v. LSUC.
Important: this video contains no legal advice. You must consult a lawyer or another professional about your specific situation.
Earl Cherniak: https://www.lerners.ca/earl-cherniak/
Yunusov Law Professional Corporation: https://lawto.ca2022-11-0448 min
Anything But LawThe Anatomy of a People PersonThis week, Mark talks to chief people officer at Right to Play, Nikki Da Silva. Join them as they chat about her passion for people and culture, the importance of getting to know one another, and the impact it has on fostering team mentality. They also talk about "Right to Play" and the role of passion in driving business forward.Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio (Season 2) Graphic Design: The Branding Firm Inc. (Se...2022-08-1535 min
Anything But LawBuilding a Business the Right WayMark chats with business executive, people leader, and Senior VP of Financial services at IG Wealth Management, Marissa Teeter. Listen as they talk about the importance of developing and teaching financial literacy, giving back through charity work, and her passion for community.Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio (Season 2) Graphic Design: The Branding Firm Inc. (Season 3), Jen Luchka and Dawn Yan Theme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuley2022-08-0239 min
Anything But LawWhy You Need Emotional IntelligenceOn this episode of Anything But Law, Mark sits down with fellow Lerners Lawyer, Emily Fan. A Partner at the firm and passionate defence class actions and commercial litigator, Emily describes her path to a career in law, and the importance of developing emotional intelligence while taking care of your mental health. They also talk about mentors who have helped them get to where they are, and passions that keep them grounded.Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon...2022-07-1844 min
Anything But LawThe Ever-Evolving Definition of SuccessOn this episode of Anything but Law, Mark McAuley sits down with mentor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Michael Hyatt. Listen as they chat about Michael’s role as an investor, what he does and doesn’t look for in great companies, and how to know when you got it right. They also discuss the post-covid era of work culture, and how his definition of success has changed throughout the years.Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Record...2022-07-0442 min
Anything But LawWe Need Role ModelsThis week on Anything But Law, Mark McAuley sits down with Goodmans LLP associate Randy McAuley, and VP of Atlantic Global Risk, David St. Bernard. Listen as they talk about childhood memories, getting to where they are now, and the importance of having good role models.Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio (Season 2) Graphic Design: The Branding Firm Inc. (Season 3), Jen Luchka and Dawn Yan Theme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy Mc...2022-06-2356 min
Anything But LawEffective Communication is ContextualIn our third episode of Anything But Law, Mark chats with Juno Award-winning, Grammy-nominated musical engineer and producer, Dan Brrodbeck. Listen as they talk about Dan's career in the music industry, the art of conveying knowledge, and how effective communication is contextual.Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio (Season 2) Graphic Design: The Branding Firm Inc. (Season 3), Jen Luchka and Dawn Yan Theme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuley2022-06-091h 04
Anything But LawWelcome to Anything But LawWelcome to Anything But Law! In this trailer, you'll get an idea of what you can expect from the show. Enjoy!Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio (Season 2) Graphic Design: The Branding Firm Inc. (Season 3), Jen Luchka and Dawn Yan Theme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuley2022-05-2701 min
Anything But LawHow Storytelling Can Become More AuthenticIn our first episode, Host Mark McAuley sits down with Theatre Producer and Co-Founder of M/Y Storycreative, Michael Rubinoff! Tune in to listen to Michael's journey as a producer, and how he strives to make the art of storytelling more authentic.Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio (Season 2) Graphic Design: The Branding Firm Inc. (Season 3), Jen Luchka and Dawn Yan Theme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuley2022-05-2744 min
Anything But LawChallenges for People of Colour in the Cannabis IndustryIn our second episode of Anything But Law, Mark McAuley talks to Michael and Ashley Athill, the brother-sister duo behind HRVSTR Cannabis. Tune in to hear how they set the course as Canada's first Black-owned Licensed Producer (LP), and listen to them describe some of the challenges they've faced along the way.Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio (Season 2) Graphic Design: The Branding Firm Inc. (Season 3), Jen Luchka and Dawn Yan Theme and Un...2022-05-2740 min
Work Revolution16. Family Unfriendly: Women in Law – Part 1 of 2Prompted by a recent Twitter storm of activity about whether parental leave should be effectively mandated for male lawyers who have children, Jane Scholes and I discuss how family unfriendly policies and practices hurt women’s careers, and men’s ability to participate fully as supportive partners and parents. Jane is a senior associate lawyer at Lerners LLP in London, Ontario where she practices primarily health, labour and employment, and human rights law. From the viewpoints of being an employment lawyer, an employee in a law firm and being a new parent herself, Jane provides a unique perspective on what...2021-03-2030 min
Career Resilience with Jann Danyluk2. Geoff Pulford - Senior Leadership & C-Suite InsightsGeoff Pulford is the Chief Operating Officer at Lerners LLP, a well-known and influential Southwestern Ontario law firm. Geoff and Jann talk about Geoff’s philosophy of leadership and business success. Guess what! It’s all about people! Geoff’s years in C-suite positions have honed his thought-processes and he shares some of his brilliant ideas including: ‘a business cannot will itself to greatness’.2020-11-1116 min
Impact FarmingTransition Planning 101 - Part 1: Where To Start w/George Sinker & Joseph HentzIn this episode we are excited to sit down with George Sinker and Joseph Hentz, from Lerners LLP, in Part One of our Three Part Mini-series on Transition Planning! Tracy dives right into the subject and asks both George and Joseph the 101 questions to help our audience get started on their transition planning journey. This first interview focuses on: - Where to start? - Who to work with? - Where to find and how to hire? - What does the process look like/entail? If you have ever wondered how to get...2019-10-1636 min
Lawyer Life PodcastGender & EmpathyDarlene and Mike discuss how building the 'architecture of empathy' can help solve gender-related issues.
Works mentioned:
-What do women lawyers expect from their male colleagues, anyway? (https://www.dawn.com/news/1456893)
-On Being a Male Ally: Why I Attended the Lerners LLP Women’s Symposium (https://www.lerners.ca/lernx/on-being-a-male-ally/)
-The Economic Costs of Mansplaining in My Life (https://www.cowlinglegal.com/blog/the-economic-costs-of-mansplaining-in-my-life)
-Women GCs Face Sexism, Stereotypes From Firm Lawyers—And It Impacts Who They Hire (https://www.law.com/corpcounsel/2019/01/23/women-gcs-face-sexism-stereotypes-from-firm-lawyers-and-it-impacts-who-they-hire/?kw=Women%20GCs%20Face%20Sexism,%20Stereotypes%20From%20Firm%20LawyersAnd%20It%20Impacts%20Who%20They%20Hire&slre...2019-01-2534 min