Episodit

  • Episode 72: The Finale

    Episode 72: The Finale

    · Off The Tracks

    In the finale of Off the Tracks, we talk about what led us to start this project and the reasons we are concluding it now. We also discuss our word of the year, the episodes that deeply resonated with us, and what working together on the podcast taught us about friendship.

    Off the Tracks Podcast was designed to explore what it looks like to do law differently. If you’re ever looking to gain insight into off the tracks legal careers and conversations, we encourage you to stream an episode to help guide you to the answers you’re looking for in your own life.

    Whether this is the first time or seventy-second time you’ve listened to an episode, thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    If you’re looking to get in touch with us in the future, you can find Erin at Erin O’Rourke Law ([email protected]) and Piper at Ontario Bar Exam Coach ([email protected]).

    – Erin & Piper –


    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 71: Lawyer in Residence

    Episode 71: Lawyer in Residence

    · Off The Tracks

    In the third season finale of Off the Tracks, we are joined by Joshua Lenon, the Lawyer in Residence at Clio, an intuitive cloud-based legal practice management solution.

    This episode dives deep into the intersections of law, technology, and innovation! Joshua shares about launching his own immigration law firm – while commuting weekly between Canada and the USA and working his day job – early in his career. This experience introduced him to Clio, a cloud based legal software company, which allowed him to be in 2 places at once. Years later, Joshua is a member of the Clio team, and he breaks down what working as Clio’s Lawyer in Residence entails. We also chat about Joshua’s sand volleyball hobby and a wild fact about Saskatchewan’s trust accounting rules!

    Follow Joshua on Twitter

    Read Clio’s 2023 Legal Trends Report here

    Learn more about the Clio Cloud Conference here

    Curious about starting your own law firm? Get Clio’s free guide here

    Follow us on Instagram ⁠@offthetrackspodcast⁠, check out our website ⁠offthetrackspodcast.com⁠, or connect with us by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠.

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? ⁠Click here⁠ to learn more and access services.

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  • Episode 70: Career Conversations

    Episode 70: Career Conversations

    · Off The Tracks

    In this episode, we are joined by Gina Alexandris. Gina is the Founder and Chief Enthusiasm Officer of her own Coaching and Consulting Company. She is an ever-evolving career champion of current and emerging professionals, and creator of innovative and inspiring programs, especially for those who are underserved. Gina is a life-long learner and in addition to her law degree from Osgoode Hall, she also holds a Masters of Education degree in Adult Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, and a Certificate of Completion for the Art and Practice of Leadership Development Program at the Harvard Kennedy School. Gina is also a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, having completed the Coaching program from the Co-Active Training Institute and holds an Associate Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation.

    Throughout her career, Gina has consistently built programs from the ground up. She talks us through how many of these programs came to be and have evolved, including Toronto Metropolitan University’s Law Practice Program. Further, Gina shares an important perspective about why she consciously does not use the word “alternative” to describe different career paths in the legal profession and beyond. Gina also tells us about her most recent project, the Career Conversations Book Club, and what drove her to create this free resource for leadership development.

    Work with Gina through her coaching practice

    Learn from Gina on LinkedIn

    Follow Gina on Instagram

    Register for the Career Conversations Book Club

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 69: The Next Right Step

    Episode 69: The Next Right Step

    · Off The Tracks

    In this episode, we are joined by Catie Fenn. She is a lawyer turned life coach for young professionals, helping them to find more purpose, passion, and personal alignment in their lives. Catie began her career in litigation and practiced for 6 years. For 5 of those 6 years, she also built a coaching, retreat and digital course personal development business.

    Catie shares how and why she started her business, and why she’s returned to simultaneously practicing law after stepping away for 5 years. Catie is an expert at helping people find their next right step and she teaches us how to cultivate a strong sense of self trust. The three of us also dive into breakup stories and our experiences reframing failure.

    Work with Catie

    Follow Catie on Instagram

    Follow Catie on TikTok

    Learn from Catie on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 68: The In-House Series Part 8

    Episode 68: The In-House Series Part 8

    · Off The Tracks

    This episode was produced in partnership with LawyersInHouse.com, a law firm composed of former in-house counsel. To see how they can provide insightful, pragmatic, and solutions-focused legal services to you and your legal department, visit ⁠LawyersInHouse.com⁠.

    In this episode, we are joined by Cheyenne Arnold-Cunningham. Cheyenne Arnold-Cunningham was born and raised in Ontario and currently lives and works as a visitor on the traditional territory of the Ts’uubaa-asatx, Ditidaht, and Quw’utsun peoples in British Columbia. She is MĂ©tis with mixed European ancestry and is a member of the MĂ©tis Nation of BC with MĂ©tis roots and ancestry in St. Albert and Lac Ste. Anne Alberta and the historic Red River MĂ©tis community in Manitoba.

    Cheyenne works as in-house counsel at the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), largely working to support the acknowledgement, protection and exercise of First Nations' title and rights while also assisting to support the UBCIC and the First Nations Leadership Council in their legislative reform work to align provincial and federal law with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. She also works as a researcher at the Indigenous Law Research Unit at the University of Victoria and is the founder and owner of Dakota Law and Consulting.

    In this conversation, Cheyenne discusses the broad experience she has gained working in-house, including representing the UBCIC alongside co-counsel at the Public Order Emergency Commission Inquiry. Cheyenne shares about her law school experience and the importance of staying grounded in your truth of how you want to craft your career. We also discuss the importance of teaching Indigenous Legal Orders in law schools and how this coursework positively enriches a legal education. And, Cheyenne shares important networking tips for anyone seeking their first job post-articling!

    Learn from Cheyenne on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram ⁠@offthetrackspodcast⁠, check out our website ⁠offthetrackspodcast.com⁠, or connect with us by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠.

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper – Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? ⁠Click here⁠ to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 67: The In-House Series Part 7

    Episode 67: The In-House Series Part 7

    · Off The Tracks

    This episode was produced in partnership with LawyersInHouse.com, a law firm composed of former in-house counsel. To see how they can provide insightful, pragmatic, and solutions-focused legal services to you and your legal department, visit ⁠LawyersInHouse.com⁠.

    Please note: this episode has some unexpected technical glitches we were unable to clear in the editing process.

    In this episode, we are joined by Bindu Dhaliwal. Bindu is a seasoned professional with more than 15 years of experience in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance. A lawyer by training, Bindu began her career in the litigation department of a major Canadian law firm and clerked at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Currently, she is CIBC’s Senior Vice-President, ESG & Corporate Governance, responsible for its ESG strategy, disclosure, governance and engagement activities. In her role, Bindu also oversees CIBC’s Corporate Secretary function, Whistleblower Program, and Client Complaints Appeals Office. 

    In this conversation, Bindu gives us a behind the curtain look at environmental, social, and governance legal roles. We also dive deep into advice about how to course correct career decisions and how speaking up for what you want can help you achieve your career goals.

    Learn from Bindu on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram ⁠@offthetrackspodcast⁠, check out our website ⁠offthetrackspodcast.com⁠, or connect with us by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠.

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper – Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? ⁠Click here⁠ to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 66: The In-House Series Part 6

    Episode 66: The In-House Series Part 6

    · Off The Tracks

    This episode was produced in partnership with LawyersInHouse.com, a law firm composed of former in-house counsel. To see how they can provide insightful, pragmatic, and solutions-focused legal services to you and your legal department, visit LawyersInHouse.com.

    In this episode, we are joined by Avi Weiss. Avi is the Founder of Counselwell, a community that supports the professional and personal development of in-house lawyers. He also works as Senior Legal Counsel at Coinsquare, an IIROC-regulated cryptocurrency trading platform operating in Canada.

    In this conversation, Avi takes us through the two big setbacks he experienced throughout his career. He also discusses what in-house life is all about and how Counselwell helps advance the careers of in-house lawyers, through community and tailored programming.

    Learn from Avi on LinkedIn

    Learn more and join Counselwell

    Attend the Counselwell Summit 2023

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –
    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 65: The In-House Series Part 5

    Episode 65: The In-House Series Part 5

    · Off The Tracks

    This episode was produced in partnership with LawyersInHouse.com, a law firm composed of former in-house counsel. To see how they can provide insightful, pragmatic, and solutions-focused legal services to you and your legal department, visit LawyersInHouse.com.

    In this episode, we are joined by Sacha Fraser. Sacha earned her law degree from Queen’s University. Her non-linear career path has gone through many phases, including 6 years off the tracks in three different business roles before returning to law and General Counsel positions at Xerox and now, IBM. Sacha is an avid tennis player, photographer, mixologist and playlist curator.

    In this conversation, Sacha shares about how working in-house can provide meaningful opportunities to become immersed in the business of the organization. Sacha explains how a big risk – taking a business role at Xerox – ended up being a great reward! She also gives fantastic tips about email hygiene and reclaiming time in your workday. And, we learn the sweetest reason why Sacha’s children grew up loving Wednesdays!

    Sacha is a mixologist and in an Off the Tracks first, we’re sharing a cocktail recipe with you today! Here’s Sacha “The Justice” recipe:

    A little less than one ounce of St Germaine

    A little more than one ounce of fresh lime juice

    Simple syrup

    Pour it over ice

    Top with prosecco

    To make it a mocktail, use an elderflower drink instead of St Germaine

    Learn from Sacha on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –


    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 64: The In-House Series Part 4

    Episode 64: The In-House Series Part 4

    · Off The Tracks

    This episode was produced in partnership with LawyersInHouse.com, a law firm composed of former in-house counsel. To see how they can provide insightful, pragmatic, and solutions-focused legal services to you and your legal department, visit LawyersInHouse.com.

    In this episode, we are joined by Deepak Iyer. He currently works as Legal Counsel, Technology at First Canadian Title Company Limited.

    In this conversation, Deepak shares about what he’s learned from making 4 job changes early in his career. We also speak about how Deepak’s experience beginning his career in mid-sized cities helped him gain hands-on exposure to complicated files and thorough mentorship. Deepak debunks the myth that you need to wait to go in-house until you have “enough” private practice experience under your belt! And finally, Deepak shares insightful ideas into how law schools can innovate new programming to help graduates be more practice-ready.

    Learn from Deepak on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 63: The In-House Series Part 3

    Episode 63: The In-House Series Part 3

    · Off The Tracks

    This episode was produced in partnership with LawyersInHouse.com, a law firm composed of former in-house counsel. To see how they can provide insightful, pragmatic, and solutions-focused legal services to you and your legal department, visit LawyersInHouse.com.

    In this episode, we are joined by Jaclyn Leong. She is the Senior Director, Legal at Aritzia where she leads the employment law team supporting all workplace and immigration matters across Canada, USA, and abroad. She provides strategic guidance to Aritzia’s leadership team and internal departments as Aritzia expands into new markets and grows its eCommerce business. Jaclyn previously practiced at Farris LLP in downtown Vancouver as part of their labour and employment and litigation groups and in-house at TELUS as part of their Litigation Team.

    In this conversation, Jaclyn takes us through her career trajectory from summer articles with the Department of Justice, to working in private practice, and recently, to her in-house roles in large organizations. Jaclyn tells the story of how not meeting her billable targets in private practice helped redirect her career onto a new path more suited to her ambitions. We learn about Jaclyn’s current experience working at Aritzia – a company focused on expansion and growth. Jaclyn shares about each element of her role at Aritzia and how working in-house has afforded her the opportunity to contribute to business strategy and development. Jaclyn also provides an important reminder and insightful tips about how to be as mindful about building our personal lives as we are about building our careers.

    Learn from Jaclyn on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 62: The In-House Series Part 2

    Episode 62: The In-House Series Part 2

    · Off The Tracks

    This episode was produced in partnership with LawyersInHouse.com, a law firm composed of former in-house counsel. To see how they can provide insightful, pragmatic, and solutions-focused legal services to you and your legal department, visit LawyersInHouse.com.

    In this episode, we are joined by Vivian Ntiri. Vivian is an in-house lawyer, part-time cake artist, runner, and avid reader. She completed the dual JD program at the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She began her career in private practice at a large Bay Street firm and currently works as in-house counsel at Moneris. She loves Afrobeats, Gospel music, TV, and movies.

    In this conversation, we learn about how Vivian found her way to law school and why she chose the cross-border dual JD program. She shares how she transitioned out of private practice and what she loves most about working in-house. Vivian’s story is a great reminder that it’s never too early in your career to begin working in-house.

    Learn from Vivian on LinkedIn

    Learn more about the JD Bridges Foundation

    Learn more about Avenue: Black Undergraduate Law Internship Program

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 61: The In House Series Part 1

    Episode 61: The In House Series Part 1

    · Off The Tracks

    This episode was produced in partnership with LawyersInHouse.com, a law firm composed of former in-house counsel. To see how they can provide insightful, pragmatic, and solutions-focused legal services to you and your legal department, visit LawyersInHouse.com.

    In this episode, we are joined by Christine Holmes. Christine is the Founder and CEO of LawyersInHouse.com. With diverse legal and business experience, Christine founded LawyersInHouse.com on the principle of making legal services more accessible and the legal industry more diverse and inclusive. Her specialties include general commercial law, IT, privacy, advertising, employment, leasing and working within regulatory environments. She has provided legal services to a broad range of clients, from senior executives and in-house counsel of large national and multinational corporations to small businesses and startups. Christine is passionate about changing the legal industry for the better for both her clients and her team.

    In this conversation, we learn about Christine’s entrepreneurship journey and why she created LawyersInHouse.com. Christine emphasizes how each in-house work environment is different, and shares insights about her experiences working in-house at both Cineplex and Pepsi. We also dive into why Christine has built a remote-first company and how she fosters community within her remote team.

    Work with Christine through Lawyers in House

    Learn from Christine on LinkedIn

    Follow LawyersInHouse.com on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –


    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 60: Sustainable Wellness

    Episode 60: Sustainable Wellness

    · Off The Tracks

    Today we are joined by Aladdin Tingling Diakun. Aladdin is a Certified Executive Coach for new planet professionals, a corporate lawyer for small and mid-size enterprises, and a circular economy board chair with nearly 2 decades of experience in climate and sustainability.

    In this episode, Aladdin takes us through the story arc of how he came to attend law school as a mature student, how he emerged from articling a shell of his former self, and now, how he centres wellness at the forefront of his career. We also get curious about Aladdin’s climate advocacy and sustainability work and we learn how everyone can get involved at their own pace. Aladdin also expands our minds by explaining how climate change impacts every area of the law – even areas you would never initially expect! As a coach, Aladdin is highly skilled at asking insightful questions, including the one he leaves us with in this episode: what does it mean to find wellness in the context of such rapid change and discontinuity?

    Learn more about Impact Zero

    Learn more about Lawyers for Climate Justice

    Learn from Aladdin on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 59: Aligned

    Episode 59: Aligned

    · Off The Tracks

    Today we are joined by Paula Price. Paula began her career as a lawyer and now runs her own executive coaching business for lawyers. She coaches lawyers at all levels to help them create greater career satisfaction, whether that means developing practice skills to thrive in the job they're in or making a career transition. Paula is also a podcaster and produces a weekly podcast called The Joyful Practice for Women Lawyers where she shares resources, strategies and interviews to help lawyers thrive in practice.

    Paula’s legal career has taken many forms. She has worked extensively in private practice as a litigator, spent time as a contract research lawyer, built her own on-going lawyer coaching business, and designed and delivered public legal education programs for a non-profit organization. We dive into what motivated Paula to leave private practice – and what drew her to coaching – and how to find career and life experiences that feel aligned with your core values and goals. Paula also takes us through why it is important for lawyers to think about legacy building early in their careers and how a coach can help you craft a career trajectory that reduces burnout.

    Work with Paula through Uplevel Lawyer Coaching

    Listen and subscribe to Paula’s podcast, The Joyful Practice for Women Lawyers

    Learn from Paula on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 58: Through the Lens

    Episode 58: Through the Lens

    · Off The Tracks

    In this episode, we are joined by Kenya-Jade Pinto. Kenya-Jade is an Indo-Kenyan-Canadian documentary photographer, filmmaker, and lawyer. She grew up chasing crabs on the Kenyan coast, before moving to Alberta’s foothills as a teen. Her hyphenated worldview informs her work where she focuses on non-fiction and narrative projects that navigate themes of displacement, belonging, and access to justice.

    When Kenya-Jade began law school, she didn’t see the archetype of the career she wanted reflected anywhere. So, she went out and carved her own creative path. We discuss how to build a sustainable unique career path, taking calculated risks, and we learn what a film producer actually does. Kenya-Jade also gives us an exclusive behind the scenes look at her new photo exhibit, “Storytelling, Migration Journeys, and Technology,” which premiers today (March 28) at the Berkman Klein Institute for Internet & Society at Harvard University.

    Work with Kenya-Jade by clicking here

    Follow along with Kenya-Jade’s work on Instagram and Twitter

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –
    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 57: The 3 Week Rule

    Episode 57: The 3 Week Rule

    · Off The Tracks

    In this episode, we are joined by Shaun Bernstein. Shaun Bernstein is the owner and Chief Storyteller of The Write Stuff Agency, a content writing business based just outside Toronto. A journalist turned lawyer turned storyteller, he helps professionals and businesses better tell their stories through all forms of online content and copywriting.

    Before starting his own business, Shaun held many roles throughout his legal career including: practicing as a lawyer, full-time document review and marketing at a Bay Street law firm. He shares what he has learned throughout his experience transitioning from practicing to non-practicing status, and back again. We dive deep into the current state of mental health in the legal profession and Shaun also talks us through the “3 week rule” to help lawyers figure out the difference between needing to take time off from practice or needing to step away from the profession altogether.

    Work with Shaun through The Write Stuff Agency

    Learn from Shaun on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –
    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 56: Platinum Rule

    Episode 56: Platinum Rule

    · Off The Tracks

    In this episode, we are joined by Erin Zipes. Erin has been a lawyer for eighteen years and has spent half of those years working in tech. She previously spent over seven years at Shopify, serving in a variety of roles including Vice President Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Erin is currently the Chief Legal Officer at 1Password, a password management security software company. Outside of work, Erin also is a Founding Partner of Backbone Angels, a collective of angel investors who invest in women and non-binary founders with a focus on investments in Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour-led companies.

    Erin shares with us the many turning points throughout her career and how she ended up working in tech. By the time Erin left Shopify, she was managing 75 people and we discuss the reality of lawyers as managers. Erin describes her “failure to launch” after articling and how that setback impacted her career outlook. Erin also gives us a behind the scenes look at angel investing and shares how and why Backbone Angels focuses on entrepreneurs who might otherwise not get the funding they need.

    Connect with Erin on LinkedIn

    Follow Erin on Twitter

    Learn more about Backbone Angels

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 55: Do All the Good That You Can

    Episode 55: Do All the Good That You Can

    · Off The Tracks

    In this episode, we are joined by Chevin Commock, who also goes by Sebastian. Chevin is the Manager of Legal Initiatives at The 519, a Toronto based organization committed to the health, happiness, and full participation of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. In this role, Chevin is responsible for managing the administration of The 519’s existing legal clinics and services, legal education work, and other access to justice initiatives. Chevin is a Jamaican native who relocated to Canada in 2015 as a refugee claimant. Chevin is a Leo, and lover of nature and the outdoors.

    Chevin has seen and experienced the law in-action from many vantage points including as a newcomer to Canada, a paralegal, and through his work at The 519. Chevin shares how he first interacted with The 519 by accessing newcomer services and how his involvement with the organization has evolved. Chevin talks us through the scope of The 519’s important initiatives including the Trans ID Clinic, Refugee Mock Hearing, and Case Support Programs. We also discuss the importance of chosen family and Chevin’s exciting future in the legal profession.

    Live in Toronto? Volunteer at The 519!

    Follow The 519 on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter

    Connect with Chevin on LinkedIn

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 54: Niching Down

    Episode 54: Niching Down

    · Off The Tracks

    In this episode, we are joined by Amy Matychuk. Amy is the Founder and Principal Lawyer at Prison and Police Law, a law practice dedicated to advocacy on behalf of those experiencing mistreatment while detained or imprisoned. She previously clerked at the Provincial Court of Alberta and the Nunavut Court of Justice. In her spare time, Amy enjoys powerlifting.

    Immediately following her two clerkships, Amy niched down and began her solo practice. As the only lawyer in Alberta who practices in the niche of prison and police misconduct, Amy takes us through how and why she niched down, and the unique challenges of her practice. Amy shares her brilliant strategies for setting boundaries with clients and strategically protecting her time and work flow. We also learn about Amy’s experience living in Nunavut and her favourite candle hack.

    Work with Amy through Prison and Police Law

    Follow Amy on Twitter

    Follow Prison and Police Law on Instagram 

    Learn more about the Alberta Police Misconduct Database. Amy is on the board for the Alberta Police Misconduct Database Association, which is spearheading an important effort to collect documents related to police misconduct in Alberta all in one searchable place.

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

  • Episode 53: Changemaker Moments

    Episode 53: Changemaker Moments

    · Off The Tracks

    In this episode, we are joined by Jenn Varzari. Jenn is a litigator, fitness business co-owner, wife to a CFO/rapper, and mom to two feisty yet fantastic young boys. After law school, Jenn spent almost 12 years working for a large corporate law firm doing energy litigation. In 2016, when promised a legal role that would permit her “a rich personal life,” she departed big law to join Aviva Trial Lawyers as their first in-house litigation counsel in Calgary. This role change indeed provided her with time to revisit her passion for physical movement, music, and connection via training for and working as a group fitness instructor and eventually co-creating kin+fit, a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive fitness community that continues to stay true to its philanthropic roots.

    Jenn shares about her experience realizing she didn’t want to become a partner at a law firm and how she made her transition out of Big Law. Jenn began auditioning to be a fitness instructor at 40 years old and she talks us through how this process and the communities she found and built have changed her life for the better. Jenn also shares her advice for junior lawyers and her peers, and reminds us that it’s never too late to change your mind, or take a big leap of faith.

    Join the kin+fit community in Calgary

    Follow kin+fit on Instagram

    Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn

    Connect with Jenn on Instagram

    Follow us on Instagram @offthetrackspodcast, check out our website offthetrackspodcast.com, or connect with us by emailing [email protected].

    Thanks for taking some time to step off the tracks with us!

    – Erin & Piper –

    Did you know there are free and confidential mental health supports available to law students, paralegals, and lawyers in every province and territory? Click here to learn more and access services.

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