The Trauma-Informed Lawyer

In this powerful and unflinching conversation, Dr. Samah Jabr explains the psychological realities of Palestinian life under occupation in Gaza. We move beyond headlines to examine the lived experience of genocide, collective trauma, and the systematic use of brutality, torture, and humiliation as tools of control. Dr. Jabr offers a deeply grounded analysis of colonial trauma—how it embeds itself not only in individuals, but in families, communities, and generations. Together, we unpack the psychological impact of ongoing violence, the erosion of dignity, and the ways in which survival itself becomes an act of resistance. Yet this conversation is not only about harm—it is also about healing. We explore community as medicine, the role of collective care, and the power of solidarity across movements. Drawing on liberation psychology, Dr. Jabr reframes mental health beyond individual pathology, calling us toward a more political, relational, and justice-oriented understanding of healing. At its core, this episode is an invitation to witness, to feel, and to consider what revolutionary love looks like in the face of trauma. Resources & Further Reading: You can learn more about Dr. Jabr here: https://drsamahjabr.com/ Behind the Frontlines: Tales of Resistance and Resilience in Palestine by Dr. Samah Jabr Content Note: This episode includes discussion of genocide, war, torture, and systemic violence. Please listen with care.

In this episode, I’m joined by my team—Ally and Mariana—for a candid debrief after our recent conference. We take you behind the scenes of what it really took to bring this gathering to life. We share: The moments that stood out most—the powerful, the unexpected, and the deeply moving Some of the challenges and pressure points we navigated along the way The wins we’re celebrating (both visible and behind the scenes) Reflections on the speakers, their messages, and the impact they left on us The people and moments that shifted us in ways we’re still processing This conversation is honest, reflective, and rooted in what it means to do this kind of work in real time—not just when things go right, but when they’re complex, emotional, and evolving. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the event ends, this is that conversation. The closing Maori prayer of protection was given by Tere Davis who is the Chairperson of Hei Tatau Pounamu, a tikanga‑based restorative justice trust in Auckland. 

In this deeply honest, vulnerable,  courageous and inter-generational conversation, I am joined by Leslie Priscilla of Latinx Parenting, my daughter Ally Hrbacek, Mariana Trujillo-Lezama, and her mother Claudia Lezama. Together, we explore a powerful and necessary truth: there is no healing or justice without the liberation of children. We name something many struggle to say out loud—children are often mistreated in ways that have been normalized. Through control, punishment, dismissal, and the assumption of adult authority, harm is perpetuated in everyday parenting practices. Leslie calls this what it is: adult supremacy, and challenges us to radically rethink how we relate to children. This conversation moves beyond blame and into awareness. Across generations, we reflect on the parenting we received, the patterns we’ve inherited, and the courage it takes to interrupt cycles of harm. We speak to the tension of loving our children deeply while also confronting the ways we may unknowingly replicate what hurt us. We also hold a profound truth: children are not just beings we raise—they are teachers, mirrors, and healers. They reveal where we are still wounded. They invite us to reconnect with our own inner children. And they call us into the work of healing—not just individually, but across generations. In this episode, we explore: the normalization of harm in parenting; power, control, and adult supremacy; what it means to truly love and respect children;  children as teachers and guides in our healing; the necessity of re-parenting ourselves; and why the liberation of children is essential to any vision of justice or healing. This is not a conversation about perfect parenting. It is a conversation about truth, accountability, and transformation. Because how we treat children shapes not only families— but the world we are creating. --- Leslie Priscilla is a parent coach, educator, and the founder of Latinx Parenting, a bilingual movement rooted in children’s rights, social and racial justice, nonviolence, and intergenerational healing. Her work focuses on: liberating children from harmful and oppressive parenting practices supporting parents in reparenting themselves healing intergenerational and ancestral trauma and decolonizing family systems She has worked with thousands of parents, educators, and professionals through workshops, trainings, and community-based programming. Leslie’s highly anticipated book, Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Culture through Nonviolent Parenting, is available for pre-order and will be released on August 18, 2026. In Chancla, Leslie: examines “la chancla” as both a cultural symbol and a legacy of normalized violence invites readers to move away from fear, shame, and corporal punishment offers a path rooted in connection, reflection, and ancestral healing and supports readers in healing both their parenting practices and their inner child Blending storytelling, history, and practical tools, this book is a guide for anyone seeking to break cycles and create homes grounded in love, safety, and respect. Connect with Leslie Website: Latinx Parenting Instagram: @LatinxParenting Instagram (Leslie): @comadre.wellness Leslie will also be presenting at the Justice as Trauma Summit in Vancouver from April 7-9. Learn more here: www.myrnamccallum.co/jat2026

In this intimate and wide-ranging conversation, Myrna sits down with her best friend Shain Jackson for a soulful exploration of love, art, healing, spirituality, and relationship—with all the honesty, laughter, and tenderness that only a lifelong friendship allows.Together, they reflect on how love shapes who we become, how trauma informs our relationships, and how learning to listen—to ourselves, to spirit, and to one another—is an ongoing practice. This episode weaves personal stories with deeper teachings about healing, creativity, and the role of art as a living, breathing expression of spiritual connection.Shain shares the vision behind his Story Booth Project, an initiative dedicated to creating physical recording spaces where Indigenous people can safely share and preserve their stories, teachings, and lived experiences for future generations. Rooted in respect, sovereignty, and cultural continuity, the project is both an act of preservation and a form of resistance.The conversation also touches on Shain’s entrepreneurial and community-building work through Spirit Works, as well as his nonprofit Golden Eagle Rising, which centers Indigenous resurgence, creativity, and community care.At its heart, this episode is about love as a teacher—love in friendship, love in art, love in healing, and love as a spiritual force that guides us home to ourselves.This is a conversation for anyone navigating growth, grief, creativity, relationships, and the sacred work of becoming.To see Shain's work: www.spiritworks.ca and www.goldeneaglerising.org  

In this powerful episode of The Trauma-Informed Lawyer Podcast, Myrna welcomes James, the somatic practitioner behind Soma Reset Toronto and the viral TikTok account Nervous System Care Toronto, where he has become a trusted voice on trauma, embodiment, and nervous system regulation.James has a unique ability to translate complex somatic principles into simple, humane, tangible practices. His work resonates because it is grounded in the body, not theory — and because he speaks from a place of humility, lived experience, and deep compassion for the human condition.Together, Myrna and James explore what it means to reconnect with the body after trauma and stress, why healing requires slowness, and how nervous system care is actually a path toward personal liberation.In This Episode, We Explore:✨ What a dysregulated nervous system looks and feels likeJames breaks down the signs we often overlook — the ways our bodies communicate distress long before our minds catch up.✨ Why regulation is relationalWe heal through connection, attunement, and being witnessed. James explains how co-regulation shapes safety and eventually leads to self-regulation.✨ Trauma as a bodily imprint, not a storyThey discuss why insight alone doesn’t shift survival responses, and how somatic practices create change that talking cannot reach.✨ The importance of slowness in healingJames shares why slow work is not “less work” — it’s nervous-system-friendly work. The body moves at the pace of safety, not urgency.✨ How simple, consistent practices reshape the systemJames offers examples of easy, daily nervous system resets that help build resilience and reduce chronic activation.✨ Why somatic work is exploding onlineFrom TikTok trends to collective burnout, they touch on why so many people are increasingly turning toward body-based healing.About James (Soma Reset Toronto)James is a somatic practitioner and educator based in Toronto. Through his practice, Soma Reset, and his fast-growing TikTok presence under Nervous System Care Toronto, he offers accessible teachings on nervous system regulation, trauma physiology, and embodied healing. His content has helped millions understand their patterns, reconnect with their bodies, and explore somatic work in a grounded, non-performative way.Key TakeawaysHealing happens in the body first, story second.Regulation is built in connection, not isolation.The nervous system responds to consistency more than intensity.Slow is safe. Slow is sustainable. Slow is healing.Somatic work is not a trend — it is a remembering.Connect with JamesSoma Reset Toronto : https://somabody.com/pages/somaresetTikTok: @nervoussystemcaretorontoInstagram: @somabody_

Season 4 of The Trauma-Informed Lawyer Podcast launches with an invitation — and a challenge — to everyone working in law and leadership. In this episode, Myrna shares insights from her talk to judges on how trauma, culture, and integrity intersect in the pursuit of justice.She reframes the trauma-informed movement as just the starting point. True transformation happens when we move beyond awareness to embodiment — when we center humanity, integrity, and relational accountability in every interaction and decision.Themes explored:Why trauma-informed practice is the bare minimum standard in today’s justice systemsHow cultural responsiveness deepens empathy and understanding in judicial decision-makingWhat it means to embody integrity in leadership rolesPractical strategies for judges and legal professionals to bring humanity into their workThe importance of self-awareness and wellness as justice toolsMentioned in this episode:Myrna’s training and speaking work with the judiciaryTrauma-informed principles in judicial reasoningThe call for systems change rooted in relational accountabilityConnect with Myrna:website: www.myrnamccallum.co IG @thetraumainformedlawyer TT: traumainformedlawyer LI: thetraumainformedlawyer

Angela Sterritt is an award-winning Gitxsan woman and former journalist who has been  recognized for her groundbreaking reporting on Indigenous issues. Her memoir Unbroken has been hailed as both heartbreaking and inspiring, weaving her own story of survival with broader systemic patterns of violence against Indigenous women and girls. In this episode, Angela and Myrna talk about:The power of naming and telling our stories.What it means to carry responsibility as a storyteller.Finding strength in truth and justice.The responsibility settlers have to confront colonialism - and heal their traumas.Hope, healing and dreaming.Lessons from Unbroken. You can buy Unbroken here: https://greystonebooks.com/products/unbroken?srsltid=AfmBOoqhuCNYtQusjdLaUrhMK40ubfBurFr4fRpCXe7mfEIpHuc6w42K and to learn more about Angela Sterritt, please visit her website at: https://angelasterritt.com/To watch the panel with Angela from the 2025 Justice as Trauma Conference, please visit Myrna's video library: https://www.myrnamccallum.co/video-libraryTo get pre-sale tickets to the next Justice as Trauma Conference in Vancouver from April 7-9 (where Angela will be speaking) please visit: https://www.myrnamccallum.co/jat2026

In this episode, I bring listeners back to the Justice as Trauma Conference held last week in Vancouver, by sharing a compilation of feedback and testimonials from attendees. Their reflections highlight the deep impact of the conference and the importance of integrating trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices into our work. I also share my keynote, which explored healing, humility, and humanity in the legal profession. I invite listeners to pause and reflect on these essential questions:➡️ If not you, then who?➡️ If not now, when?This keynote which begins at 21:40 serves as both a reflection and a challenge to step into the work of creating safer, more compassionate spaces in law, leadership, and advocacy. Some Key Takeaways:Healing Through Justice: Integrating trauma-informed practices into systems and relationships.Humility as Strength: Embracing lifelong learning and acknowledging our limits.Humanity in Leadership: Creating authentic, compassionate spaces where safety and trust can thrive.🔗 Explore More:Discover upcoming trainings at www.myrnamccallum.coSubscribe to The Trauma-Informed Lawyer podcast for future episodes.Connect with me on LinkedIn, IG and TikTok to continue the conversation. 

In this episode, I sit down with personal injury lawyer Jordan Assaraf to discuss his role as co-counsel for the plaintiffs in the Ukraine Airlines case. Jordan shares his insights on the challenges of advocating for victims of large-scale tragedies and how his willingness to adapt has shaped his approach to trauma-informed legal work.We explore:🔹 The complexities of the Ukraine Airlines case and the commitment to do no further harm to the families of the victims🔹 How Jordan’s background in personal injury law informs his work in mass litigation🔹 The importance of a trauma-informed approach when working with survivors and their families🔹 What it means to adapt as a lawyer in high-stakes, emotionally charged casesJoin us for a powerful conversation on justice, resilience, and the evolving role of legal professionals in supporting those impacted by tragedy. If you can join us at the Justice as Trauma Conference, visit www.myrnamccallum.co for more info and tickets. You can check out the Ukraine Airlines case and the trauma informed guidelines Jordan helped create here: https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2024/2024onsc3303/2024onsc3303.htmlGuest Bio:Jordan Assaraf is a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience in complex litigation. His work on the Ukraine Airlines case reflects his commitment to advocating for those who have been harmed and ensuring a trauma-informed approach to legal representation. You can learn more about Jordan's work at www.gluckstein.com You can also read Jordan's blog post here: https://www.gluckstein.com/news-item/are-we-seeing-a-positive-paradigm-shift-in-our-justice-system--trauma-informed-trial-guidelines-for-ukraine-international-airlines-flight-752 Gluckstein also has their very own podcast: https://www.gluckstein.com/resources/videos-and-podcasts   

In this powerful episode, we welcome the brilliant Nkem Ndefo, founder of Lumos Transforms and creator of The Resilience Toolkit. Nkem is a visionary leader in the fields of trauma-informed care, resilience, and organizational healing. Together, we explore the intersections of compassionate communication, trauma-informed leadership, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), offering insights that can transform not only our personal lives but also the way we lead and build workplaces and communities.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- What resilience truly means and how to cultivate it in times of stress  - How trauma-informed leadership can create healthier, more effective organizations  - The power of compassionate communication in fostering meaningful connections  - The role of DEI in creating sustainable, inclusive workplaces  - Practical strategies for organizational healing and cultural transformation  About Our Guest:Nkem Ndefo is a certified nurse-midwife, trauma expert, and founder of Lumos Transforms. With a background in nursing, midwifery, and somatic healing, Nkem has dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations navigate trauma, build resilience, and create systemic change through compassionate and sustainable practices. She will also be a featured speaker at the Justice as Trauma 2025 Conference in Vancouver, bringing her expertise to a global stage. For more info on this event, visit: www.myrnamccallum.co/jat2025Resources & Links:- Learn more about Nkem Ndefo and her work at [Lumos Transforms](https://www.lumostransforms.com)  - Explore The Resilience Toolkit: [Resilience Toolkit](https://www.resiliencetoolkit.co)  - Follow Nkem on [LinkedIn] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkemndefo) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lumostransforms)  Join the Conversation:Have thoughts on this episode? We’d love to hear from you! Share your reflections on social media using #ResilienceToolkit and tag us. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps more people find these important conversations!   

Heather Hart, host of the I'm Human Too podcast and Spokane area therapist stops in to chat with me about psychedelic assisted therapy. For more info on psychedelic assisted therapy or to find a therapist, visit maps.org and https://firesideproject.org/ And be sure to check out Heather's podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/imhumantoo/episodes/Introducing-Im-Human-Too-with-Heather-Hart-e2hgom5 Please also check out: www.myrnamccallum.co/jat2025 for info about my upcoming conference, where Heather will be speaking on how psychedelics are studied and used to heal trauma. 

Today's conversation is with Asha Frost, published author, speaker, spiritual mentor and modern day medicine woman. To learn more about Asha, please check out her website: www.ashafrost.com To learn more about the Justice as Trauma Conference, visit: www.myrnamccallum.co/jat2025

Exploring Racial Trauma and Transforming Justice with Robert Seymour Wright. Join Myrna McCallum, a Métis Cree lawyer and passionate advocate for trauma-informed lawyering, in this compelling episode of The Trauma-Informed Lawyer podcast. Myrna sits down with Robert Seymour Wright, a queer, African Nova Scotian social worker and sociologist, to discuss the profound impact of racial trauma and the importance of integrating trauma-informed practices within the legal profession.Robert shares his remarkable journey and insights, shedding light on the systemic challenges faced by Black and Indigenous communities. He delves into the significance of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) in the justice system, highlighting their role in addressing systemic racism and promoting fair sentencing. Robert's candid reflections on his personal experiences and professional mission provide a powerful narrative on resilience, advocacy, and the transformative potential of trauma-informed approaches.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of racial trauma, the importance of community, and the need for holistic support systems. Robert's engaging storytelling, combined with his profound knowledge and humor, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone committed to fostering a more equitable and compassionate legal system.

This episode is emotional, raw, real and it isn't my regular content and deals with heavy subject matter including addiction, death, overdose, suicide, self-harm, sexual abuse, residential schools and my Indigenous lived experience. Listen with care. Seek support at 988 if you are in crisis and/or need support. RIP my brother Ty Iron. May the spirit world deliver what your life could never. 

Dimple Dhabalia began her career as a lawyer but after a stint at the Attorney General's office in Denver, she found her calling as an asylum officer. Working for almost two decades at the crossroads of the government and humanitarian sectors, Dimple found her job fulfilling, but it also led to vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and burnout. With a mission to put the word “human” back in “humanitarian,” she started “Roots in the Clouds” which - among other things - supports humanitarians around the world in challenging the narrative of service before self  and normalizes improving and protecting mental health in the workplace.Dimple’s book is titled, Tell Me My Story: Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self. You can find here on Twitter @dimpstory  And don’t forget to check her website: rootsintheclouds.comYou can also listen to Dimple's podcast, Service Without Sacrifice: Conversations on Hope and Healing here: https://pod.link/1720788849

In 2019, Marlee Liss's sexual assault case became the first in North America to get resolved in a restorative justice process instead of ending up in a criminal trial. Today, Marlee Liss is a restorative justice advocate, award-winning speaker, and embodiment coach. Her story is a testament that restorative justice provides a rare opportunity for survivors to heal in a way that respects their need for boundaries, care, and consent...while also initiating a transformative process for those who cause harm.Marlee’s social media handle is @marleeliss. Find her work at www.marleeliss.com The second edition of her (poetry) book Re-Humanize is just out.This episode discusses sexual violence,suicide and sexual harm. If you need support please call 8-1-1 in Canada or visit https://endingviolencecanada.org/sexual-assault-centres-crisis-lines-and-support-services/ for a list of crisis lines, support services and sexual assault centres in your area. 

Today's episode is a special one. I am sharing an episode of Ben Perrin's podcast, Indictment: the Criminal Justice System on Trial which can be found here: https://indictment.simplecast.com/ In the most recent episode of Indictment, Ben shares Harold Johnson's final public talk - and what a gift it is to listen to Harold one more time. For more info on the Justice as Trauma Conference, please check out: www.justiceastrauma.ca Below is a copy of Ben's show notes from the original Indictment episode: Powerful. Unflinching. Visionary. Hear Indigenous lawyer and author Harold Johnson (1957-2022) deliver his final public lecture powerfully indicting the Canadian criminal justice system and making an impassioned case for Indigenous justice. A member of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Harold was a Harvard-trained Crown prosecutor and criminal defence lawyer who quit practising law because of the harm it was causing Indigenous people. Instead, he devoted the rest of his life to advocating for Indigenous justice and developing and implementing initiatives to bring healing and restoration in Indigenous communities. This special episode was recorded live on November 8, 2021 at the UBC Peter A. Allard School of Law in Vancouver as Harold spoke to the entire first year class. Harold Johnson passed away three months later on February 9, 2022. His legacy and words live on.Content Note: discussion of trauma, intimate partner violence, violence, suicide, death by impaired driving, substance use, colonial violence against Indigenous people including residential schools and incarceration. There is also mention of sexual violence. Click here for mental health support resources if you need support. Harold's book include:Harold Johnson, Peace and Good Order: The Case for Indigenous Justice in Canada Harold Johnson, Firewater: How Alcohol Is Killing My People (and Yours)Order your copy of Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial  (Aevo UTP, 2023). Visit www.benjaminperrin.ca for the latest news and upcoming events. Thank you to Joan Johnson for permission to share this lecture.  

Louise Marra is a systems healer and founder of Spirited Leadership and Unity House. By coaching companies and NGOs across sectors in New Zealand, Louise aims to create a space for what she terms "walking restorers." These individuals can foster new relationships and promote practices that help heal historical wounds that creep into today’s workplaces. Louise believes that leaders have the responsibility to bring restoration of past and present trauma into their organizations.Louise’s book is called “ReRoot: The Nature of Change Through the System of Trees”. Watch out for a trauma-informed leadership course with Louise Marra on the pocketproject.org

Natalie Gutierrez, author of The Pain We Carry, Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color, is a critical POC voice in a wellness space dominated by white trauma experts. Through her personal lens and professional lens as a Puerto Rican complex trauma therapist, Natalie explains how historical and cultural trauma is experienced by Black people, Indigenous people and People of Colour - and how cultural burdens and legacies inform our relationships and internal family systems. Natalie is remarkable and you can catch her among a line-up of powerful presenters at the upcoming Justice As Trauma conference, in Vancouver from April 3-5, 2024. Please visit https://www.myrnamccallum.co/justiceastrauma for details - and don’t forget to order her book, The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color. 

The justice system in Canada is broken. It traumatizes people who go through it and leaves them worse off. But how can we change a system that refuses to transform itself? Today, I talk with Benjamin Perrin, a law professor at the University of British Columbia Allard School of Law. We talk about how this revolutionary author is shaking up the status quo with his book and podcast series, Indictment: Criminal Justice System on Trial, and about the tools and approaches that break the cycles of harm and trauma in the courts, policing and prisons. It's time to challenge the system! Check out Ben's companion podcast at https://indictment.simplecast.com/ and his website for more info: https://benjaminperrin.ca/If you want to attend the Justice as Trauma Conference, where Ben will be speaking alongside Dr. Gabor Mate and others, you can find more details here: https://www.myrnamccallum.co/justiceastrauma

Kisâkihitin, nitanis means "I love you, my daughter" however many of my people also accept the interpretation, "I love you, my girl". This is a personal story about my mom and I. Her name was Judy Marilyn McCallum. This story is my contribution to National Truth and Reconciliation Day, 2023. One day - maybe - this story will be published among other stories in a book. CW: I cover topics including suicide, sexual assault, child abuse, physical violence, residential school, Indian hospitals, medical experimentation and addiction. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.

Ret. Police Officer Dan Jones and I discuss the disturbing trend of dehumanizing Indigenous women in Canada. The most recent case in point: the refusal of the Manitoba premiere to search for the remains of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris. This episode may be triggering for some as we discuss murder, violence, sexual abuse, policing, homelessness, sex workers, and the Pickton murders. 

What does it mean to be visible in a job where you need to remain impartial? Today on the show, I speak with Michael Sonberg, a retired NYC judge who was one of the founding members of the International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges. We talk about Michael’s experiences as an openly gay judge and how the Association is helping to build community for LGBTQ2S+ members of the judiciary all over the world. We may be at the end of Pride Month, but pride and solidarity are a year-round practice. 

This truth and reconciliation episode with my daughter, Alicia, and Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk, is inspired by a recent event which transpired at a local Women of Distinction awards ceremony in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 

Myrna's conversation with Vina Brown of Copper Canoe Woman Creations will uplift and inspire you. Vina Brown is a force, a healer, a helper, an artist and a successful Indigenous business owner. This conversation explores healing trauma for Indigenous people including the long-silenced/secret many carry: childhood sexual abuse (trigger warning) and the need for communities to heal together. CW: This episode also discusses eating disorders, sexual trauma, grief and loss. You will hear about an upcoming Indigenous-only course called "LoveBack" so if you're interested in attending, contact [email protected] for more information. Please follow @coppercanoewoman on IG and order some "LoveBack" earrings today!

Myrna discusses why psychological safety is an imperative in all our relationships and invites listeners to prioritize the same. She also shares a recent experience where no safety was present or promised, as well as, an entirely different experience with a group of Indigenous people who knew exactly how to hold a safe space for her and each other. 

Season 3 is here thanks to a generous gift from the BC Law Foundation! Thank you BC Law Foundation. Dr. Amar Dhall is back for round 2 to talk about introception, bio-hacking the nervous system, the importance of trauma-informed practice, emotional intelligence and to share details on our upcoming retreat in Whistler BC from April 11-13, 2023. Join us! 

Myrna recaps 2022 and highlights holiday depression, suicidal ideation, grief, gratitude, Gabor Mate and the healing we need in the legal profession. Caution: Myrna also drops a couple F bombs. 

Natalie Netzel of Mitchell Hamline Law School explains why trauma-informed lawyering is the way forward for law schools, legal educators and future lawyers.

Bonus episode. Myrna gave a talk to the women of the Trial Lawyers Association of BC in Whistler, BC on October 22, 2022. She discussed boundaries, self-regulation, the consequences of never saying no and feeling like a smeagol in a room full of frodos. Enjoy! 

Ontario Court of Justice Patrice Band discusses trauma in the courtroom and his decision in R. v. Marratt which is the first of its kind to comment on vicarious trauma in the courtroom in the context of CP cases. This episode is Justice Band's call for everyone in the legal profession to learn more about trauma, its impacts on all of us and to explore how we can reduce its frequency. If you have a Chief Judge or Justice in your life or a Minster of Justice, please share this episode with them. May we all, one day soon, see a trauma-informed courtroom in Canada. 

This is an emotional episode which discusses Indian Residential Schools, child rape, the memories that haunt us and the hard stories we have to tell. It also focuses on healing and empathy and the choices we must make in order to heal. This episode also offers listeners ideas on how they can connect to Canada's Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Support this podcast at: https://ko-fi.com/thetraumainformedlawyer 

This episode discusses the recent murders which occurred on James Smith Cree Nation and the town of Weldon in Saskatchewan. The focus of this conversation with Dan Jones is primarily on the subject of racism and stereotyping Indigenous communities as we have sometimes seen in the justice system, media reports and Corrections Canada as well as the National Parole Board of Canada decisions. 

"The retributive focus of the colonial legal system results in much trauma, particularly with respect to criminal justice. The enlightenment that comes with becoming trauma-informed can assist lawyers, decision makers and others involved in addressing conflict to overcome deep-rooted systemic hurdles. Viewing conflict through a relational lens which embraces principles of restorative justice supports relinquishing control over the achievement of “justice” and instead focusing on restoration." - Vanessa Slater 

Dr. Amar Dhall shares his wisdom, insights and data on emotional intelligence and the art of living. The conversation is critical for those in occupations which value IQ over EQ. 

Myrna and a few of her friends and colleagues are delivering a course on trauma-informed justice which will be delivered via Zoom Events from July 20-22. This course is for everyone, not just lawyers. This course is open for registration. Register today at www.myrnamccallum.co 

Dan Jones and Nicole Whiskeyjack share their story of hope and healing in the criminal justice system. Nicole was sent to prison for kidnapping and Dan was the officer who arrested her. Many years later, Dan has become Nicole's father and the two of them educate law makers, law students, police officers and lawyers on the importance of possibility, healing and relationship building in policing. 

This episode is a reproduction of Myrna's closing Keynote for the 16th Annual Family Law Summit sponsored by the Law Society of Ontario and their Continuing Professional Development Department, originally delivered via Zoom on March 29, 2022.

This episode reflects on an earlier episode called, The Duty to Do Better: The Law Student Version. Law professors and instructors offer their perspectives on teaching in a trauma-informed way, lawyer and law student mental health, and modern legal education in Canada and the USA. This conversation includes Claudia Pena (UCLA), Anna Lund (UofA), Sarah Katz (Temple Uni), Andrew Pilliar (TRU), Zara Suleman (UVic), Brittany Goud (UVic), and Jeffrey Meyers (TRU). 

Fritzi Horstman of the Compassion Prison Project discusses prisoners, policing, trauma, ACES, intergenerational trauma, the justice system, racism, and how our humanity can get lost in our occupations. This episode references acts of violence. 

Chantel Sparklingeyes offers criminal court actors advice on how to decolonize the unjust legal system known for its dehumanizing practices when working with Indigenous people as victims, survivors, offenders and witnesses. CW: This talk covers subjects of sexual abuse, IPV and intergenerational trauma.

This solo episode explores concepts of healing, humility, humanity and collective trauma put forward by Thomas Hubl, Sherri Mitchell, CJ Robert Bauman, US Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Nelson Mandela. 

Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren describes her pathway to creating the first Mental Health Court in America and offers compelling insight into how education, understanding, compassion and dignity can transform lives for lawyers, judges and defendants who appear in her courtroom. This episode discusses mental illness, mental health, decriminalization and justice as healing. 

This episode includes a discussion about mental health, wellness, vicarious trauma, mindfulness, yoga and collective care practices among police officers within the Edmonton Police Service. 

CW: This episode mentions suicide, sexual abuse of children and other acts of violence. 

CW: This episode discusses violence and victimization. 

September 30th is Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, will you be a witness? 

The episode discusses Canada's genocide against Indigenous people, sexual assault cases and culture as  healing tool for Indigenous people. 

This episode discusses racism, sterotyping and the harm legal educators and legal institutions can sometimes cause racialized, Black and Indigenous law students - as well as those experiencing mental health challenges. 

Myrna invites listeners/lawyers to reflect on what they offer and what they don't when engaging with clients, the courts and each other.