The Trauma-Informed Lawyer

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 jennifer@myrnamccallum.co for more information. Please follow @coppercanoewoman on IG and order some "LoveBack" earrings today!