Home
About Us
Additional Services
News and Events
Addiction
Mental Health
Ongoing Groups
Women's Wellness
Career
Articles
Lawyer's Weekly Articles
Resources
Volunteer Information and Handbook
Newsletters
Current Studies and Reports
OLAP Annual Reports
Inspiration
Donate to OLAP
Paralegals
Contact and Directions

THE ONTARIO LAWYERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Women's Wellness

As part of OLAP's vision to promote a lifestyle of balance and well being for all members of the legal profession, and to prevent problems through early intervention, OLAP (in conjunction with the Women's Law Association of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association) has developed the Women's Work and Wellness Group Luncheon Series.

The goal of these quarterly meetings is to promote wellness and balance for women in the legal profession.  These informative luncheon meetings are a great way to meet and discuss issues of importance to women lawyers.

Come and hear interesting presenters discuss topics of interest and importance to women lawyers. Take some time for yourself and meet colleagues.

Some feedback from our recent luncheons:

“This was the first luncheon I attended.  I liked the casual atmosphere.  It is also interesting to listen to speakers address a topic that pertains to a lawyer’s personal life since most seminars geared towards lawyers address the latest developments in the law.”

“The supportive, encouraging, friendly atmosphere was great.”

“The luncheon provides the chance to mingle with other lawyers; provides education on interesting and useful topics not covered in traditional teaching of the law, but is very important.”

“I really enjoyed meeting participants and hearing about topics that have been a concern to me - nice to see that I am not alone.”

“The thing I like most about the luncheons is that I have the opportunity to articulate some of the very important issues that we never have time to think about.”

“The best part of the luncheon series is having the opportunity to listen to the speakers and speak to them on an individual basis afterwards.”

If you wish to subscribe to receive our notices for upcoming luncheons, please contact Jill Keaney at j.keaney@olap.ca or by telephone at 905-238-1740.

Upcoming Luncheons

OLAP WOMEN'S WORK AND WELLNESS GROUP LUNCHEON MEETING
Date: December 2, 2011
12:00 p.m. Lunch/Networking - 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Presentation
Topic: "Finding Purpose and Meaning in Your Work"
Speaker: Lisa Taylor
PLACE: Ontario Bar Association Conference Centre
20 Toronto St., Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5C 2B8

We welcome a $5.00 voluntary payment to help cover costs of the lunch

Presenter:

In 2003, Lisa Taylor completed her first (of five) 60 km walks for charity and was overwhelmed by the sense of satisfaction she gained from accomplishing such a daunting and personal goal. She knew others were seeking that same sense of fulfillment and Challenge Factory was born. Combining her 10 years of strategic consulting experience and her interests in coaching and mentoring, Lisa set out to understand why so many peers were seeking more meaningful work - despite successful careers. Along the way, she identified 4 significant periods in time when people experience career "crisis".

Deadline for registration is November 25, 2011

RSVP:
Patty deLaat
, Women's Law Association of Ontario
email wlao@cogeco.ca
Jeanne Moon, Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program
email jeanne@olap.ca

Past Luncheon Summaries

OLAP WOMEN'S WORK AND WELLNESS GROUP LUNCHEON MEETING
Date: March 24, 2011
12:00 p.m. Lunch/Networking - 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Presentation
Topic: "Dealing With Difficult People"
Speaker: Cheryl S. Williams
PLACE: Ontario Bar Association Conference Centre
20 Toronto St., Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5C 2B8

We welcome a $5.00 voluntary payment to help cover costs of the lunch

Presenter:

Cheryl Williams Since her call to the Bar in 2000, Ms. Williams has developed an extensive family law practice including complex financial, property and support disputes. She has written for family law publications, the Bar Admission Course, and the LSUC Continuing Legal Education Program. Since 2004, she appears in an educational film on separation and divorce produced for the public by the Superior Court of Justice for the Mandatory Information Program and is a speaker at this program. She is also a Council Member of the Ontario Bar Association and its Mentorship Committee.

As lawyers, we come across difficult clients, opposing counsel and, at times, challenging colleagues. Our guest speaker, Cheryl S. Williams, will be sharing a useful structure (through the work of Bill Eddy) for understanding different types of difficult people and some effective management strategies that can assist you in your day to day work. You will learn:

  • How to identify the different categories of difficult people
  • Effective Tips for dealing with different characteristics

This will be a dynamic discussion filled with real examples showcasing the skills and strategies available to all of us. Don't miss this important presentation. It will be of special interest to family lawyers who often have double difficulty--complex clients and demands of opposing counsel. These strategies can be applied to our personal and family relationships too!

Deadline for registration is Friday, March 18, 2011

RSVP:
Krista Martin Gorelle
email kgorelle@osc.gov.on.ca
Patty deLaat
, Women's Law Association of Ontario
email wlao@cogeco.ca
Jill Keaney, Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program
email j.keaney@olap.ca

OLAP WOMEN'S WORK AND WELLNESS GROUP LUNCHEON MEETING
Date: January 28, 2011
12:00 p.m. Lunch/Networking - 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Presentation
Topic: ""Feel Free to Change! Looking at Alternative Careers""
Speaker: Christine Staley
PLACE: Ontario Bar Association Conference Centre
20 Toronto St., Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5C 2B8

Presenter:

Christine Staley graduated from University of Ottawa Law School and is a member of both the Ontario and Alberta bar. She articled and practiced at a full service firm in downtown Toronto. Her "alternative career" began as Associate Director of the Canadian Center of Professional Legal Development in Alberta. Currently, the acting Director of Professional Development for the Association of Ontario Midwives, Christine also develops programming for the Law Society of Upper Canada. An active volunteer, Christine offers her experience and enthusiasm to child welfare focused charities such as Make a Wish Foundation, Sidelines Org., and the Terra Foundation. Christine's most important role however is that of "Mom" to a very keen kindergartener and a precocious little 2 year old who both keep her on her toes.

You will learn how to:

  • Assess that an alternative career in law may be worth pursuing
  • Narrow your search
  • Make contacts
  • Use technology in your search

http://www.thecompletelawyer.com/what-are-your-options-exploring-alternative-careers-before-leaving-the-law.html

Deadline for registration is Friday, January 21, 2011

RSVP:
Krista Martin Gorelle
email kgorelle@osc.gov.on.ca
Patty deLaat
, Women's Law Association of Ontario
email wlao@wlao.on.ca
Jill Keaney, Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program
email j.keaney@olap.ca

OLAP WOMEN'S WORK AND WELLNESS GROUP LUNCHEON MEETING
Date: November 18, 2010
12:00 p.m. Lunch/Networking - 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Presentation
Topic: "A Taste of Mindfulness"
Speaker: Naomi Nurgitz LLB
PLACE: Ontario Bar Association Conference Centre
20 Toronto St., Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5C 2B8

Presenter:

Naomi Nurgitz practiced law for 18 years and ADR for eleven, and understands the stress involved in practicing law and balancing career and life. She found "Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction" (MBSR) so effective that she changed careers and became a qualified MBSR trainer. She trained under Dr. Diane Reibel, the Director of the Stress Reduction Program at Jefferson University's Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Medicine, and Roy Hintsa, a senior MBSR facilitator who, himself, trained under John Kabat-Zinn, the founder of the original MBSR program.. Naomi has her own experience to draw on as well as the testimonials from people who have benefited from the approach.

What are the benefits of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Lawyers?

  • Reducing stress frees up energy for family, work and fun.
  • Becoming aware of our own perceptions and how they limit us, can help widen our ability to problem solve, be creative and change our relationship to the challenges life presents us.
  • MBSR cultivates ability for self care. We can't look after others if we don't look after ourselves.
  • MBSR improves ability to focus efficiently, and thus can increase productivity.

RSVP:
Krista Martin Gorelle
email kgorelle@osc.gov.on.ca
Patty deLaat
, Women's Law Association of Ontario
email wlao@wlao.on.ca
Jill Keaney, Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program
email j.keaney@olap.ca

 

OLAP WOMEN'S WORK AND WELLNESS GROUP LUNCHEON MEETING
Date: September 16, 2010
Time: 12:00 p.m. Lunch/Networking - 12:15-1:00 p.m. Presentation
Topic: "Nobody's Dirty Laundry: Shining the light on Mental Illness"
Speaker: Karen Liberman
PLACE: Doris Law Office, 222 Somerset W, 2nd Floor, Board Room Ottawa, ON, K2P 2G3

Presenter:

Karen Liberman is a dynamic presenter with a passion for helping people understand and deal with mental health issues. She is president of the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. She is a long-time community activist, workshop presenter, group facilitator and social justice advocate. Above all, she is a shining example of hope and recovery. She has received many awards including the Ontario Psychological Association’s Public Service Award, the prestigious Douglas Utting Award of excellence in combating the stigma of depression and the Courage to Come Back Award from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

RSVP:
Patty deLaat, Women's Law Association of Ontario
email wlao@wlao.on.ca
Jill Keaney, Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program
email j.keaney@olap.ca

OLAP WOMEN'S WORK AND WELLNESS GROUP LUNCHEON MEETING
Date: May 28, 2010
Time: 12:00 p.m. Lunch/Networking - 12:15-1:00 p.m. Presentation
Topic: Women in Law: Exploring the Options
Speaker: Alison Hurst, of LSUC, will speak on the Contract Lawyers' Registry. Nina Moritsugu, of Cognition, will speak on contract in-house counsel positions.
PLACE: Ontario Bar Association Conference Centre, 20 Toronto St., Suite 200 Toronto

Women Lawyers have options for employment apart from the traditional model of practicing long hours. If you feel dissatisfied or trapped, consider the opportunities. Legal education is one of the most versatile training that exists and offers a door to many opportunities. Come and hear how two women lawyers have explored options and created careers that work for them.

Presenters:

Nina Moritsugu B.A. (Hons.) McGill University, 1989, LL.B University of Toronto, 1994. In 2005, Nina joined Cognition LLP, a novel legal services provider which provides in-house counsel on an outsourced basis (www.cognitionllp.com). On behalf of Cognition, Nina acts as part-time General Counsel to several software and telecommunications companies as well as to a leading charitable organization.

Alison Hurst LL.B is the Lawyer Liaison Counsel for the Law Society of Upper Canada. As the Lawyer Liaison Counsel, Alison works with lawyers throughout the province of Ontario to learn about the issues they face, and to bring their feedback to the Law Society where she and her colleagues use this information to develop supports and resources. She is, also, very involved with the Law Society's Retention of Women in Private Practice and Justicia projects, and oversees the development of a number of initiatives which were designed to help women lawyers succeed in private practice. ahurst@lsuc.on.ca

RSVP:
Krista Martin Gorelle
email kgorelle@osc.gov.on.ca
Patty deLaat, Women's Law Association of Ontario
email wlao@wlao.on.ca
Jill Keaney, Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program
email j.keaney@olap.ca

OLAP WOMEN'S WORK AND WELLNESS GROUP LUNCHEON MEETING
Date: March 25, 2010
Time: 12:00 p.m. Lunch/Networking - 12:15-1:00 p.m. Presentation
Topic: Nobody's Dirty Laundry: Shining the light on Mental Illness
Speaker: Karen Lieberman, Director, Mood Disorder Association
PLACE: Ontario Bar Association Conference Centre, 20 Toronto St., Suite 200 Toronto

Lawyers often face the complexities of mental health issues in practice and in personal life. The issues of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder are never far from mind. Come and hear a perspective that will help with practical tips, things to say and do when dealing with a difficult situation and prevention of possible problems related to mental illness. You will be glad that you did.

Presenter
Karen Liberman is a dynamic presenter with a passion for helping people understand and deal with mental health issues. She is president of the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. She is a long-time community activist, workshop presenter, group facilitator and social justice advocate. Above all, she is a shining example of hope and recovery. She has received many awards including the Ontario Psychological Association's Public Service Award, the prestigious Douglas Utting Award of excellence in combating the stigma of depression and the Courage to Come Back Award from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

OLAP WOMEN'S WORK AND WELLNESS GROUP LUNCHEON MEETING
Date: January 29, 2010
Topic: Managing financial challenges
Speaker: Nancy Edmison, Financial Consultant

 

OLAP understands lawyers. OLAP reaches out to lawyers.

5025 Orbitor Drive, Building 2, Suite 220, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Y5
Toll Free: 1-877-576-6227
GTA: 905-238-1740
Fax: 905-238-2732

Legal Profession Assistance Conference (LPAC) |Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP) | Lawyers Assistance Program of British Columbia (BCLAP) | Nova Scotia Lawyers Assistance Program (NSLAP) | Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) | The Lawyers Assistance Program (LINK) | The Alberta Lawyers Assistance Program | Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (Saskatchewan) | The Lawyers Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO) | Law Practice Consulting