In this episode of Lady Justice Talks by the Women in Law Association (WILA), host Anita Afraz sits down with criminal defence lawyer Hamna Anwar for a compelling conversation about justice, empathy, and the human realities behind criminal law.

Hamna practices exclusively in criminal defence and represents clients charged with serious offences at all levels of court in Ontario, from complex fraud and firearm cases to homicide and sexual assault matters.

Grounded in the belief that everyone deserves quality representation regardless of background, she has built her career around providing clients with a trauma-informed, judgment-free space while fiercely protecting their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Together, Anita and Hamna explore what it means to advocate for people at their most vulnerable, the emotional and ethical demands of defending high-stakes cases, and how systemic bias can shape legal outcomes. Drawing from her academic research on race, masculinity, Islamophobia, national security, and the law, Hamna offers thoughtful insight into the deeper structural forces influencing the criminal justice system.

The episode also highlights her leadership and mentorship work in the legal community, including her role with Women in Canadian Criminal Defence and her involvement in programs supporting women and underrepresented voices entering the profession. We discuss the barriers racialized women face in law, the importance of mentorship, and why representation matters, not just in courtrooms, but within the profession itself.

From redefining success beyond courtroom wins to envisioning meaningful reform in the justice system, this conversation invites listeners to reconsider assumptions about crime, advocacy, and fairness, and to see the law through a more compassionate, human-centered lens!

From the left: Anita Afraz, Hamna Anwar

New year, old laws; and a growing call for change.

In this episode of Lady Justice Talks by the Women in Law Association (WILA), we sit down with Victoria Perchal, Co-President of WILA, and Sanzala Achakzai, Events Coordinator at WILA, to unpack the ongoing debate around the decriminalization of sex work and what it truly means for workers, communities, and society at large.

Together, they explore the realities behind existing legal frameworks and the stigma that continues to shape public opinion, asking difficult questions about morality, safety, labour rights, and human rights. The conversation examines the New Zealand model as a widely referenced approach to harm reduction and worker protection, and considers what a decriminalized, labour-based framework could look like in practice.

The episode also dives into how religion, culture, and societal values influence attitudes toward sex work, and how stigma directly impacts the safety, health, and dignity of workers. Most importantly, Victoria and Sanzala highlight the potential benefits of decriminalization — from improved health outcomes to greater equality, autonomy, and legal protection.

This episode challenges listeners to rethink long-held assumptions and to consider sex work through a legal and human-centred lens: as work, not a crime!

From the left: Chantelle Belonio, Victoria Perchal, Sanzala Achakzai, Charley Atkinson

In a profession often defined by long hours, high stress, and traditional markers of success, what does it really mean to thrive in law?

In this episode of Lady Justice Talks, we’re joined by Lauren Klein—attorney, entrepreneur, Professor, mindset coach, and the voice behind The Wealthy Lawyer $quad Podcast—for a powerful conversation about redefining success in the legal industry. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Flourish Law Group, Lauren has helped clients protect billions of dollars in assets while building a career rooted in intention, balance, and community.

Lauren takes us through her journey into law, the pivotal moments that led her to entrepreneurship, and how she transitioned from burnout and anxiety to creating a life and business aligned with her values. Together, we explore what it truly means to be a “wealthy lawyer”—not just financially, but mentally, emotionally, and personally.

From navigating imposter syndrome and stress, to building confidence, passive income, and long-term fulfillment, Lauren shares practical insights for law students and early-career lawyers who want more than just a title. We also discuss mindset shifts every future lawyer should hear, common money myths in the legal world, and how women in law can begin to truly own their space.

Whether you’re interested in tax, trusts, estates, entrepreneurship, or simply seeking a healthier, more sustainable path in a high-pressure profession, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and a reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of well-being.

Join us for a conversation about wealth, leadership, mindset, and building a legal career that actually feels good.

From the left: Anita Afraz & Lauren Klein