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

With students enjoying their break and binge-watching their favourite shows, movies, and online content, it’s easy to forget that every storyline, soundtrack, character, and camera shot is protected by laws working behind the scenes. As we wrap up the year and settle in for some well-deserved screen time, we’re taking a closer look at the legal world that keeps the entertainment industry running.

Entertainment law is where creativity meets clauses, and the limelight meets litigation. However, not everything is as glamorous as it sounds. In this episode of Lady Justice Talks, we are joined by Samantha Glass, law professor, paralegal, and Master of Laws candidate, to peel back the curtain of entertainment law.

Samantha takes us on an eventful journey of how she discovered her passion for entertainment law, the ins and outs of the industry, and the unique challenges entertainment law professionals are facing today. In the era of streaming platforms and AI-generated media, we examine the impact of rapid changes on entertainment law and how professionals and legislation are responding to them.

Listen in as Samantha demystifies the role of paralegals in the world of law, an often overlooked and underestimated sector of law. Samantha also compares and contrasts the United Kingdom and Canada’s approaches to teaching law and how her law teaching experience shapes her practice today.

This episode proves that in entertainment law, the fine print is where the real drama lives. Tune in as we break it down!

From the left: Samantha Glass & Chantelle Belonio

The Lady Justice Talks Team wishes you the happiest new year!

As November winds down and students everywhere are building their own case files of exam notes, we’re bringing you a different kind of deep dive into evidence, advocacy, and navigating high-stakes pressure.

In this episode of Lady Justice Talks, we sit down with Sarah Jones, Counsel at the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, to explore her journey into law and her decade-long career in government litigation.

Sarah shares how she found her path in public service, the values that drive her work supporting vulnerable individuals, and what a day under the Substitute Decisions Act really looks like. She also opens up about the challenges women face in the legal field, how her perspective on justice has evolved, and the advice she wishes she had early in her career.

Join us as we shine a light on Sarah’s experiences, her insights for young women entering public service, and the importance of confidence, representation, and purpose in the legal world.

Tune in for a conversation that’s honest, empowering, and filled with wisdom for future lawyers!

From the left: Rubaljeet Kaur, Sarah Jones & Salwa (Susu) Beheiry

With Diwali’s light still glowing since last month, we celebrate light, empowerment, and conversation with two inspiring guests: Mahi Patel, VP of Outreach, and Gurnoor Dhillon, Academic Coordinator from the Women in Law Association YorkU.

As the festival of lights reminds us of new beginnings and strength through unity, this episode of Lady Justice Talks sheds light on the myths, barriers, and social expectations that South Asian women continue to face , from career and marriage pressures to challenges within law, immigration, and Western ideals.

Join us as Mahi and Gurnoor open up about their personal journeys, breaking stereotypes, and advocating for spaces where women can rise with confidence and purpose. This Diwali, we illuminate the path toward advocacy, representation, and empowerment — one story at a time.

Tune in to celebrate voices that matter, stories that inspire, and the light that never fades!

From the left: Rubaljeet Kaur, Gurnoor Dhillon & Mahi Patel

This Halloween, we’re talking about something that is, to some, scarier than ghosts and goblins: policing. This not because it should be frightening, but because for many people, especially youth, encounters with law enforcement are filled with uncertainty, fear, and misunderstanding. The very individuals meant to serve and protect can sometimes feel like the ones to fear.

In this special episode of Lady Justice Talks we’re swapping costumes for conversations as we explore the real-life complexities behind the badge as we sit with Hailey Kulcher, the Senior Vice President in the Women in Law Association (WILA), who opens up about her journey from skepticism and discomfort around police to a deeper understanding formed through firsthand experience. She shares how personal history shaped her initial views, and how a unique youth-police program became a turning point — giving her a front-row seat to the realities of law enforcement and the delicate dynamics between police and young people.

With honesty and insight, Hailey reflects on her role in the program, the challenges she saw, and the duality of policing: the good, the bad, and the deeply complicated.

Instead of dressing up as officers this Halloween, we’re peeling back the layers to uncover what it truly means to serve, protect, and be held accountable. Tune in for a compelling and vulnerable conversation that works toward bridging the gap between communities and police!From the left: Charley Atkinson, Hailey Kulcher, Rubaljeet (Rubal) Kaur

Look around and notice the new — new faces across the street, new experiences along your path to success, and even the changing colors of the autumn leaves. Just as we adjust to these everyday changes, immigration law is all about new beginnings.

At a time when misinformation and misconceptions of Immigration are at their tipping point, we sit down in this episode of Lady Justice Talks with driven immigration lawyer, Romina Hallan, to get an insider’s perspective on the matter.

Follow along as we explore what immigration law is and how day-to-day cases typically unfold. Romina guides us through her journey discovering her passion for Immigration law and the intricate ways it intersects with other sectors of law.

We also look back on Romina’s law school experience, dealing with imposter syndrome and the skills and habits she developed in undergrad that carried her to success! Listen in as

As law governs every facet of our lives, let this episode encourage you to explore the various approaches law has to offer!

Your calling to law might just be a sector waiting for you to discover.

From the Left: Susu (Salwa) Beheiry, Romina Hallan, Anita Afraz