Anything But Law

Lerners LLP

We love law, but we don't always want to talk about it. Who are we outside the boardroom and courtroom? In this show, we explore how our multiple purposes collide and ask the question: where does our motivation to work come from? Community and business leaders join us to share personal stories about their passions, how they stay driven, and what makes them tick.

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Top 10 Anything But Law Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Anything But Law episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Anything But Law for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Anything But Law episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Jake Karls: Crafting Authenticity and Success from a Home Kitchen to a Global Brand

Anything But Law

11/13/24 • 51 min

What if success in business isn’t just about strategy, but about authenticity and emotional intelligence? In this episode, Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, shares his journey from making chocolate in his home kitchen to building a global brand. Jake emphasizes the power of transparency, personal support, and community in shaping his success. He opens up about how his marriage and family relationships serve as pillars through the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Jake also explores the transformative role therapy plays in business. Initially hesitant, he now sees it as an essential investment in both personal and professional growth. In a candid discussion, he highlights the importance of balancing ambition with mental well-being and how therapy has strengthened his leadership at Mid-Day Squares.

Tune in as Jake reflects on his Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, navigating burnout, and staying true to his mission of connection and authenticity. Through stories of failure, resilience, and family dynamics, this episode offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs looking to build not just successful companies, but meaningful, purpose-driven lives.

Presented by: Lerners LLP Hosted by: Mark McAuley Executive Production: Natalee Davis Project Management: Dylan Willems Audio Engineering: Aaron Murray – Charterhouse Studios (Season 1,3), Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording Studio (Season 2) Graphic Design: The Branding Firm Inc. (Season 3), Jen Luchka and Dawn Yan Theme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuley

Why You Need Emotional Intelligence

Anything But Law

07/18/22 • 44 min

On this episode of Anything But Law, Mark sits down with fellow Lerners Lawyer, Emily Fan. A Partner at the firm and passionate defence class actions and commercial litigator, Emily describes her path to a career in law, and the importance of developing emotional intelligence while taking care of your mental health. They also talk about mentors who have helped them get to where they are, and passions that keep them grounded.

Olympic Gold Medalist Damian Warner on Success, Adversity, and Resilience

Anything But Law

08/01/24 • 54 min

What does it take to achieve Olympic gold and inspire the next generation? Join us in the Season 3 premiere of Anything But Law as we uncover the story of Damian Warner, the celebrated decathlete from London, Ontario. From childhood games to Olympic glory, Damian shares his journey, the impact of educators, and the pivotal moments that shaped his path.

Discover how his love for sports, sparked by basketball legend Vince Carter, led to an unexpected passion for track and field. Learn about his rigorous training, the balancing act of fatherhood, and the unwavering support from his long-time coach. Damian’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and humility, offering valuable life lessons and inspiration.

Tune in for insights into overcoming adversity, the pressures and rewards of being a role model, and the vital role of family support in an athlete's journey. This episode promises to leave you inspired by Damian Warner's incredible perseverance and triumph.

The Ever-Evolving Definition of Success

Anything But Law

07/04/22 • 42 min

On this episode of Anything but Law, Mark McAuley sits down with mentor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Michael Hyatt. Listen as they chat about Michael’s role as an investor, what he does and doesn’t look for in great companies, and how to know when you got it right. They also discuss the post-covid era of work culture, and how his definition of success has changed throughout the years.

Bridging the Gap: The Realities of Practicing Law and Legal Education

Anything But Law

03/18/25 • 88 min

In this special episode of Anything but Law, host Mark McAuley takes a rare deep dive into the realities of practicing law—exploring what law school doesn’t teach you but should. Joined by Lerners colleague Mitch Brown and Acting Dean Andrew Botterell from Western Law, the conversation unpacks the "hidden curriculum" of law school, the practical skills gap many young lawyers face, and how legal education prepares—or fails to prepare—graduates for the real-world demands of private practice.
Drawing on their own experiences, Mark and Mitch discuss their transition from Toronto to London, Ontario, and the differences in legal markets, firm structures, and mentorship opportunities. Acting Dean Botterell provides insights into the evolution of legal education and the growing role of technology, while Mitch and Mark reflect on the importance of practical training, mentorship, and the skills young lawyers need to succeed.
The episode also takes a candid look at mental health and burnout in the legal profession, why so many junior lawyers leave private practice within five years, and what can be done to improve retention, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. With engaging anecdotes, real-world insights, and a focus on solutions, this discussion is essential listening for law students, new lawyers, and anyone curious about the challenges of legal practice.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the legal industry, the expectations of law firms, and how to navigate the transition from student to practicing lawyer with confidence.

Welcome to Season 2

Anything But Law

12/21/22 • 2 min

Welcome to Season 2 of Anything But Law! This time, we have a new host, new guests, and a new spin. We'll be taking you on an audio journey exploring the lives of other lawyers, learning about their side hustles and passion projects that help bring them joy.

Presented by: Lerners LLPHosted by: Domenico MagisanoExecutive Production: Natalee DavisProject Management: Dylan WillemsAudio Engineering: Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording StudioGraphic Design: Jen Luchka and Dawn YanTheme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuley

Aaron Baer: From Law Firm to Legal Tech Innovation at 4L Academy

Anything But Law

09/06/24 • 56 min

Ever wonder if there’s a better way to learn and practice law? In this episode, Mark chats with Aaron Baer, a trailblazer in the legal tech world, who took his early frustrations as a young lawyer and turned them into a fresh approach to legal education and practice. Aaron shares how he identified major gaps in traditional law training and his journey from a typical law firm to creating 4L Academy, where he introduced hands-on, practical training during the pandemic. His story is all about bridging the gap between theory and real-world experience for junior lawyers.

We also dig into how Aaron’s practical approach, including playbooks and streamlined processes, is reshaping the way law firms operate as we discuss Aaron's time at Renno & Co., where he empowered junior lawyers to handle tasks usually left to senior lawyers. Plus, we explore Aaron’s focus on neurodiversity, as he pushes for a legal profession that values and benefits from diverse ways of thinking.

Beyond that, we dive into the big issues facing law firms today—such as aligning firm values with employee wellbeing, leadership, mental health, and the exciting potential of AI to make legal work more efficient. Aaron’s vision for the future of law is filled with practical solutions that aim to create a more supportive, innovative, and inclusive profession.

This episode is packed with insightful takeaways that will leave you rethinking what’s possible in the legal world. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that could change how you see the future of law.

From Burnout to Balance: Part 1

Anything But Law

01/25/23 • 60 min

In the first episode of season two, host Dom Magisano sits down with lawyer, author, and softball player, Erin Durant. Recorded as a two-part episode, part one covers Erin’s book, “It Burned me all Down”, which describes her experience of a devastating burnout while working as a partner. Listen as they talk about Erin’s struggles that led to her burnout, followed by the opening of her own firm, which allowed her to focus on building a high performing, yet healthy work environment.

Presented by: Lerners LLPHosted by: Dom MagisanoExecutive Production: Natalee DavisProject Management: Dylan WillemsAudio Engineering: Chandra Bulucon - Puppy Machine Recording StudioGraphic Design: Jen Luchka and Dawn YanTheme and Underlying Music: Mark McAuley and Randy McAuley

Julian Franklin: From Law To Sports Marketing Leadership

Anything But Law

10/23/24 • 53 min

How does a dream of becoming a lawyer transform into a top executive role in sports marketing? In this episode, we sit down with Julian Franklin, Vice President of Partnership Development and Strategy at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, to explore his unconventional career path. Julian’s story begins with an unexpected pivot from law school aspirations to a marketing internship with the Toronto Blue Jays, eventually leading him to executive roles at major brands like Kraft Heinz and his own successful agency.

Julian opens up about the pivotal decisions, challenges, and mentors that shaped his career, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the world of sports marketing and partnerships. His deep passion for storytelling, community-driven campaigns, and calculated risk-taking shines through as he shares valuable lessons learned from years of leading marketing initiatives for iconic brands and organizations.

Whether you are an up-and-coming marketer or a seasoned professional, Julian's insights on the power of storytelling, collaboration, and mentorship are both inspiring and actionable. Learn how to navigate complex business landscapes, balance risk and reward, and make career moves that align with your personal values and goals.

Additionally, Julian provides a unique perspective on the cultural differences between Canadian and U.S. markets, the emotional side of consumer engagement, and the growing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in marketing. He reflects on successful campaigns like Kraft Hockeyville and shares how MLSE’s teams, from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Raptors, are shaping the vibrant culture of Toronto.

Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation with one of sports marketing’s most influential figures, and discover what it takes to thrive in this dynamic industry.

How Storytelling Can Become More Authentic

Anything But Law

05/27/22 • 44 min

In our first episode, Host Mark McAuley sits down with Theatre Producer and Co-Founder of M/Y Storycreative, Michael Rubinoff! Tune in to listen to Michael's journey as a producer, and how he strives to make the art of storytelling more authentic.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Anything But Law have?

Anything But Law currently has 26 episodes available.

What topics does Anything But Law cover?

The podcast is about Personal Growth, Podcasts and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Anything But Law?

The episode title 'The Anatomy of a People Person' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Anything But Law?

The average episode length on Anything But Law is 47 minutes.

How often are episodes of Anything But Law released?

Episodes of Anything But Law are typically released every 14 days, 4 hours.

When was the first episode of Anything But Law?

The first episode of Anything But Law was released on May 27, 2022.

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Anything But Law

Lerners LLP

Top 10 Anything But Law Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Anything But Law have?

What topics does Anything But Law cover?

What is the most popular episode on Anything But Law?

What is the average episode length on Anything But Law?

How often are episodes of Anything But Law released?

When was the first episode of Anything But Law?

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