The Trauma-Informed Lawyer

In this episode, Myrna sits down with James, the founder of Soma Reset Toronto and the creator behind the widely followed TikTok account Nervous System Care Toronto, where millions have discovered his grounded, accessible teachings on regulating the nervous system. Together, they explore what it truly means to come home to your body — not as a cliché, but as a disciplined, loving practice rooted in somatic science, safety, and self-compassion. James shares how he developed his approach to nervous system care, why so many people feel disconnected from themselves, and the gentle methods he uses to help clients re-pattern stress responses that have been decades in the making. This conversation moves between the deeply practical and the deeply human: -how the body stores survival responses -why regulation is relational -what healing looks like when we honour slowness -the power of simple, daily practices that build resilience from the inside out Whether you're a practitioner, a survivor, or someone curious about why soma-based work resonates across millions online, this episode offers insight, clarity, and a reminder that healing the nervous system is not a trend — it's a return to who we were before the world asked us to shut down.

In this Season 4 opener, Myrna McCallum shares a keynote talk delivered to Canadian judges on how to become not just trauma-informed, but also culturally responsive, humane, and grounded in integrity. She challenges the idea that being trauma-informed is enough — calling it the bare minimum — and invites leaders in law, education, and justice to level up. This episode explores how centering humanity, humility, and self-awareness in our practices is essential to prevent harm and build systems that truly serve people. Listeners will walk away with: A deeper understanding of what trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices look like in judicial and legal contexts. Real-world examples of how emotional intelligence and self-reflection can shift courtroom and workplace culture. A renewed sense of responsibility to lead with integrity, compassion, and courage. This episode is a call to every justice professional: we can no longer claim to serve justice while perpetuating harm. The work begins within. Connect with Myrna: website: www.myrnamccallum.co IG @thetraumainformedlawyer TT: traumainformedlawyer LI: thetraumainformedlawyer

In this episode, Myrna sits down with Angela Sterritt, award-winning journalist and author of the bestselling memoir Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls. Angela shares her powerful personal story of hope, survival, her path into journalism, and the responsibility she carries when amplifying stories from Indigenous communities. Together, they explore the intersections of trauma, colonialism, and healing, as well as the role storytelling plays in truth, accountability, and justice. This conversation is both deeply personal and broadly relevant—it shines a light on systemic issues while also honouring the strength of Indigenous women and girls who continue to rise above violence. attempted erasure and unrelenting racism. 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-library

In this powerful episode of The Trauma-Informed Lawyer podcast, I share a heartfelt compilation of feedback and testimonials from attendees of the Justice as Trauma Conference. Their reflections capture the profound impact of the conversations, teachings, and community built during our time together. I also offer listeners the keynote I delivered at the conference — a call to action on healing, humility, and humanity in our work. Through my keynote, I challenge legal professionals, organizational leaders, and advocates to reflect deeply on two critical questions: ➡️ If not you, then who? ➡️ If not now, when? This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and step into the transformative work that a relational approach to justice, connection and healing requires. *The keynote begins at 21:40*

In this episode, I speak with Jordan Assaraf, a personal injury lawyer who served as co-counsel for the plaintiffs in the Ukraine Airlines case. Jordan shares how this case has helped him adapt his approach to working with clients experiencing trauma. We discuss the unique challenges of representing victims and their families in high-profile mass litigation, the emotional weight of seeking justice after tragedy, and why a trauma-informed approach is critical in cases involving profound loss. Jordan also reflects on the evolution of his legal practice, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, empathy, emotional intelligence and resilience when advocating for anyone experiencing trauma, grief and loss. Our conversation sheds light on how the legal profession can better support survivors and why the willingness to adapt is essential for trauma-informed advocacy.