Tap into Law Syrup, a podcast series highlighting unique topics in Canadian law through conversations with special guests. Join host Herman Wong as he chats about what’s trending, how to explore tricky subjects, and where to hold space for accountability and growth. Designed for the everyday listener, each episode combines powerful insight with a casual touch. New episodes drop biweekly. Law Syrup (https://ojen.ca/en/law-syrup) is a co-production between Herman Wong, the Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN) (https://ojen.ca), and the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice (https://cfcj-fcjc.org/).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
This week on Law Syrup, we sit down with Harvey Brownstone: Canada's first openly gay judge, memoirist, interviewer, and trailblazer. Harvey reflects on his journey from rejection and hardship to the bench, discusses why he believes Canada's justice system needs reform, and shares how his life story is being adapted into a feature film. Along the way, he offers powerful advice for anyone facing barriers because of who they are or where they come from.
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
15 Jan 2026
The Role of the Crown (A Conversation with Meaghan Cunningham)
In this week’s episode, Herman speaks with Meaghan Cunningham, Crown Attorney and one of the prosecutors on the recent Hockey Canada trial. Together, Herman and Meaghan speak about the pressures of working amidst a highly publicized criminal trial, what it really means to serve the public interest, and the possibilities and potential pitfalls in restorative justice approaches to cases involving sexual assault.
Disclaimer: Meaghan Cunningham appears on this episode in her personal capacity and is not intended to be a representative of the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Accompanying classroom resources for every episode of Law Syrup’s first season can be found on www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for their support.
11 Dec 2025
Top 5 Cases of 2024-2025 (with Justice Lorne Sossin)
One of the most popular sessions from OJEN’s Summer Law Institute is now available to all listeners. In this episode, Court of Appeal Justice Lorne Sossin highlights his Top 5 Supreme Court of Canada decisions of the past year, explaining why they matter and what they reveal about the evolving landscape of Canadian law.
Justice Sossin walks through impactful rulings on Charter rights in correctional settings (John Howard Society), treaty interpretation and Crown obligations (Restoule), public contracts and administrative law (Sanis Health), police powers and digital evidence (Campbell), and federal administrative authority (Power). He also briefly discusses other notable decisions that shaped public, constitutional, and Indigenous law in 2024–2025. This episode offers teachers, students, and legal enthusiasts an accessible overview of key legal developments and the stories behind them.
Accompanying classroom resources for every episode of Law Syrup's first season can be found on www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
27 Nov 2025
A Conversation with Megan Savard
At the most recent Summer Law Institute, OJEN’s annual flagship professional development event for educators, OJEN-er Jean-Paul Bevilacqua sat down for an in-depth conversation with criminal defence lawyer Megan Savard.
In this wide-ranging interview that took place on August 26th, 2025, Megan reflects on her path into criminal law, the early challenges she faced, and the skills and strategies she developed to establish herself in a demanding profession. She also discusses the essential role of defence counsel in protecting Charter rights and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
The conversation then turns to the recent Hockey Canada trial, in which Megan represented one of the five defendants. She offers insight into the unique legal, evidentiary, and societal issues raised by the case and reflects on the broader public conversation surrounding sexual assault trials in Canada. All five accused were ultimately acquitted.
This episode will interest listeners from multiple perspectives, offering a candid look at criminal law, advocacy, professional resilience, and the real-world impact of legal processes on Canadian society.
Accompanying classroom resources for every episode of Law Syrup's first season can be found on www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
11 Sept 2025
Learning (and Writing) about the Law: Students' Perspectives
Earlier this year, in partnership with Ontario Tech University, OJEN ran its first annual essay contest asking high school students: What role does law reform play in creating positive social change? In this episode of Law Syrup, we hear from the winners, Zainab, Jal, and Marwa, as they share what inspired their essays, what they discovered about law’s impact on society, and how they see their own educational and professional futures unfolding.
Accompanying classroom resources for every episode of Law Syrup's first season can be found on www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
14 Aug 2025
A Career in Family Law (with Dara Khoeum)
This week on Law Syrup, we finally dive into a much-requested topic: family law. Our guest, Dara Khoeum (https://douglaslawfirm.ca/our-firm/dara-khoeum/), family lawyer and friend of host Herman through their work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL), brings sharp insight and plenty of heart to the conversation. From the path that led him into this field to the realities of the courtroom, Dara shares how he balances legal strategy with empathy, navigates the overlap between family and criminal law, and advocates for clients through some of their most challenging moments.
Accompanying classroom resources for every episode of Law Syrup's first season can be found on www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
30 Jul 2025
The Teachers Episode (with Marija Apostolovski, Luís Filipe and Matthew Wilks)
What does it take to make law come alive for high school students? In this episode of Law Syrup, Marija Apostolovski, Luís Filipe and Matthew Wilks, three dedicated high-school educators, share what drew them to the profession, how they build engaging classrooms, and the challenges and surprises that come with teaching legal topics to young people. They also reflect on the utility of OJEN resources, the importance of legal professionals getting involved, and why students should consider taking law as an elective.
Accompanying classroom resources for every episode of Law Syrup's first season can be found on www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for their support.
17 Jul 2025
Tenant Rights in Ontario (with Douglas Kwan)
In this episode, Herman and Douglas Kwan dive into housing law, specifically landlord and tenant rights, responsibilities and resources, and how a Live Aid concert sparked a career in advocacy.
Douglas is the Director of Advocacy and Legal Services at ACTO (the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario) (https://www.acto.ca (https://www.acto.ca)). He is a lawyer with decades of experience in public interest, social justice and legal aid, having worked for years at Mississauga Community Legal Services, a legal aid clinic providing access to justice for people with low incomes.
Accompanying classroom resources for every episode of Law Syrup's first season can be found on www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
3 Jul 2025
What Is Gladue Court? (with Justice André Chamberlain, Jonathan Rudin, Emma Haydon & Lysandra Moreno)
Justice André Chamberlain, Jonathan Rudin, Emma Haydon, and Lysandra Moreno discuss Gladue Courts with host Herman, explaining their origins and impact on the justice system's relationship with Indigenous Peoples in this interview episode.
17 Apr 2025
A Glance into OJEN's Work (with Ashley Harripersad)
Before we drop our second season full of new interviews and engaging discussions, we wanted to share a little bonus episode profiling some of OJEN's work through the eyes of one of our valued team members, Ashley Harripersad. Hear about the different departments at our organization, the various resources and programs we offer, and some exciting things ahead. We'll see you soon for season 2!
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca). For more information on OJEN, visit www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
26 Sept 2024
The Top Five Cases of 2023-2024 (with Professor Sonia Lawrence)
Recorded at the Osgoode Hall in Toronto as part of OJEN’s annual Summer Law Institute, this episode features Professor Sonia Lawrence’s presentation on her picks for the most significant court cases from 2023 to 2024. Highlights include who is considered a “driver” under Ontario law, decisions revolving around Indigenous sovereignty, and Saskatchewan’s use of the notwithstanding clause in the Charter.
(Recording date: Wednesday, August 28th, 2024.)
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca). For more information on OJEN, visit www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for their support.
5 Sept 2024
Journey to Law School (with Daphne Chu & Bronté Anderson)
On this episode, Herman takes a trip down memory lane with his high school friends Daphne Chu (Borden Ladner Gervais LLP) and Bronté Anderson (McGill University Faculty of Law) as they share their experiences heading to law school. Together, they discuss early inspirations, searching for resources, and helpful advice to anyone young or old who is curious about pursuing a legal career.
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca). For more information on OJEN, visit www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for their support.
Join Herman and special guest host Amelia Berot-Burns for an interview with Pam Hrick from the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF). Please note that this episode features a candid discussion about the barriers and availability of restorative and transformative justice options for sexual violence in Canada.
Special resources include the following:
The Government of Canada’s list of family violence resources and services (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html) : https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html)
LEAF’s official website (https://www.leaf.ca) : https://www.leaf.ca (https://www.leaf.ca)
LEAF’s Avenues to Justice Report (https://www.leaf.ca/project/avenues-to-justice/) : https://www.leaf.ca/project/avenues-to-justice/ (https://www.leaf.ca/project/avenues-to-justice/)
Community Justice Programs for adults in Ontario (https://www.ontario.ca/document/crown-prosecution-manual/d-4-community-justice-programs-for-adults) : https://www.ontario.ca/document/crown-prosecution-manual/d-4-community-justice-programs-for-adults (https://www.ontario.ca/document/crown-prosecution-manual/d-4-community-justice-programs-for-adults)
Alberta’s Wiyasôw Iskweêw - Restorative Justice Pilot Project (https://rjalbertacourts.ca) : https://rjalbertacourts.ca (https://rjalbertacourts.ca)
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca). For more information on OJEN, visit www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for their support.
8 Aug 2024
How Does Criminal Court Work? (with Justice Mabel Lai)
In this episode, Herman sits down with Justice Mabel Lai from the Ontario Court of Justice to discuss how real-life trials work compared to TV and movies, the underlying humanity of criminal law, being a racialized female lawyer working in the profession, and drag kings performing at dim sum.
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca). For more information on OJEN, visit www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
25 Jul 2024
Justice Journalism (with Professor Janice Tibbetts)
How does the media cover the courts? In this episode, Herman reconnects with his former professor, Janice Tibbetts, as she speaks about her career as a justice reporter, field trips to the Supreme Court of Canada with her students at Carleton University, and how journalists are adapting to a rapidly-evolving world.
For more on Prof. Tibbetts' course on justice reporting, please visit the following link (https://carleton.ca/sjc/journalism/undergraduate-studies/special-courses/) (the course is titled "Specialized Journalism: Justice and The Supreme Court of Canada")
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca). For more information on OJEN, visit www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for its support.
13 Jul 2024
Express Yourself (with Professor Jamie Cameron)
What is "freedom of expression"? In this episode, Herman speaks with Professor Jamie Cameron, a professor emerita at Osgoode Hall Law School and a constitutional scholar who works for the Centre for Free Expression. Prof. Cameron explores Section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, how expression is exercised within the digital media landscape, and the differences between Canadian and American legal conceptions of this ideal.
We're open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (lawsyrup@ojen.ca). For more information on OJEN, visit www.ojen.ca (www.ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca) for its support.
27 Jun 2024
Out and Proud! (with Bennett Jensen, Adam Goldenberg & Johanna Macdonald)
Happy Pride! In this episode, Herman hosts a panel discussion about identifying as a 2SLGBTQ+ individual within the legal profession, issues related to respectability, and how to be a better ally. Our panel includes special guests Bennett Jensen (Egale Canada), Adam Goldenberg (McCarthy Tétrault LLP) and Johanna Macdonald (The 519).
The following are useful 2SLGBTQ+ resources:
Rainbow Action Hub (https://egale.ca/rainbow-action-hub/) (Egale Canada)
Army of Lovers (https://www.the519.org/armyoflovers/) (The 519)
Trans ID Clinic (https://www.the519.org/programs/trans-id-clinic/) (The 519 & McCarthy Tétrault LLP)
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca). For more information on OJEN, visit www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for their support.
13 Jun 2024
Why Should We Learn About the Law? (with Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin)
In our premiere episode, Herman speaks with Supreme Court Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin on growing up in northern Ontario, behind-the-scenes details of Canada’s highest courthouse, the importance of learning about the law, Beyoncé, and more.
We’re open to questions, comments, and ideas! Send them to us at lawsyrup@ojen.ca (mailto:lawsyrup@ojen.ca). For more information on OJEN, visit www.ojen.ca (http://www.ojen.ca).
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for their support.
6 Jun 2024
Law Syrup: Trailer
Welcome to the Law Syrup podcast, a collaboration between Herman Wong and the Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN) (https://ojen.ca/en/). This podcast series highlights unique topics in Canadian law through conversations with special guests.
Thank you to The Law Foundation of Ontario (https://lawfoundation.on.ca/) for their support.
Who has been a guest on Law Syrup
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Justice André Chamberlain
Jonathan Rudin
Emma Haydon
Lysandra Moreno
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,121,679
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
12
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
32
Contact Law Syrup
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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