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Episode 103 | Addiction, Work, and Justice: What Are We Missing?

More Themes – Apr 2025

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Episode 103 | Addiction, Work, and Justice: What Are We Missing?
Broadcast Date: April 17, 2025

 

SUMMARY

In this episode, CIAJ’s Articling Student David Lazzam sits down with Jessyca Greenwood, Principal Lawyer at Greenwood Law, to discuss how the legal system responds to substance dependency in the workplace. Drawing from years of experience representing vulnerable clients, Jessyca explores common legal challenges, gaps in employer obligations, and the role of stigma in shaping outcomes. Together, they examine how specialized courts and diversion programs can help—or hinder—real change. From courtroom culture to systemic reform, this conversation highlights the need for compassion, accountability, and broader social supports to ensure that people struggling with addiction aren’t left behind.

 

Guest

  • Jessyca Greenwood, Principal Lawyer at Greenwood Law (Toronto, ON)

Host

  • David Lazzam, Articling Student at the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (Ottawa, ON)

 

BIOGRAPHIES


Jessyca Greenwood, Principal Lawyer at Greenwood Law (Toronto, ON)

Jessyca Greenwood is an experienced litigation lawyer, having conducted hundreds of trials and hearings; appearing at all levels of Court in Ontario. She regularly assists the Court as Amicus Curiae.

Jessyca is the Principal Lawyer of Greenwood Law. Her practice focuses on mental health advocacy and the intersection between criminal law and the workplace. She regularly conducts workplace investigations and advises organizations and participants on their legal obligations. She defends allegations of wrongdoing for regulated professionals and those charged with criminal offences.

Jessyca often guest lectures to students and is a Legal Member of the Ontario Review Board, a former adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall and U of T, is a founding member of WELL, and serves on the executive of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (Treasurer).

 

David Lazzam, Articling Student at the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (Ottawa, ON)

David is CIAJ’s 2024-25 articling student, having recently graduated from the University of Ottawa Common Law program. He previously obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Political Studies from Queen’s University. While in law school, he conducted legal research pertaining to law reform for groups such as the Ottawa-Ecojustice Environmental Law Clinic and the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, and served as the Canadian Bureau Chief of the international legal news site JURIST.

 

RELATED DOCUMENTATION

 

In All Fairness is a Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice podcast channel welcoming representatives from the legal community and exploring how we can all contribute to improving the administration of justice in Canada. Legal professionals will benefit from informed discussions on key issues, essential knowledge and insights to strengthen their practice.

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