Of Counsel Podcast: Micheal J. Bryant On The Circumstance of Equals

**The following is from Robichaud’s Criminal Defence Litigation website post:

This episode’s guest is former Attorney General of Ontario, Micheal Bryant.

Michael’s personal story in law is one that spans the entire spectrum of the justice system. After clerking at the Supreme Court of Canada with former Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin, and obtaining an LL.M. as a Fulbright scholar at Harvard, Michael moved seamlessly into the Bay St. elite.  From there, he transitioned into politics where he then became the youngest person ever appointed as Attorney General.

His time as the top lawyer in the Province was filled with productivity, excitement, legislative changes, and controversy. No one ever dreamed it would all come to such an abrupt halt in 2009 when Michael was charged with dangerous driving causing death and criminal negligence causing death. Although this may have marked the end of anyone’s else’s career in law, for Michael it was the beginning to a very different direction. After extensive investigation and a formidable defence, his charges were withdrawn at the request of the Crown.  Michael then spent the next several years recalibrating his objectives and motives in law.

In 2015, Michael moved into private practice where he spent a considerable amount of time representing indigent accused with Ontario’s Legal Aid system in bail court, and on individual certificates. Applying his own experiences within the system and how accused are treated by the Courts made him a truly unique and powerful voice among the defence bar. In 2018, Michael channeled his passion into broader issues affecting all Canadians by becoming the Executive Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association where he now advocates for Canadians’ constitutional rights.

Join us to hear about this amazing journey and the lessons Michael has learned from it all.

Listen to the podcast here.