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JASON WARD
Lawyer & Speaker
At fifty, I had it all.
I owned a mid-size law firm, was certified as a specialist litigator, had wealth, reputation, notoriety, endless trial work, and more. I walked away, not by choice, but because of mental health and substance use disorders, which I had entirely neglected during my twenty-plus-year career. They settled the score, mercilessly.
My story may surprise you, especially since I had never done drugs before age forty-five. Alcohol was similarly not a factor in my life until mid-life, when I made that wonderous connection. Now I share my journey, hoping that it makes a difference not only among my profession, but beyond. A dizzying tale, laced with a little humour and a lot of self-deprecation, all to raise awareness and to encourage everyone to talk more about what’s really going on out there.
It’s okay to not be okay.
READ | WATCH | LISTEN
News & Media Appearances
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NYCLA Amicus Curiae Podcast
Jason Ward candidly speaks with Host, Daniel K Wiig on Mental Health and the Legal profession, addressing the elephany in the room.
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Litigation Radio
“This is a brutally honest discussion, but it’s one we need to have.”
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Maclean's Magazine
“My career as a lawyer almost destroyed me”
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The Canadian Bar Association
“A personal story about alcohol and substance abuse in the legal profession”
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Law Times News
“Battling alcohol and THC addiction, Jason Ward left the law and can’t see ever going back”
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The Advocate Podcast
“Behind the poise, confidence and omnipresent, constant contributions to his community, Jason Ward was hurting. And hiding.”
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Metroland Media
“Lindsay lawyer opens up about struggles with mental health and addiction that led to him leaving practice.”
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Kawartha 411 Sunday Drive
“Ward is speaking openly about the role alcohol and drugs played in his early retirement from a successful career as a lawyer.”
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Kawartha 411 Sunday Drive
“Jason is speaking out to help reduce the stigma around mental health and addiction.”
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Bob got a Microphone
Jason Ward on Breaking the Habit
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Law Times News
“Ex-lawyer who conquered addictions uses new website to reach out to those with mental health issues”
Upcoming Speaking Events
SEE JASON LIVE
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Montreal Lawyers' Association
Montreal, QC | Feb. 2024
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Federation of Canadian Asian Lawyers
Toronto, ON | March 2024
