RSS FeedThe Making of “Family Matters with Justice Harvey Brownstone”
Last weekend I had the opportunity to participate in the filming of “Family Matters with Justice Harvey Brownstone,” a new online television show featuring Justice Harvey Brownstone of the Ontario Court of Justice.
Justice Brownstone was the first sitting judge to publish a law book intended for the general public, Tug of War: A Judge’s Verdict on Separation, Custody Battles and the Bitter Realities of Family Court. Brownstone continues this outreach in the new television series, educating the public on issues like custody and child support.
Between the book and this new show, Brownstone has demonstrated that he is a maverick judge who is a pioneer that is unilaterally changing the public image of the judiciary.
In addition to instructional videos on issues of family law, the show will also feature notable personalities in the area of family conflicts.
Given Justice Brownstone’s charismatic personality, the show is expected to gather a significant audience among the public. Lawyers are also considering it as a tool to educate their clients before entering protracted litigation.
The show was directed by Simon Norton Game and Dani Zaviceanu of IslandFX, and produced by AdviceScene, both of Victoria, B.C. Filming occurred in downtown Toronto, with the assistance of Al Rosen of ARPrompt.com, and sound support by Brian Hanish.
The videos will be released on AdviceScene and FamilyMattersTV some time this summer.
Victoria lawyer L. John Alexander of Cox Taylor, speaks with Jeannie Owens-Wallace about his role in democratizing the law in his practice and on this legal forum.
Want Some Free Legal Advice?
It’s something many lawyers complain about – being ambushed by friends and family with legal problems and expecting an instant answer. Blogging lawyers also face this dilemma from their general readership.
Both are likely to suggest that the person come to their office for a more in-depth consultation. That, and the legal problem thrown in your face is blocking the view on the gorgeous beach.
Now there’s an online site that you can divert these people to for legal advice, or to be more precise, legal information. AdviceScene is staffed by qualified lawyers and judges (yes, judges) who answer questions from the general public.
Although they are careful to refer people to lawyers when necessary as well, they can give the public a few tips on legal principles and how the system works.
As law students we have a similar challenge of not wanting to provide legal advice, and also behave overly cautious in not misrepresenting ourselves as lawyers. Nancy Kinney, founder of AdviceScene, reached out to us and we were more than happy to refer the many inquiries we get over to some qualified professionals.
But lawyers should be eager to join a project like this as well. The site is a great way for lawyers to showcase their talent and build on their client base, especially during these uncertain times. In addition to the free profile on the forum, lawyers can be listed in the site’s directory.
It’s still a young project, but one that can succeed if Canadian lawyers are interested in helping to empower the general public with legal information.
Just save your Q&A until you get back from your office, and not on the beach, or you’ll defeat the whole purpose.
Update
Terry Romaniuk, a Public Legal Education Staff Lawyer with Alberta Law Line, a sub division of Legal Aid Alberta, brought to my attention that they have been offering 4 hours of free legal advice to all qualified Albertans since 2004.
They also have have 3 former members of Alberta’s judiciary on their 27 member staff.
Cross-posted from Slaw
