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

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.”

Read the Article
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.”

Watch Part 1
Kawartha 411 Sunday Drive

“Jason is speaking out to help reduce the stigma around mental health and addiction.”

Watch Part 2
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”

Read the Article