Sandra Shime, Director of Dispute Resolution Services in Ontario, shares her extensive background in dispute resolution and adjudication. She discusses the intricate dynamics of labor negotiations and the importance of effective policy-making to maintain harmony between unions and employers. Sandra reflects on her diverse legal career—from prosecuting cases in NYC to navigating the challenges of public sector disputes in Ontario. She offers valuable insights for aspiring legal professionals, emphasizing collaboration and recognizing personal strengths in the legal field.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Prosecutor Internship Shaped Her View Of Justice
Sandra recounts interning at the Manhattan DA's office and loving prosecution because it balanced advocacy with preserving system integrity.
She emphasizes that doing justice sometimes means losing and that integrity mattered more than merely winning.
insights INSIGHT
Careers Evolve With Life And Opportunity
Sandra explains career paths change with opportunities, personal life, and doors opening or closing over time.
She frames career goals as evolving rather than fixed across life stages.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Always Do Your Homework Before Questions
Do your homework and prepare thoroughly so you know answers before questions are asked.
Stay open-minded in meetings and adapt when discussions lead in new directions.
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Sandra Shime is the Director of Dispute Resolution Services. Sandra has extensive experience in dispute resolution, adjudication, and management in both the private and public sectors. Most recently she served for 13 years as a Vice Chair and the Alternate Chair at the Workplace Safety & Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT). Sandra adjudicated and mediated cases at the WSIAT and also worked on policy and training initiatives. Sandra has broad expertise in administrative law and mediation and has worked throughout the province with major unions and employers. Her prior roles included working as a litigation lawyer at a national law firm in NYC, as an Assistant District Attorney, and as Director of Pro Bono Programs at the Women's Bar Foundation in Massachusetts. In her volunteer work, Sandra has served as part of the executive team for Women in Leadership Foundation where she has led diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and worked on leadership initiatives in the areas of business, law and technology. She was selected as Co-Chair for the 2022-2023 year. Sandra also volunteers as a mentor with high school students for Achev, a non-profit in Ontario, and has worked as a mentor for law students at Justice for Children and Youth and at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Sandra has worked as a lecturer and speaker at the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators and at the Ontario Bar Association. Sandra is a certified mediator in New York, Massachusetts and Ontario. She is currently a member in good standing at the Law Society of Upper Canada and has been admitted to the bar in Massachusetts, Ontario and New York. Sandra was nominated for the 2021/2022 YWCA Women of Distinction Award and she was recently nominated in July 2022 for the Ministry for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Governor-General Award for her work with first generation students and on gender equality in the law.In this episode, Sandra Shime, Director of Dispute Resolution Services in Ontario, explores how legal professionals can bridge the gap between theory and practice. She shares insights on labour law, public service, career transitions, and why listening is a lawyer’s most underrated skill.
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