Good Laughs, Great Cause: Thomson Rogers Supports a Night of Comedy for Michael Garron Hospital
Author(s): Robert M. Ben*, Stephen M. Birman*, Lucy G. Jackson, Chris Lazaris, Anna H. Kiraly
May 23, 2025

Here’s proof that lawyers do have a sense of humour — even if they’re not the ones telling the jokes.
On a night where laughter met purpose, Thomson Rogers LLP proudly supported Good Laughs, a charity comedy event benefiting the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. While our lawyers stayed off stage, they were thrilled to attend the event and stand behind a cause that is essential to the well-being of our community.
A Night to Remember
Good Laughs delivered on its promise: genuine, belly-aching comedy — with a meaningful twist. Thomson Rogers lawyers Robert M. Ben, Stephen Birman, Lucy Jackson and Chris Lazaris, along with articling student Anna Kiraly attended the event in full support, showing that the legal community knows how to laugh and lift others up.
Throughout the evening, performers from the legal world had the crowd roaring with sharp wit and unexpected comedic timing. At one point, a comic quipped that “Thomson Rogers is in the audience tonight, and they actually want us to break a leg.”
We’d like to make it very clear — that was his joke, not ours! As personal injury lawyers, we’re committed to helping people recover from those very things — not encouraging them. But we appreciated the clever wordplay (and yes, we laughed, too).
The Stars of the Show
The stage was held by an impressive lineup of legal professionals who moonlighted as stand-up comedians for the night. Peter Griffin, Vladimira Ivanov, Nadia Halum Arauz, Ceilidh Joan Henderson, Meghan Riley, Husein Panju, Hart Shouldice, Trevin David, and Michael Currie all delivered their best material, blending legal insight with comedy gold.
Their courage and charisma brought not just laughs but heartfelt appreciation from the crowd, especially knowing their efforts supported a critical community institution.
Why We Support Michael Garron Hospital
Located in East Toronto, Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) is more than a healthcare provider — it’s a vital part of the community’s foundation. MGH delivers inclusive, high-quality care to over 400,000 people every year. From emergency services and surgery to mental health and community programs, MGH prioritizes the unique needs of a diverse population with compassion and innovation.
Funds raised through Good Laughs help support infrastructure upgrades, patient care initiatives, and programs that enhance health equity — ensuring everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it.
Supporting More Than Just a Show
At Thomson Rogers, we believe in standing up for causes that matter. Whether in the courtroom or at a comedy event, we’re proud to use our platform to support health, equity, and opportunity in our community.
Good Laughs was more than a night of entertainment — it was a reminder that behind every joke was a serious commitment to better healthcare for all. We were honoured to be in the audience, supporting the performers and the incredible work being done by the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation.
A Huge Thank You
We want to extend our deepest thanks to the organizers, performers, and fellow supporters who made Good Laughs a night to remember. Your talent, humour, and generosity made a real impact — and gave everyone a reason to smile.
To the team at Michael Garron Hospital: thank you for your continued dedication to our community. We’re proud to support you and look forward to more opportunities to partner in the future.
In Closing
Good Laughs showed that even in serious professions, there’s room for levity, laughter, and compassion. We may not be stand-up comedians, but at Thomson Rogers, we know that sometimes doing good starts with a good laugh.
And while we’ll gladly cheer on the next show from the sidelines, rest assured — we never want anyone to actually “break a leg.”
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