The week of March 4th, both Grade 12 economics classes at Trinity College School had the privilege of hosting online guest speaker, Charles Wright, a prominent partner at Siskinds law firm and a leading negotiator in class action lawsuits across Canada. Mr. Wright shared his academic journey with the students, inspiring them with life lessons and real-world insights, fostering deeper understanding and relevance of curriculum content.
Beginning his educational journey at Indiana University, Mr. Wright pursued a double major in business and political science. He then continued his academic pursuits at the University of Toronto, where he obtained his law degree. Today, he stands as a formidable negotiator on the plaintiff side, collaborating with his team to organize settlements that uphold justice for consumers, a ramification of the market economy and some corporations' drive to profit-maximize by whatever means necessary.
During his sessions, Mr. Wright imparted two important takeaways for the young minds: the importance of keeping one’s eyes open to opportunities and nurturing self-belief, even in the face of setbacks. His words resonated with the students as many are about to embark on the next chapter of their life, with graduation just around the corner in June. We are hopeful that his words empowered them to embrace uncertainty and persevere with confidence.
With the students having recently completed a unit of study on “market failure,” Mr. Wright shared his extensive experience working on cases involving security fraud, price-fixing and medical malpractice. However, it was his involvement in the Volkswagen lawsuit that sparked the greatest interest among the classes.
Detailing Volkswagen’s attempt to deceive regulators by partnering with Bosch to manipulate emission tests, Mr. Wright explained the consequential $2 billion compensation secured for Canadian consumers. He emphasized the significance of this case as a deterrent against corporate misconduct, aiming to send a message to other corporations.
Moreover, Mr. Wright shed light on the limitations of government regulation, providing valuable insights into why effective regulation may sometimes fall short. His real-life experiences brought to life the concepts of asymmetrical information failure.
The students extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Wright for his informative insights. His presence has enriched their understanding of economic principles and inspired them to approach their future endeavours with determination and resilience.
- By Shannon Rauh-Wasmund, social sciences teacher
