Our Work
We provide the following services:
- Workplace and institutional investigations
- Professional conduct and other regulatory investigations
- Assistance and advice on internal investigations
- Workplace assessments (or Environmental scans)
- Mediation
- Adjudication/Arbitration
- Training
- Advice to tribunals
- Policy review and advice
Our Approach
We approach our investigation and dispute resolution work with neutrality and sensitivity. Procedural fairness and integrity are ensured throughout our processes.
Stressful circumstances operate in the background of most investigations. Regardless of their backgrounds, complainants, respondents and other witnesses are generally undergoing some degree of emotional distress.
With an increased societal understanding of the impacts of racism, trauma and marginalization, more institutions are committing themselves to incorporating strategies to enhance Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within their environment.
A commonly held EDI “lens” characterized Vivian’s and Elissa’s individual approaches as lawyers and professionals well before establishing Rachlis Neville LLP. With the firm’s establishment in 2018, the partners imported an acute understanding of the need to apply trauma informed techniques to neutral investigation and dispute resolution work.
For us, emotional intelligence, cultural humility and trauma informed interactions (with all participants) aren’t just abstract concepts – these are tools that support excellence in neutral investigation and dispute resolution work. We also bring to our work a strong appreciation for the impact of mental health factors in relationships.
Working on a collaborative basis, our team provides responsive and comprehensive service. We work with our clients to develop a clear mandate or “terms of reference” before proceeding. Appropriate and regular communication is a critical element of the service we provide.
Our Experience
We bring broad professional experience to our firm. We have provided advice and service in complex corporate and institutional settings. While we are sensitive to the stress and emotion experienced by individual parties to an investigation, we are also highly attuned to issues of reputational risk for the institutions involved.
As lawyers we are trained to conduct thorough and impartial interviews, analyze large amounts of information, assess credibility, prepare clear and well-reasoned written findings, maintain solicitor-client privilege and act as witnesses in legal proceedings should this become necessary.
Our Clients
Our firm is available to be retained by a range of public, private and non-profit entities, including corporations, institutions, unions, agencies, regulators and legal counsel for these entities. We work across all sectors including:
- Government, including Indigenous governments, municipalities, government departments and agencies.
- Schools and post-secondary educational institutions
- Unions
- Natural resources
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and aerospace
- Professionals
- Media, entertainment and culture
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Other provincially and federally regulated entities