Defensible Investigations: A Practical and Strategic Approach to Workplace Investigations for Employers
In this two-part seminar, Harris lawyers Jessica Fairbairn and Abigail Cheung will take employers through the various stages of a workplace investigation, providing guidance on principles necessary to ensure a defensible investigation and offering practical insights into addressing challenges that arise during investigations.
This seminar will consist of two five-hour sessions:
Day One – July 17, 2025
- Investigation basics, including consideration of potential contractual and process obligations impacting a workplace investigation;
- In-depth review of the principles of procedural fairness, including case law review and interactive scenarios; and
- Investigation planning, clarifying the mandate, developing interview strategies and techniques.
Day Two – July 24, 2025
- Assessing credibility, including case law review and interactive scenarios;
- Developing investigation findings and critical review of conflicting and corroborating evidence;
- Report writing and privacy considerations; and
- Identification of common investigation mistakes and challenges, and responsive strategies.
Who Should Attend?
This two-part seminar is for beginner to intermediate investigators, HR professionals, and managers seeking to implement or strengthen workplace investigations in both unionized and non-unionized settings.
