Experience

A founding partner of Shearer Parnega, LLP, Gillian Shearer is an experienced workplace investigator, mediator and human rights and employment lawyer. 

After practicing as an Associate at a prestigious boutique labour and employment firm and a global law firm, Gillian moved to in-house roles. Most recently, Gillian was Ethics and Privacy Officer for one of the world’s largest nuclear facilities.  In this role, she was responsible for implementation of the Code of Conduct program and for neutrally conducting and overseeing all Code of Conduct investigations in a highly regulated and heavily unionized environment. 

Having conducted over a 1000 workplace investigations, Gillian has expertise in dealing with a myriad of misconduct allegations including workplace theft, fraud, harassment, sexual harassment, poisoned work environment, breach of contract, conflict of interest, workplace violence, safety violations, email and internet abuse and retaliation.  

Gillian has a reputation for being a fair and thorough workplace investigator.  She has also trained Human Resources professionals and Front Line Managers on how to conduct proper workplace investigations.  

Gillian recently authored a book entitled, “The Law and Practice of Workplace Investigations” (Emond Publishing, November 2016). In addition, Gillian has written several articles on the effective conduct of workplace investigations, and has been engaged by LexisNexis as a key expert contributor to “Practice Advisor” in the area of workplace investigations. Gillian has also presented on key issues pertaining to workplace investigations, including “Bill 132: Ensuring a Safe Workplace Free of Harassment” (Ontario Bar Association: February 8, 2017). 

In addition to her expertise as a workplace investigator, Gillian has experience mediating workplace conflict and in assisting clients with improving workplace culture through both workplace culture assessments and workplace restoration. 

Gillian is best known for her tenacity and thoroughness. While getting to the bottom of the issues is central to her approach, her philosophy is to ensure that through this process she maintains the dignity of those involved and upholds existing relationships, particularly with union representatives. And, where appropriate, Gillian uses good old-fashioned humour to alleviate the stress typically involved in workplace conflict situations. 

Education and Certifications

Admitted to practice law in Ontario, February 2002

LL.B, Queen’s University, 2000

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Queen’s University, 1995

Investigation Certification, John E. Reid & Associates

Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional

Professional Associations

Association of Workplace Investigators

Ontario Bar Association

Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics