With more than 20 years of experience in labour and employment law, Heather Shields brings deep and practical expertise to Rubin & Co. LLP. She has led numerous complex investigations involving harassment, discrimination, misconduct, financial impropriety, and toxic workplace dynamics, and has conducted workplace assessments that identify systemic issues and provide clear and viable recommendations intended to support a healthy organizational culture. Heather's work is grounded in extensive specialized training, including trauma-informed investigation practices, violence-threat assessments, and conflict management. This breadth of training has equipped her to navigate sensitive matters with nuance and care.
At Rubin & Co. LLP, Heather conducts a full range of workplace investigations, including harassment, bullying, and poisoned work environments, and has a particular interest in investigations involving children. She approaches her work with compassion and care, delivering balanced, evidence-based findings that are supported by clear legal analysis. Recently, Heather completed the ADR Institute of Canada's National Introductory Mediation Course and is expanding her practice to include mediation.
Heather has served as legal counsel to large, complex, multi-union organizations in both the private and public sectors, including as labour and employment counsel, has acted as chief spokesperson in high-stakes collective bargaining, and has spearheaded return-to-work/accommodation programs. She has also served as Senior Director and Legal Counsel, Employee and Labour Relations, at a major Ontario university. Early in her career, Heather practised employment law at Atlantic Canada's largest law firm. She has also served as legal counsel to a public employees' association and worked as in-house counsel to the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board. Throughout her career, she has delivered training on labour, employment, human rights, and human resources best practices at all organizational levels.
