SERVICES

Investigations

Neutral. Fair. Trauma- and violence-informed.

I run neutral workplace investigations, with expertise in gender- and power-based harm.

You’ll get a process people trust, and a clear report you can act on.

what makes my investigations different

I understand gender- and power-based harm

A lot of harm isn’t obvious on the surface but sits in norms, power, and patterns. A keen eye for sociocultural power as distinct from organizational power is critical.

I also pay attention to how myths and stereotypes can influence reporting and credibility.

Trauma- and violence-informed isn't just a label

I interview in a way that supports participation and reduces harm.

That means cultural safety, real choices, and a strengths-based approach.

I keep one eye on what happens after

I know the investigation isn’t the end of the road. Your workplace still needs to function once it’s done.

My report will support your next steps and reduce repeat issues.

Want to go deeper?

Upwards Harassment in Male-Dominated Workplaces

A reflection on upward harassment in male-dominated workplaces, exploring how gender stereotypes and power dynamics can shape workplace complaints and investigations.

cost + what's included

Rate: $300/hour

Typical scope: Many straightforward files are completed in under 35 hours. More complex files take longer. The biggest drivers are the number of witnesses, the volume of documents, and how many issues are in scope.

How it works: We start with a short intake call to confirm scope and fit. I’ll then ask for and review key documents before starting the interviews.

What you get: Depending on the mandate, a plain language report with findings and practical next steps.

A note on conflicts.

To protect neutrality, I keep investigation work separate from advisory work.


If you’ve worked with me in another area, we’ll do a conflict check before moving ahead.

Rika is an incredibly smart and adaptive lawyer that excels in working with her clients to find creative solutions by using analytical approaches. Personally, it was a pleasure to work with Rika and I could not recommend her more highly!

BRANDON PARLETTE,

Senior counsel, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

It is always a pleasure and an honour to collaborate with Rika. Rika brings a wealth of knowledge to her training sessions, including up-to-date case law, employment legislation, gender-based harassment and violence, and workplace practices and realities. Rika is a dynamic facilitator, educator, and speaker that is always participant-focused, responsive, and highly effective. In her training sessions, Rika creates safe learning environments that are interactive, engaging, and grounded in adult learning principles. Rika has a unique way of making participants feel at ease with such difficult and complex issues, such as gender-based harassment and violence, and willing to open up to ask questions and share experiences.

Adriana Berlingieri, PhD

,

Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children, Western University

I had the pleasure of collaborating with Rika Sawatsky of Clausework on a Black Femme Legal guide developed for Black queer, trans, and non-binary workers in Ontario. Rika was an absolute pleasure to work with—thoughtful, brilliant, and deeply grounded in a trauma-informed and intersectional approach to legal analysis. Her care for community and commitment to accessible, meaningful work truly shines through.

Samantha Peters

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Founder & Director, Black Femme Legal

Mennonite New Life Centre's Staff and Clients learned much from the teachings and guidance offered and would recommend to anyone. Rika is friendly and knowledgeable. Really knows her business.

Dwayne O'Connor

,

Executive Director

Rika Sawatsky is smart and comes with impressive experience. At the same time, she is very respectful of the expertise of others. Rika is a natural collaborator and working with her helped me to see my own work from new perspectives. It’s the best kind of work experience.

Director

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Research Centre

Rika learned and applied the complex industrial terms and working procedures of our North American company incredibly quickly, all the while managing tight litigation timelines and multiple points of contact within our organization. Her personable nature and ability to explain legal concepts in plain language made her a joy to work with.

Labour Relations Manager

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Rail Industry

Rika is an excellent lawyer. She learns the complicated details of a case and finds creative solutions by building rapport with allied and opposing parties to come to a positive resolution for her clients.

Igor Gimelshtein

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CEO, Echelon Wellness

Rika is an excellent lawyer who pays attention to detail, has terrific writing skills, and is a wonderful person to work with. I highly recommend her for labour and employment matters.

John Stout

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Mediator/Arbitrator

I had the pleasure of working closely with Rika during her time with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, where she drafted legislation, and provided oral and written advice to clients and senior officials. Rika is an incredibly smart and adaptive lawyer that excels in working with her clients to find creative solutions by using analytical approaches. Personally, it was a pleasure to work with Rika and I could not recommend her more highly!

Brandon Parlette

,

Senior Counsel, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development

Rika provided our public sector organization with expert representation on a number of complex legal matters, which led to highly successful outcomes. She provides intelligent insightful counsel and she has an unparalleled work ethic. Rika is able to pull on her wealth of knowledge and legal expertise while quickly comprehending the nuances of issues that are essential to problem solving. Rika is results driven and articulate in communications. From a client perspective, Rika is highly responsive and she demonstrates true caring.

John Hodgkinson

,

Senior Manager, Employee & Labour Relations

Rika is a pleasure to work with! Her high level of organization and prompt communication is impressive, and her kindness proves she truly cares for her clients. I now feel confident about my client contract! Highly recommend!

Sara Froese

,

Founder, All Sorts Press

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