Workplace Investigations | Alternative Dispute Resolution | Wills & Estates

Richard “Rick” Hartlen provides practical, experienced advice to individuals, employers, municipalities, boards and organizations throughout Nova Scotia.

A significant focus of Rick’s practice is independent workplace investigations, workplace assessments and dispute resolution. He is the founder of Hartlen Workplace Investigations & Solutions, an independent practice of R.M. Hartlen Legal Services serving organizations throughout Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. Rick remains associated with Anderson Sinclair.

Through that practice, Rick provides independent investigations into harassment, bullying, misconduct and respectful workplace complaints; workplace and organizational assessments; municipal, board and non-profit investigations; mediation and conflict resolution; workplace restoration and early resolution; training; and governance, policy and workplace advisory services.

Before returning to private practice, Rick spent approximately eighteen years with the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service, including as a Senior Crown Attorney working with the Special Prosecutions Section. His work involved complex investigations, assessment of credibility and reliability, major evidentiary issues, regulatory and Occupational Health and Safety matters, and collaboration with specialized police and investigative units.

During his prosecution career, Rick also served as a designated Wiretap Agent for the Attorney General of Nova Scotia and as Deputy High Risk Offender Coordinator for the Province. He regularly provided training and advice to police and other justice-system participants on investigative and evidentiary issues.

Rick currently serves on a part-time, per diem basis as a Presiding Justice of the Peace for the Province of Nova Scotia.

His professional development includes advanced training in workplace investigations, investigative interviewing, credibility assessment, report writing, mediation and dispute resolution. He has completed the Osgoode Certificate in Advanced Workplace Investigations and has pursued additional professional development through organizations including the Association of Workplace Investigators.

Rick is also developing his practice in mediation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. In addition to his workplace and dispute-resolution practice, he assists individuals and families with wills, powers of attorney, personal directives and estate planning.

Learn more about Hartlen Workplace Investigations & Solutions

Email: rhartlen@andsinc.com

Phone: (902) 679-0110 ext. 107