A strategic approach to resolving high-stakes workplace conflicts has established Sarah Crossley as one of Canada’s most sought-after workplace investigators.
Known for handling sensitive investigations with both thoroughness and discretion, Crossley has built a reputation for delivering legally sound findings even under intense public scrutiny and tight deadlines.
“Sarah’s ability to both navigate complex and volatile situations with speed is unparalleled,” notes her award nomination.
Crossley has been entrusted with some of Canada’s most high-profile workplace investigations in recent years. In 2024, after an extensive selection process, the Government of Canada retained her to lead an independent review into the appointment of Birju Dattani as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
The investigation followed media reports that Dattani had made anti-Israel posts under a different name, drawing criticism from Jewish advocacy groups while Muslim advocacy organizations argued he was being unfairly treated.
Working under tight deadlines and significant public pressure, Crossley completed the review in less than a month. The report was published on the Government of Canada’s website, and Dattani resigned before taking office.
In another notable case, Crossley conducted a workplace review involving allegations of a toxic work environment. The comprehensive investigation included interviewing more than 100 employees and contractors across all organizational levels. She delivered a thorough report within two months of being retained – significantly faster than comparable reviews.
“As part of this mandate, Sarah gathered information about the workplace culture and environment, practices, and behaviours and advised on areas of improvement,” her nomination states. “Sarah’s findings and conclusions resulted in positive changes to the workplace.”
Her objectivity has earned her trust across management-labour divides. Despite primarily practicing as a management-side labour and employment lawyer, Crossley was retained to investigate the work environment at a large union following allegations of a toxic workplace and gender discrimination.
In another case, Crossley was hired by a charitable organization’s board of directors to investigate anonymous complaints about their executive director. While harassment allegations weren’t substantiated, she uncovered a pattern of misconduct including misuse of funds, theft and dishonesty, leading to the executive director’s termination for cause.
Beyond her investigation work, Crossley contributes to advancing professional standards in the field. She has been an instructor at the Osgoode Certificate in HR Law for HR Professionals since 2012 and frequently speaks on workplace investigation best practices.
She recently authored the inaugural Chambers guide to internal investigations in Canada, along with an article highlighting trends and developments in workplace investigations.
Crossley has been recognized as a leading practitioner in employment, labour and workplace human rights by numerous legal directories, including Chambers Canada, Lexpert, Who’s Who Legal, Best Lawyers and Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyer. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.
“Her investigative work not only resolves immediate workplace concerns but also drives long-term improvements in organizational culture and governance,” states her nomination.
Through her combination of legal precision, speed, and discretion, Crossley has established herself as a standout workplace investigator capable of handling the most challenging and publicly scrutinized cases in Canada.
