Vivian E. Rachlis
Vivian Rachlis is an experienced investigator who brings a unique combination of interpersonal skills, empathy and persistence to the Firm’s workplace investigation work. Vivian skillfully engages with witnesses from diverse backgrounds and assesses complex situations, while maintaining a constant focus on the boundaries essential to neutral investigation work. Vivian has also been relied on by regulators and regulatory tribunals for advice relating to their complaints and investigations processes.
Vivian Rachlis has practiced law for 35 years. In her previous roles as an advocate serving clients in multiple sectors, and as a senior lawyer within a large public entity, Vivian’s clients appreciated her specialized knowledge and professionalism when undergoing high conflict, multi-stakeholder processes. Vivian also brings her lengthy experience as a labour and employment lawyer, often advising institutions and employers about their respectful and other workplace obligations, to her current role as a neutral investigator.
Vivian has been actively involved with the community and has committed herself to her profession, as an instructor, committee member and tribunal member. She is currently a member of the Manitoba Law Society’s Complaints Investigation Committee and the President’s Special Committee on Health and Wellness and serves on the United Way of Winnipeg’s Executive and the Board of Trustees as Honorary Solicitor, and Vice-Chair of the Community Investment Committee.
Elissa A. Neville
Elissa is an experienced investigator, specializing in workplace and institutional investigations. A compassionate and seasoned listener, Elissa readily puts witnesses at ease. She is skilled and efficient at gathering, distilling and analyzing information, resulting in clear and well-reasoned findings and reports. With substantial experience in complex human resources and respectful workplace issues, Elissa brings a strong policy and institutional lens to her work.
An accomplished lawyer and executive; Elissa has practiced law with a private law firm, in the public sector, and in a corporate law department. During her time working for a large institution, Elissa held increasingly senior management positions where she was responsible for adherence to corporate policies, including respectful workplace and code of conduct policies. Elissa was also a leader in fostering relationships with affected stakeholders, particularly Indigenous and local communities. She has led a variety of multi-disciplinary initiatives and negotiations, requiring sensitivity and rigour; she has also worked on international initiatives in the resource sector related to community inclusion.
Elissa currently serves as alternate chair and legal member of the Criminal Code Review Board of Manitoba. She is a member of the Equity committee of the Law Society of Manitoba and the Jazz Winnipeg Board.
Rebecca M. Thomson
Rebecca is an associate lawyer with Rachlis Neville LLP and assists with all aspects of workplace, institutional and regulatory investigations. Rebecca applies strong project management principles to all of the Firm’s investigations, which promotes efficiency and timeliness. Prior to joining Rachlis Neville LLP, Rebecca practised with another Winnipeg firm, specializing in corporate and commercial law.
Before going to law school, Rebecca obtained a bachelor’s degree in History of Art from the University of Winnipeg, where she was awarded the Gold Medal in her program. She obtained a law degree from Robson Hall Faculty of Law. Upon her Call to the Manitoba Bar, she was awarded the A. Montague Israels, Q.C. Prize.
Rebecca is deeply committed to the community and to Manitoba, and volunteers with a number of organizations including United Way Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.