INVESTIGATIONS
| Helping K-12 education leaders in British Columbia respond to complex issues and complaints.
INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL
| Solutions for complex issues.
When a complaint, allegation, or conflict requires an impartial process, Southern Law responds with timely, confidential, and procedurally fair investigations by providing neutral advice that protects schools, teachers, administrators, students, and the communities they serve in British Columbia.
NAVIGATING CONFLICT
| Common issues and complaints in K-12 education.
We have extensive experience working with a wide range of complainants and respondents, including senior leaders, educators, facilities staff, students, parents, and trustees. K-12 education issues and complaints include:
❖ Staff misconduct allegations
❖ Student safety concerns
❖ Workplace conflicts
❖ Inappropriate conduct
❖ Whistleblower complaints
❖ Governance & policy matters
BUILDING CAPACITY
| Why BC schools and school districts trust us.
Since 2014, we have conducted over 300 investigations in the K-12 education sector, with more than 45 school districts involving all types of allegations, including serious misconduct, bullying and harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, fraud, and professional misconduct.
Our approach to K-12 education investigations:
| Frequently Asked Questions.
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Yes. We frequently advise clients on what steps to take after they receive a complaint. You may be able to handle the matter internally with some guidance. A full investigation is not always necessary or the best approach.
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We are experienced handling all kinds of issues and can guide you on the best process to fit your circumstances.
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Yes. Mediation may be the better approach in some cases, and we are happy to discuss options. We have qualified, experienced mediators who can assist with resolving all types of conflict.
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Yes. After an investigation, there can be a need to repair relationships; rewrite policies; or change practices. We can assist with rebuilding all aspects of your organization.
LEADING CHANGE
| Helping education leaders respond to issues or complaints.
Southern Law’s roster of investigators provides you with a depth of choice. We are all trauma informed and have received extensive training in conducting investigations. That said, we are a diverse group of investigators with various lived experience and education/work backgrounds, and different experiences working and/or conducting investigations in the K-12 public education sector. All of us conduct investigations involving schools and school districts.
EXPERIENCE THAT MATTERS
In 2026, we engaged Derek Thompson, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement. Derek -Čaabať Bookwilla is from the diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ (Ditidaht First Nation), is a seated and recognized Čaabať (Hereditary Chief) within his extended family and community, and has lineage in Cowichan Tribes (Coast Salish), Kitimaat (Haisla), and Bella Bella (Heiltsuk). In 2023, he was elected as a councillor for the Ditidaht First Nation, and holds the governance portfolios for education, health, treaty negotiations, and strategic planning. Derek conducts mediations, workplace assessments, and facilitations, and supports and advises our team members who are engaged in legal processes involving Indigenous participants. Derek also serves as a coinvestigator. Contact Derek →
| Responding to a Sensitive Matter?
If your school or school district in British Columbia is facing a complaint, allegation, conflict, or dispute, contact Southern Law for a confidential conversation about the next steps forward.