Carly Dunster Partner
Carly Dunster is a Partner at Turnpenney Milne LLP and a trusted leader in workplace investigations. With extensive experience conducting complex and sensitive investigations across sectors, she is regularly retained by employers, boards and organizations to address issues ranging from workplace harassment and human rights allegations to fraud, misconduct, and breaches of confidentiality.
Carly’s practice extends beyond fact-finding. She frequently conducts workplace audits and cultural assessments where conflict or discord is present, even before a formal complaint has been raised. Known for her pragmatic, respectful approach, Carly helps organizations use investigations as a catalyst for positive change – providing recommendations that strengthen workplace culture, rebuild trust, and prevent future issues.
Her post-investigation services include mediations, facilitations and customized training programs, including on how to conduct defensible and practical investigations, thereby building the internal capacity of an organization/employer. She has led both group and one-on-one training sessions, equipping leaders and staff with the tools to foster healthier, more inclusive workplaces.
Before focusing her practice exclusively on investigations and workplace training, Carly represented employees in wrongful dismissal, human rights and workplace disputes. This advocacy background gives her unique insight into the perspectives of all parties involved in workplace conflict and enhances her ability to conduct fair, balanced investigations.
Carly is an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH) and is an active member of AWI, having acted as faculty at their training programs throughout North America and participating in a task force dedicated to developing advanced workplace investigator training programs. She is also recognized for her background in the non-profit sector, where she served in management and director roles prior to her legal career, giving her additional perspective on organizational dynamics.
Carly earned her LL.B. from the University of Windsor in 2006 and her B.A. in History from Queen’s University. Outside of work, she is an avid cook, has tried her hand at stand-up comedy, and spends countless parenting hours at hockey rinks and baseball fields, depending on the season.