About Melody Jahanzadeh
Melody conducts inclusive investigations that are mindful of cultural, gender, socioeconomic, and mental health considerations. She brings expertise in obtaining information from reluctant parties in emotional and politically-charged situations, and handles sensitive complaints with confidentiality, discretion, and diplomacy, creating an environment where interviewees feel comfortable speaking about their experiences.
Expertise and Services
At Rubin Thomlinson, Melody conducts a range of workplace investigations, including those related to harassment, sexual harassment/assault, discrimination, and other forms of misconduct. She also has particular expertise in conducting investigations regarding law enforcement personnel; these have included allegations of excessive use of force, discreditable conduct, and racial profiling. Melody further assists organizations to proactively identify and manage problematic behaviour through workplace assessments and reviews.
Accolades & Publications
Melody is the author of “Family Status Accommodation: The Road to an Amalgamated Approach,” published in Western University’s the Western Journal of Legal Studies.
Background
Before Rubin Thomlinson, Melody worked at the Ministry of the Attorney General, investigating allegations of police misconduct throughout Ontario, including excessive use of force, unlawful arrest, and discriminatory treatment. Melody also investigated allegations of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation in the province’s correctional institutions. The challenges in such cases included reluctant interviewees, the “code of silence” in law enforcement, contradictory versions of events, and managing the emotions and expectations of the parties involved.
Melody currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF). In 2019, she participated in a LEAF panel that discussed how to investigate allegations of workplace discrimination and harassment. Melody is also fluent in Farsi.
• Called to the Bar of Ontario
• J.D., University of Western Ontario
• B.A (Hons.), University of Waterloo
