About Rick Hartlen
A career grounded in evidence, fairness, and sound judgment.
Rick Hartlen brings extensive experience as an Independent Workplace Investigator in Nova Scotia, guiding complex investigations, evaluating evidence, assessing credibility, and making decisions in high-stakes environments.
Professional biography
Independent experience for sensitive workplace concerns.
Rick Hartlen brings more than eighteen years of experience with the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service. Throughout his career, he worked closely with investigative agencies, providing guidance on complex investigations, evaluating evidence, assessing credibility, and helping ensure matters were addressed fairly, objectively, and effectively.
That experience informs a calm, rigorous approach to workplace investigations and other sensitive organizational processes. As an External Workplace Investigator, Hartlen Workplace Solutions helps organizations select and carry out responses suited to the circumstances—from early advice and assessment to formal investigation, conflict resolution, training, and workplace restoration.
Experience & qualifications
Professional experience
- Former Senior Crown Attorney attached to the Special Prosecutions Section, Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service
- Wiretap Agent appointed by the Attorney General of Nova Scotia
- Deputy High Risk Offender Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia
- Occupational Health and Safety Act prosecution experience, including workplace fatality matters
- Presiding Justice of the Peace for the Province of Nova Scotia (per diem)
- Specialized professional development includes workplace investigations, investigative interviewing, evidence assessment, ethics and accountability, credibility assessment, and report writing through programs offered by the Association of Workplace Investigators, the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (including courses developed in partnership with the Canadian Police College), the RCMP, and other recognized professional organizations.
- Outside of his professional work, Rick is an avid beekeeper and is quietly trying to save the world one honeybee at a time at his piece of paradise at the Bighouse Honey Farm in beautiful Lunenburg County.
Professional affiliations
Connected to standards of practice.
Association of Workplace Investigators
- AWI Workplace Investigations Fundamentals Series (2026)
- Training in workplace investigation planning, evidence gathering, witness interviewing, credibility assessment, report writing, and legally defensible decision-making.
- Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
Hartlen Workplace Solutions is an independent practice of R.M. Hartlen Legal Services.
Rick Hartlen remains associated with Anderson Sinclair and may assist clients in obtaining broader legal services if requested.
Approach
Thoughtful process. Clear communication. Practical outcomes.
Every engagement begins by understanding the organization, the people involved, and the decision that needs to be made. The process is then designed to be proportionate, transparent, and fair.
A thoughtful response starts with a conversation.
Discuss your organization’s situation and the options that may be appropriate.