Cynthia Carels is a personal injury lawyer who guides plaintiffs through claims regarding motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, fatalities, and catastrophic injuries. She also provides strategic legal media relations services to clients in the public spotlight.
Prior to joining Miller Thomson, Cynthia worked with a boutique personal injury law firm, and had a career in broadcasting and communications.
Personal injury claims: motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, occupier’s liability, and product liability claims
Fatality claims: bereavement claims, loss of dependency on income and household services, and pre-death costs of care
Strategic media relations: media relations planning, crisis communications, and media rehabilitation
With experience as a broadcast journalist, and as the communications director for the president of a major post-secondary institution, Cynthia develops and delivers key messages to target audiences with confidence and clarity.
Cynthia volunteers with the Civil Claims Duty Counsel Project, and the Amicus Project, providing pro bono legal services at the Edmonton courthouse. She also serves with the Refugee Sponsorship Support Program.
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Thought leadership
- Hosted and Produced “Legal Media Relations” in co-operation with Global News, a media relations training program for the Canadian Bar Association, March 2016
- Hosted “Media and the Law,” three-part series with Douglas Mah, Q.C. for the Canadian Bar Association, September-November 2014
- Presented “Beyond the Client: Working with Experts,” Civil Litigation for Paralegals, LESA Seminar, Edmonton & Calgary, May 2007
- Spokesperson for injured plaintiff in action against the City of Edmonton
- Interviewed by Global News regarding potential liability exposure for homeowners with trampolines
- Interviewed by Global News about the impact of social media on personal injury litigation
- Interviewed by Global News regarding the legal implications of waivers at trampoline parks
- Contributor to the Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog
Community involvement
- Volunteer, Civil Claims Duty Counsel Project and Amicus Project
- Volunteer, Alberta Cultural Exchange Experience Society
- Volunteer, Refugee Sponsorship Support Program
Professional memberships
- Member, Law Society of Alberta
- Member, Canadian Bar Association
- Member, Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers’ Association
Bar admissions & education
- Alberta Bar, 2012
- LL.B., University of Alberta, 2011
- B.A. (English, with distinction), University of Alberta, 1999
- Cinema, Television, Stage & Radio Arts, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, 1995