Overview
Cynthia Carels’ personal injury litigation practice guides plaintiffs through claims regarding motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, fatalities, and other catastrophic injuries. She is also a member of Miller Thomson’s National Class Actions group.
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
Class action litigation: crisis communications, legal media relations, and brand preservation/rehabilitation
Strategic media relations: proactive media relations, crisis communications planning, legal media relations, and brand reputation management
Prior to joining Miller Thomson, Cynthia had a career in broadcasting and communications, and remains well connected with local, provincial, and national media. She frequently appears as a guest expert on radio and television, and provides strategic legal media relations advice to clients in the public spotlight.
With experience as a broadcast journalist, Cynthia knows how to develop and deliver key messages to target audiences with confidence and clarity.
In 2016 she produced the web series “Legal Media Relations,” a nationally accredited professional development program for the Canadian Bar Association, in partnership with Global News.
Cynthia volunteers with the Civil Claims Duty Counsel Project, and the Amicus Project, providing pro bono legal services at the Edmonton courthouse.
Professional achievements & leadership
- The Best Lawyers in Canada – Personal Injury Litigation, 2021
Thought leadership
- Contributor, “Will changes to Alberta auto reduce insurers’ claims costs?,” Canadian Underwriter, November 20, 2020
- Contributor, “Ask the Lawyer,” CFWE and CJWE Windspeaker Radio Network
- Author, “Back To School Zones – 5 Things To Keep In Mind,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, August 29, 2017
- Author, “Four Ways Social Media Can Harm Your Injury Claim,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, August 22, 2017
- Author, “Five Common Complaints of Concussion Victims,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, August 15, 2017
- Author, “Four Common Problems When Injured On Vacation,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, August 9, 2017
- Author, “Want To Sue The City For Your Injuries? Four Things To Keep In Mind,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, August 1, 2017
- Author, “Four Liability Risks for Backyard Trampoline Owners,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, July 18, 2017
- Author, “Four Principles of Loss of Housekeeping Claims,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, July 11, 2017
- Author, “Top Five Challenges In Motorcycle Accident Claims,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, July 4, 2017
- Author, “Four Common Causes of Summer Time Accidents,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, June 27, 2017
- Author, “Five Common Mistakes Made By Accident Injury Victims,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, June 20, 2017
- Author, “Five “Top of Mind” Tips For Concussion Injury Victims,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, June 13, 2017
- Author, “Six Things You Need To Know About Wrongful Death Claims,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, June 6, 2017
- Author, “Five Actions To Take When You Get Into A Motor Vehicle Accident,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, May 31, 2017
- Interviewed by Global News regarding the legal implications of waivers at trampoline parks, January 10, 2017
- Hosted and Produced “Legal Media Relations” in co-operation with Global News, a media relations training program for the Canadian Bar Association, March 2016
- Speaker, “Candid Conversations with Women in Law,” University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law, March 2016
- Author, “Concussion,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, January 5, 2016
- Author, “2016 Maximum Minor Injury Amount Announced,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, December 18, 2015
- Interviewed by Global News regarding potential liability exposure for homeowners with trampolines, October 15, 2015
- Spokesperson for injured plaintiff in action against the City of Edmonton, May 29, 2015
- Co-author, “The Ups and Downs of Backyard Trampolines,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, May 21, 2015
- Author, “The Unexpected Dangers of Summer Long Weekends,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, May 12, 2015
- Author, “Further Clarity Regarding the Minor Injury Regulation,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, March 17, 2015
- Author, “Medical Revocation of Drivers’ Licenses,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, February 23, 2015
- Author, “Underinsured Defendants,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, February 13, 2015
- Author, “Placing A Value on Wrongful Death Claims,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, January 19, 2015
- Author, “Help Us Help You,” Miller Thomson Personal Injury Blog, January 12, 2015
- Interviewed by Global News about the impact of social media on personal injury litigation, November 10, 2014
- 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
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
