The HR Research Institute has formed the State of Legal and Compliance 2026 Advisory Board, comprising workplace, employment law, and compliance experts to direct an upcoming research study and virtual event. This initiative addresses the fast-changing, high-risk environment of legal and compliance management, where issues like AI ethics, pay equity audits, and federal-state law fragmentation are evolving faster than many organizations can manage.
The advisory board includes thought leaders such as Robert Boonin of Dykema, Bryn Goodman of Jackson Lewis, Emily Langdon of Fraser Stryker PC, LLO, Lara Makinen of Valet Living, Patrick McNeil of Affirmity Workforce Compliance, Asia Meador of Meritan, and Holly Sutton of Farella Braun + Martel. Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasized the need for clarity and trusted expertise as regulations accelerate, stating that the board aims to help HR professionals anticipate change, reduce risk, and build ethical, resilient workplaces.
The HR Research Institute, which publishes annual "State of the Industry" reports, including the previous HR.com’s State of Legal Compliance and Employment Law 2025, will leverage the board's insights for its 2026 study. This research is critical as compliance failures can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions for businesses, impacting operational stability and employee trust. The virtual event, scheduled for March 12, 2026, will provide HR professionals with actionable strategies to navigate these complexities, ensuring they stay ahead of regulatory shifts that affect daily operations and long-term planning.
For organizations, the advisory board's guidance could mean better preparedness for emerging laws, reduced litigation risks, and enhanced ethical standards in areas like AI deployment and pay equity. The HR Research Institute, serving over 2 million HR professionals, offers resources such as free research reports and infographics, available at hr.com/hrresearchinstitute, to support informed decision-making. This initiative underscores the growing importance of proactive compliance management in an era where regulatory changes are increasingly complex and interconnected, affecting industries globally and demanding heightened vigilance from HR leaders.
