The HR Research Institute has established the State of Legal and Compliance 2026 Advisory Board, comprising workplace, employment law, and compliance specialists who will direct an upcoming research study and virtual event. This initiative aims to assist HR professionals in managing one of the most dynamic and high-risk domains in contemporary business, addressing a compliance environment that is evolving more rapidly than many organizations can monitor.
Emerging issues span from artificial intelligence ethics to pay equity audits and increasing divergence between federal and state regulations. The advisory board will offer strategic guidance on the most pressing challenges employers are projected to encounter in 2026. Panel members include Robert Boonin, Partner & Attorney at Dykema; Bryn Goodman, Partner at Jackson Lewis; Emily Langdon, Attorney at Fraser Stryker PC, LLO; Lara Makinen, Senior Director of HR Compliance Initiatives at Valet Living; Patrick McNeil, Ph.D., Principal Business Consultant at Affirmity Workforce Compliance; Asia Meador, General Counsel & SVP of Compliance and Human Resources at Meritan; and Holly Sutton, Partner at Farella Braun + Martel.
Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, stated, "As regulations accelerate, HR leaders need clarity and trusted expertise. This advisory board brings top legal and compliance minds together to help HR anticipate change, reduce risk, and build ethical, resilient workplaces for the future." The board will inform HR.com's State of Legal and Compliance 2026 Virtual Event, scheduled for March 12, 2026. The HR Research Institute, which publishes annual "State of the Industry" reports on various HR subjects, previously released the HR.com's State of Legal Compliance and Employment Law 2025 report.
These research resources are developed with input from advisory boards consisting of thought leaders and industry experts. The HR Research Institute, supported by HR.com, serves over 2 million HR professionals by identifying key trends and best practices through evidence-based research findings. The institute has produced hundreds of reports across a broad spectrum of HR topics, with free membership providing access to more than 300 exclusive primary research reports and infographics. Further details about the institute's activities are accessible via its online presence.
For HR vendors, this development underscores the escalating complexity of compliance requirements that their clients must navigate. The advisory board's focus on issues like AI ethics and pay equity audits highlights emerging areas where vendors may need to develop or refine solutions. The research outcomes could influence product development, service offerings, and market positioning, as vendors align their strategies with the identified trends and challenges. The virtual event and subsequent report will provide vendors with critical insights into the legal and compliance priorities shaping HR practices, enabling them to better support their clients in mitigating risks and adapting to regulatory changes.
