Legal Pulse: HR in Focus – The Must-Attend Webinar for HR Professionals
Stay ahead of the curve on HR law, compliance and strategy in a faster-changing world of work.
Legal Pulse: HR in Focus is a high-impact online event designed to keep HR professionals ahead of the curve on employment law, compliance and workplace strategy. Hosted by HRPA in partnership with Goodlawyer, this 2.5-hour virtual session delivers the latest legal insights, real-world updates and practical tools you can apply right away.
As workplaces evolve, HR leaders face complex challenges – from hybrid work policies and AI-driven hiring, to privacy, investigations and human rights rulings. This session distills what matters most, helping you understand new regulations, anticipate legal risks and strengthen your organization’s HR strategy.
You’ll gain rapid-fire updates on the most pressing changes in HR law, hear real case studies that bring those lessons to life and take part in an engaging Q&A with legal experts. By the end, you’ll walk away confident, informed and ready to navigate any HR legal landscape with clarity.
CO-HOST:
📅 Date & Time: November 27, 2025, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM (ET)
💻 Format: Live Online Webinar
⏰ Registration Closes: November 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM
💵 Pricing:
👤 HRPA Members – CA $65 + taxes
🌐 Non-Members – CA $85 + taxes
🎓 CPD: Eligible for 2.5 CPD hours
Agenda
12:00 – 12:10 PM | Welcome + Opening Remarks
Speakers
Lisa Tan, Head of Partnerships, Goodlawyer
Rich Appiah, Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
12:10 – 12:45 PM | Law in Motion: Real Cases, Real Lessons
Case-based insights and audience polls on real HR legal scenarios.
Speaker
Thelma Zindoga, Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
12:45 – 1:25 PM | The Legal Pulse Briefing: Top 5 Changes You Can’t Ignore
Key 2025 employment law updates and practical HR implications.
Speaker
Roger Zhang, Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
1:25 – 1:35 PM | Insight Break: The Legal Takeaway
Action-oriented guidance on applying legal trends to people strategy.
Speaker
Michelle Small, Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
1:35 – 2:15 PM | Ask the Lawyers Live: The Rapid-Fire Roundtable
Audience-driven Q&A, lightning insights, and live discussion.
Moderator: Rich Appiah, Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
Speakers: Michelle Small, Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
2:15 – 2:30 PM | Closing Pulse: What’s Next for HR Law
Speakers
Rich Appiah, Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
Lisa Tan, Head of Partnerships, Goodlawyer
Rich Appiah
Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
Rich Appiah is the principal of Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel. He provides strategic advice and legal representation in human resources law to businesses of all sizes and sectors, as well as to managers and senior executives.
Rich is a trusted voice on employment law and ethics, often featured in national media and at industry conferences. He serves as Vice Chair of the University of Guelph’s Board of Governors, leading its Human Resources and Governance Committees, and has held leadership roles with Delisle Youth Services, STEPS Public Art, and the Ontario Bar Association.
Recognized among Best Lawyers in Canada (2024 – 2025) and the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Rich was also named a “Lawyer to Watch” by Lexpert Magazine.
Michelle Small
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Michelle Small blends two decades of experience as an employment lawyer and senior HR executive to deliver practical, people-focused legal advice. She has led HR and employee relations functions for major organizations and provides counsel on workplace investigations, compliance, and culture transformation. Michelle’s dual perspective enables her to bridge legal risk management with real-world leadership insight. As a Goodlawyer fractional lawyer, she partners with employers to provide responsive, strategic employment law and HR guidance on demand.
Lisa Tan
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Lisa Tan is an management-side employment lawyer who advises organizations and HR professionals on workplace compliance, employment contracts, and human rights matters. She handles terminations, accommodation issues, and policy development, helping employers navigate complex employment legislation and mitigate legal risk. With experience as General Counsel and expertise in corporate law, Lisa brings a business-minded approach to employment law challenges. She works closely with HR teams on day-to-day workplace issues and translates legal requirements into practical, implementable strategies.
Thelma Zindoga
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Thelma Zindoga is an award-winning employment and labour lawyer recognized by Chambers Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. She advises employers, non-profits, and executives on employment standards, human rights, workplace investigations, and policy design. Known for her practical and strategic approach, she helps HR leaders manage risk and maintain compliant workplaces. As a Goodlawyer fractional counsel, Thelma offers employers fractional legal support that’s accessible and business-minded.
Roger Zhang
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Roger Zhang is an employment and human rights lawyer and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/C). He advises Canadian employers on workplace law, privacy compliance, and human rights issues and regularly represents clients before courts and tribunals. With deep experience drafting employment contracts and policies, Roger helps organizations stay compliant amid rapid legislative change. As a Goodlawyer fractional counsel, he provides flexible, on-demand legal support for employers navigating complex workplace challenges.
Rich Appiah
Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
Rich Appiah is the principal of Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel. He provides strategic advice and legal representation in human resources law to businesses of all sizes and sectors, as well as to managers and senior executives.
Rich is a trusted voice on employment law and ethics, often featured in national media and at industry conferences. He serves as Vice Chair of the University of Guelph’s Board of Governors, leading its Human Resources and Governance Committees, and has held leadership roles with Delisle Youth Services, STEPS Public Art, and the Ontario Bar Association.
Recognized among Best Lawyers in Canada (2024 – 2025) and the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Rich was also named a “Lawyer to Watch” by Lexpert Magazine.
Michelle Small
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Michelle Small blends two decades of experience as an employment lawyer and senior HR executive to deliver practical, people-focused legal advice. She has led HR and employee relations functions for major organizations and provides counsel on workplace investigations, compliance, and culture transformation. Michelle’s dual perspective enables her to bridge legal risk management with real-world leadership insight. As a Goodlawyer fractional lawyer, she partners with employers to provide responsive, strategic employment law and HR guidance on demand.
Lisa Tan
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Lisa Tan is an management-side employment lawyer who advises organizations and HR professionals on workplace compliance, employment contracts, and human rights matters. She handles terminations, accommodation issues, and policy development, helping employers navigate complex employment legislation and mitigate legal risk. With experience as General Counsel and expertise in corporate law, Lisa brings a business-minded approach to employment law challenges. She works closely with HR teams on day-to-day workplace issues and translates legal requirements into practical, implementable strategies.
Thelma Zindoga
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Thelma Zindoga is an award-winning employment and labour lawyer recognized by Chambers Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. She advises employers, non-profits, and executives on employment standards, human rights, workplace investigations, and policy design. Known for her practical and strategic approach, she helps HR leaders manage risk and maintain compliant workplaces. As a Goodlawyer fractional counsel, Thelma offers employers fractional legal support that’s accessible and business-minded.
Roger Zhang
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Roger Zhang is an employment and human rights lawyer and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/C). He advises Canadian employers on workplace law, privacy compliance, and human rights issues and regularly represents clients before courts and tribunals. With deep experience drafting employment contracts and policies, Roger helps organizations stay compliant amid rapid legislative change. As a Goodlawyer fractional counsel, he provides flexible, on-demand legal support for employers navigating complex workplace challenges.
Agenda
12:00 – 12:10 PM | Welcome + Opening Remarks
Speakers
Lisa Tan, Head of Partnerships, Goodlawyer
Rich Appiah, Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
12:10 – 12:45 PM | Law in Motion: Real Cases, Real Lessons
Case-based insights and audience polls on real HR legal scenarios.
Speaker
Thelma Zindoga, Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
12:45 – 1:25 PM | The Legal Pulse Briefing: Top 5 Changes You Can’t Ignore
Key 2025 employment law updates and practical HR implications.
Speaker
Roger Zhang, Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
1:25 – 1:35 PM | Insight Break: The Legal Takeaway
Action-oriented guidance on applying legal trends to people strategy.
Speaker
Michelle Small, Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
1:35 – 2:15 PM | Ask the Lawyers Live: The Rapid-Fire Roundtable
Audience-driven Q&A, lightning insights, and live discussion.
Moderator: Rich Appiah, Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
Speakers: Michelle Small, Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
2:15 – 2:30 PM | Closing Pulse: What’s Next for HR Law
Speakers
Rich Appiah, Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
Lisa Tan, Head of Partnerships, Goodlawyer
Rich Appiah
Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
Rich Appiah is the principal of Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel. He provides strategic advice and legal representation in human resources law to businesses of all sizes and sectors, as well as to managers and senior executives.
Rich is a trusted voice on employment law and ethics, often featured in national media and at industry conferences. He serves as Vice Chair of the University of Guelph’s Board of Governors, leading its Human Resources and Governance Committees, and has held leadership roles with Delisle Youth Services, STEPS Public Art, and the Ontario Bar Association.
Recognized among Best Lawyers in Canada (2024 – 2025) and the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Rich was also named a “Lawyer to Watch” by Lexpert Magazine.
Michelle Small
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Michelle Small blends two decades of experience as an employment lawyer and senior HR executive to deliver practical, people-focused legal advice. She has led HR and employee relations functions for major organizations and provides counsel on workplace investigations, compliance, and culture transformation. Michelle’s dual perspective enables her to bridge legal risk management with real-world leadership insight. As a Goodlawyer fractional lawyer, she partners with employers to provide responsive, strategic employment law and HR guidance on demand.
Lisa Tan
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Lisa Tan is an management-side employment lawyer who advises organizations and HR professionals on workplace compliance, employment contracts, and human rights matters. She handles terminations, accommodation issues, and policy development, helping employers navigate complex employment legislation and mitigate legal risk. With experience as General Counsel and expertise in corporate law, Lisa brings a business-minded approach to employment law challenges. She works closely with HR teams on day-to-day workplace issues and translates legal requirements into practical, implementable strategies.
Thelma Zindoga
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Thelma Zindoga is an award-winning employment and labour lawyer recognized by Chambers Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. She advises employers, non-profits, and executives on employment standards, human rights, workplace investigations, and policy design. Known for her practical and strategic approach, she helps HR leaders manage risk and maintain compliant workplaces. As a Goodlawyer fractional counsel, Thelma offers employers fractional legal support that’s accessible and business-minded.
Roger Zhang
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Roger Zhang is an employment and human rights lawyer and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/C). He advises Canadian employers on workplace law, privacy compliance, and human rights issues and regularly represents clients before courts and tribunals. With deep experience drafting employment contracts and policies, Roger helps organizations stay compliant amid rapid legislative change. As a Goodlawyer fractional counsel, he provides flexible, on-demand legal support for employers navigating complex workplace challenges.
Rich Appiah
Principal, Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel
Rich Appiah is the principal of Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel. He provides strategic advice and legal representation in human resources law to businesses of all sizes and sectors, as well as to managers and senior executives.
Rich is a trusted voice on employment law and ethics, often featured in national media and at industry conferences. He serves as Vice Chair of the University of Guelph’s Board of Governors, leading its Human Resources and Governance Committees, and has held leadership roles with Delisle Youth Services, STEPS Public Art, and the Ontario Bar Association.
Recognized among Best Lawyers in Canada (2024 – 2025) and the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Rich was also named a “Lawyer to Watch” by Lexpert Magazine.
Michelle Small
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Michelle Small blends two decades of experience as an employment lawyer and senior HR executive to deliver practical, people-focused legal advice. She has led HR and employee relations functions for major organizations and provides counsel on workplace investigations, compliance, and culture transformation. Michelle’s dual perspective enables her to bridge legal risk management with real-world leadership insight. As a Goodlawyer fractional lawyer, she partners with employers to provide responsive, strategic employment law and HR guidance on demand.
Lisa Tan
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Lisa Tan is an management-side employment lawyer who advises organizations and HR professionals on workplace compliance, employment contracts, and human rights matters. She handles terminations, accommodation issues, and policy development, helping employers navigate complex employment legislation and mitigate legal risk. With experience as General Counsel and expertise in corporate law, Lisa brings a business-minded approach to employment law challenges. She works closely with HR teams on day-to-day workplace issues and translates legal requirements into practical, implementable strategies.
Thelma Zindoga
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Thelma Zindoga is an award-winning employment and labour lawyer recognized by Chambers Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. She advises employers, non-profits, and executives on employment standards, human rights, workplace investigations, and policy design. Known for her practical and strategic approach, she helps HR leaders manage risk and maintain compliant workplaces. As a Goodlawyer fractional counsel, Thelma offers employers fractional legal support that’s accessible and business-minded.
Roger Zhang
Fractional Lawyer at Goodlawyer
Roger Zhang is an employment and human rights lawyer and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/C). He advises Canadian employers on workplace law, privacy compliance, and human rights issues and regularly represents clients before courts and tribunals. With deep experience drafting employment contracts and policies, Roger helps organizations stay compliant amid rapid legislative change. As a Goodlawyer fractional counsel, he provides flexible, on-demand legal support for employers navigating complex workplace challenges.
Don’t wait – secure your spot today for this critical deep-dive into HR legal risk, compliance and strategy.