How can universities respond to the evolving relationship between higher education and the workplace? Michael Kennedy and Amanda Lawrence-Patel will be speaking at the FBS Annual Conference on a series of labour relations hot topics for the universities sector. Learn more!
Training & Events
Conference
School Board Management Conference: The New Rules of School Board HR
November 4, 2025From new leave entitlements and Human Rights Tribunal changes to Charter rights and precedent-setting arbitration awards, the Human Resources landscape for Ontario school boards is shifting fast. Our School Board Management conference will equip you with the must-know updates and strategies you need to stay compliant and prepared.
In-Person Training
Workplace Investigation Training Workshop
May 15, 2025This session focuses on investigation fundamentals. Attendees will learn the key takeaways from case law and best practices for investigating workplace incidents.
Speaking Engagement
2024 Faculty Bargaining Services (FBS) Annual Summit
November 6, 2024 - November 8, 2024FBS promotes excellence in academic labour relations in Canadian universities. As both a training and knowledge-sharing opportunity, the annual conference brings together labour relations professionals from Canadian universities to better equip them in matters related to academic collective bargaining and contract administration.
Speaking Engagement
In “Sexual Misconduct at Universities: Bill 26 and Beyond,” Hicks Morley’s Amanda Lawrence-Patel—along with the University of Toronto’s Andrew Ebejer and Queen’s University’s Melissa Seal—will discuss the evolution of the law regarding sexual misconduct at universities, including recent statutory changes introduced by Bill 26, the Strengthening Post-secondary Institutions and Students Act, 2022.
Speaking Engagement
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA): 2023 Education Labour Relations and Human Resources Symposium
April 27, 2023 - April 28, 2023The OPSBA Education Labour Relations and Human Resources Symposium features informative keynote speakers, panels and workshops on managing human resources issues in the media, workplace investigations, safe schools, collective bargaining, social media in the workplace, employment equity and employee wellness.
Speaking Engagement
Canadian Association of University Solicitors (CAUS): 2022 Conference and Annual General Meeting
June 9, 2022 - June 11, 2022In “Social Media and the Law,” Amanda Lawrence-Patel spoke about issues that may arise with respect to social media and academic freedom.
Speaking Engagement
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on workplaces and union-management relations. Arbitrators, unions, and employers have dealt with new and developing issues such as mandatory vaccination, testing, accommodation, protection of worker health and safety, sick pay, discipline for safety violations, leaves of absence, and many other issues.