Lauren Bernardi
Managing Partner
Expertise
- Representing and advising employers with respect to their HR law needs
- Conducting complex workplace investigations including sexual harassment, sexual assault, racial harassment, discrimination based on gender identity and expression and workplace bullying
- Helping create psychologically safe workplaces through respect in the workplace training, surveys, focus groups, team transformations and one-on-one sensitivity training
- Transforming challenging and unique workplace cultures
- Workplace mental health
PhilosophyIn a word: fairness
Lauren epitomizes our mantra: forward thinking at work.
When she founded the firm in 1995, Lauren set out to provide proactive employment law and HR advisory services, and to always stay ahead of the curve. She has consistently met that mission ever since and is a highly regarded leader in the field of HR law and workplace transformation.
Lauren works with employers in both the public and private sector. She has developed a particular niche assisting universities, municipalities and their councils, police, fire and emergency services.
B.A. Psychology: Laurentian University, L.L.B. Osgoode Hall Law School, Board member of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin, Mindful Employer Canada. Practicing law since 1992.
Accomplishments
As a thought leader, Lauren has helped educate HR professionals and lawyers across the country. Her accomplishments include:
- developing the Workplace Investigation Certificate Program offered in partnership with HRPA
- co-chair for the Osgoode Certificate in Workplace Mental Health Law
- program chair for the Osgoode Advanced Workplace Investigations Certificate Program
- co-chair for the Law Society of Ontario’s Annotated Employment Agreement program
Lauren is the author of a leading book on HR policies: “POWERFUL EMPLOYMENT POLICIES” and has been a sought-out guest expert on CBC Radio’s Ontario Today.
On Lauren’s initiative the firm implemented the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Lauren has since been a champion of the National Standard with many other organizations.
Backstory
Lauren had her first client when she was in grade 2. His name was Steven and she defended him from a woman who accused him of throwing snowballs at her sons. When the mother tried to accost Steven, Lauren stepped in and pointed out that the woman’s “innocent” sons had thrown snowballs at Steven the day before…with rocks in them. Stunned by the defiance of an seven-year old girl with frizzy hair, the mother retreated…and Lauren won her first case.
She’s been a lawyer ever since.
An interesting tidbit
Lauren climbed Croagh Patrick in Ireland, ziplined in Costa Rica and flew a glider plane. Lest you think she’s fearless, she cried up (and down) Croagh Patrick, screamed from one zipline to the other, and hyperventilated all 10 seconds she flew the plane.
