HR Generalist

0400 FBD USA LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshfields US LLP is seeking an HR Generalist to support U.S. practice groups and U.S. HR Business Partners by delivering full-cycle HR services aligned with the firm’s strategic goals.

This role partners closely with colleagues in HR Centers of Excellence to enhance organizational effectiveness and employee experience, serving as a trusted advisor on performance, development, and engagement initiatives. This position supports colleagues in Washington, D.C., New York, Silicon Valley, San

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 3–5 years HR experience, preferably in a law firm.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and sound judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Workday and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-cycle HR services to U.S. practice groups and HR Business Partners.
• Collaborate with Centers of Excellence to enhance organizational effectiveness and employee experience.
• Advise associates and practice group leaders on performance, development, and engagement initiatives.
• Support performance reviews, compensation processes, promotions, onboarding, and talent programs.
• Coordinate projects, track action items, and ensure timely deliverables.

Skills

Workday

Microsoft Office

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Discretion and judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

HRIS (Workday)

Job description

The HR Generalist will support U.S. practice groups and U.S. HR Business Partners by delivering full-cycle HR services that align with the firm’s strategic goals. This role partners closely with colleagues in HR Centers of Excellence to enhance organizational effectiveness and employee experience. The HR Generalist will serve as a trusted advisor to associates and practice group leaders, providing thoughtful support on performance, development, and engagement initiatives.

This position supports colleagues in Washington, D.C., New York, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Boston.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables:

• Partner closely with the HR Business Partner to support associates across the U.S.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support on HR policies, processes, and programs.
• Collaborate with HR Centers of Excellence to deliver high-quality, personalized support.
• Support the planning and execution of key HR initiatives, including performance reviews, compensation processes, promotions, onboarding, and talent programs.
• Coordinate project plans, timelines, communications, meeting materials, and stakeholder follow-up activities.
• Track action items and ensure timely completion of deliverables across multiple HR initiatives.
• Support employee engagement, morale, and retention through proactive relationship-building and thoughtful interventions.
• Address complex employee relations matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Help streamline processes and identify opportunities to improve the employee and manager experience.
• Use data and metrics to inform decision-making and identify trends or areas for improvement.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required 3-5 years of progressive Human Resources experience preferably supporting associate populations in a law firm environment
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and sound judgment.
• Strong decision‑making skills, with the ability to discern when to act independently and when to consult.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build meaningful relationships across all levels of the organization, including partners, attorneys, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a collaborative mindset and a focus on shared success.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across teams and functions, contributing to a cohesive and high‑performing HR organization.
• Proactive, adaptable, and team‑oriented, with a positive and professional demeanor.
• Proficiency in Workday or similar HRIS platforms, and strong skills across Microsoft Office applications.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $90,000 to $120,000.

EEO Statement

Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer.

Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP

Freshfields US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at [e-mail] , or you can send your resume to [e-mail] , or you can call us at [phone].

Freshfields is a global law firm with a long‑standing track record of successfully supporting the world’s leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments on ground‑breaking and business critical mandates. At Freshfields we seek to create a better future for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. Our global teams bring together individuals with different experiences, skills and strengths in a culture where we support all to belong, engage and excel.