Human Resources Business Partner

Clifford Chance; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Human Resources Business Partner to provide strategic HR support across various practice areas. This role combines operational and strategic responsibilities, focusing on talent management, employee relations, and wellbeing initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong consultative skills, a client-focused mindset, and the ability to thrive under pressure. With a salary range reflecting experience and qualifications, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment. If you are passionate about HR and eager to drive efficiency through innovative strategies, this role is for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR experience, preferably in a law firm.
• Bachelor's Degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to integrate people priorities and shape the talent agenda.
• Address employee concerns and provide guidance in line with policies.
• Support hiring needs, onboarding, and stakeholder collaboration.

Skills

HR experience

Consultative skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Client-focused mindset

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR or Business Administration

Tools

HR software

Job description

The Role

DESCRIPTION:

Clifford Chance US LLP is seeking a full-time Human Resources Business Partner to provide strategic HR support to the Litigation and Dispute Resolution (LDR), Real Estate, and Tax, Pension & Employment (TPE) practice areas. This role combines operational and strategic responsibilities with exceptional HR client service. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive mindset, strong attention to detail, and embody qualities of a change agent, utilizing technology to drive efficiency. The position is based in New York and reports to the Senior Human Resources Business Partner - Americas.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. People and Talent Strategy

• Partner with key stakeholders to integrate the firm's people priorities, shape the regional talent agenda, and collaborate on talent processes such as compensation.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to partners and attorneys, providing strategic HR support aligned with the firm's strategy.
• Coordinate with other HR departments to ensure alignment and consistency of HR services.
• Participate in global and regional HR projects to support strategic objectives.
• Drive HR programs and change initiatives to meet evolving needs.
• Analyze HR data and provide updates on performance, engagement, turnover, and other metrics; recommend improvement strategies.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to ensure compliance and support goals.
• Collaborate with regional HR Business Partners for seamless support across regions.

Employee Relations

• Address employee concerns, resolve conflicts, and provide guidance in line with policies.
• Support attorneys during parental leave and partner with General Counsel to mitigate employment risks.
• Guide partners on employee relations issues.

Exit Management

• Conduct exit interviews and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

Talent Management

• Support attorney review processes and moderate performance discussions.
• Participate in talent reviews and analyze data to inform development and training needs.

Talent Acquisition

• Support hiring needs, onboarding, and stakeholder collaboration to meet utilization goals.
• Engage with new hires during their first months.

Wellbeing and People Experience

• Embed wellbeing objectives, engage in employee listening, and develop strategies to enhance wellbeing.

Financial Management, Risk, Data, and Analytics

• Assist with headcount forecasting, budgeting, and analyzing employee data.

Additional assignments may be assigned by the Senior HR Business Partner - Americas or the Director of Human Resources - Americas.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR experience, preferably in a law firm, supporting attorney-client groups.
• Bachelor's Degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field.
• SHRM/HRCI Certification preferred.
• Strong consultative skills and client-focused mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure, handle confidential information, and prioritize demands.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative approach.
• Proficiency in MS Office, HR software, and ability to learn new technologies.
• Flexibility to work outside core hours and adhere to the firm's hybrid working policy.
• Legal authorization to work in the US.

The salary range is $120,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.