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.