Associate Director, HR Business Partner

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As Associate Director, HR Business Partner, you'll serve as a trusted advisor and strategic force — partnering directly with leadership teams to shape the talent, culture, and organizational health of your client groups. From succession planning and leadership development to employee relations and change management, you'll bring both the big-picture thinking and the hands-on expertise to move the needle at every level. If you lead with influence, act with intention, and know how to turn HR strategy into real business results, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in business, human resources, organizational development or related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of solid work experience in Human Resources with at least 4 years managing people.
• Experience working in a law firm or professional services firm strongly preferred.
• Understanding of law firm structure and attorney progress within the organization.
• Demonstrated success in linking solutions to business needs and implementing core people management processes.
• Strong functional HR knowledge particularly in performance management, organizational development, training, recruitment, employee relations and metrics.
• Up-to-date knowledge of HR related laws such as discrimination, leave of absence, etc.
• Business acumen and ability to work effectively as a trusted advisor and coach to senior managers.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to gain credibility, build relationships and influence people.
• Common sense.
• Passion for problem solving, executing flawlessly and delivering high quality results for clients.
• Ability to think and act strategically and to be proactive and creative.
• Solid project management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to be objective, discrete, and ethical.
• Proficient user of MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Solid understanding of Workday.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience with Asia and Europe a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build strategic, value-add partnerships with C-level and director clients. Regularly meet to guide workplace change, shape engagement strategies, and coach leaders — developing their HR acumen while strengthening the HRBP brand.
• Assess client group needs and collaborate with Talent Development to design and deliver learning solutions across leadership development, change management, team building, and workplace engagement. Measure program effectiveness.
• Advise on org structure, staffing, and reporting relationships. Partner with directors and senior managers to build efficient, best-practice designs aligned with Firm priorities.
• Oversee the staff evaluation process. Coach managers on goal-setting, feedback delivery, and review drafting. Contribute to compensation decisions and ensure timely completion of evaluations.
• Drive skill and career development strategies in partnership with Talent Development. Build tools for retention, succession planning, and leadership development. Use assessments like DiSC to strengthen management capability and team effectiveness.
• Partner with managers to define staffing needs and talent profiles; liaise with recruiters on position requirements. Contribute to job descriptions, interviews, onboarding prep, and new hire goal-setting.
• Partner with HRBPs and HR functional areas to execute firm-wide strategy, share best practices, and ensure consistency across offices. Take a leadership role on HR initiatives as needed.
• Champion HR programs across offices and functional areas. Serve as HR liaison to office managers, presenting promotions and initiatives at management meetings.
• Partner with leaders to plan and budget for developmental and reward programs within local budgets.
• Advise on complex ER issues in collaboration with the Employee Relations team. Diagnose root causes, develop solutions, and counsel managers through resolution.
• Serve as subject matter expert in drafting and reviewing Firm policies. Guide client groups on policy interpretation and application.
• Develop processes and documentation for client group projects. Use metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of talent and organizational initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to applicable US and international laws and regulations. Monitor emerging trends and collaborate with HR Leadership Team to update HR processes accordingly.
• Provide support to client groups and offices globally as needed.

Benefits

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level