Senior Employee Relations Lead

The Senior Employee Relations Lead is responsible for conducting thorough, timely, and impartial workplace investigations involving complex employee relations matters, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, policy violations, workplace misconduct, and other sensitive employment concerns. Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), this role partners closely with the Office of the General Counsel, business leaders, and other stakeholders to assess allegations, develop investigation plans, conduct interviews, analyze evidence, prepare investigation reports, and recommend appropriate next steps.

The incumbent in this role will exercise exceptional judgment, and the ability to manage high-risk matters with professionalism, discretion, and objectivity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

* At the direction of the CHRO, conduct complex and sensitive workplace investigations involving allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace misconduct, conflicts of interest, ethics violations, policy breaches, and other employee relations concerns.

* Develop and execute investigation plans, including identifying relevant witnesses, documents, data, and applicable policies.

* Conduct complainant, respondent, and witness interviews in a fair, trauma-informed, and objective manner.

* Review and analyze relevant evidence, including documents, communications, personnel records, system data, and other materials.

* Prepare clear, well-organized, and defensible investigation reports summarizing allegations, facts, credibility assessments, findings, and supporting rationale.

* Partner with the Office of the General Counsel, HR leaders, and Department/Practice Group/Office leadership to ensure investigations are handled consistently and in accordance with the Firm's policies and applicable laws.

* Provide recommendations on remedial actions, policy improvements, training needs, and risk mitigation strategies.

* Advise HR and business stakeholders on employee relations matters, including workplace conflict, policy interpretation, and misconduct issues.

* Maintain accurate and confidential investigation records and case documentation.

* Identify trends, recurring issues, and risk areas based on investigation data and employee relations activity.

* Support the development and enhancement of investigation protocols, employee relations processes, policies, and training materials.

* Promote a workplace culture grounded in fairness, accountability, respect, and compliance.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

* Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE,

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

):

Education:

* Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field required; advanced degree or JD preferred.

Experience:

* Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, HR compliance, employment law, ethics and compliance, or a related field.

* Significant experience independently conducting complex workplace investigations from intake through final report.

* Strong understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws, including laws relating to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability accommodations, leaves of absence, wage and hour issues, and employee privacy.

* Experience working in a corporate, legal, compliance, or highly regulated environment preferred.

* Demonstrated ability to assess credibility, evaluate evidence, and make sound, objective and impartial findings.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing detailed investigation reports.

* Strong interviewing, active listening, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

* Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.

* Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple investigations and competing priorities.

* Experience with sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.

* Professional certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, AWI-CH, or similar preferred credentials.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

* Experience conducting investigations involving senior leaders or high-risk allegations.

* Experience partnering with in-house or outside employment counsel.

* Ability to identify systemic workplace issues and recommend practical business solutions.

* Experience developing investigation training, templates, protocols, or employee relations playbooks.

* Knowledge of trauma-informed interviewing techniques and best practices for sensitive workplace matters.

* Significant experience handling sensitive workplace investigations and strong knowledge of the employment laws and HR best practices impacting a large, national law firm.

* This position requires up to 25% travel, which includes overnight stays.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing…