Senior Employee Relations Advisor

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.
Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer.
This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

The Senior Employee Relations Advisor will play a crucial role in supporting a positive and compliant work environment by providing advice and counsel on serious employee relations (“ER”) matters, overseeing and conducting internal investigations, and ensuring HR policies are current and in compliance with federal, state and local requirements. In addition, the Senior Advisor will contribute to the development of an ER function including the creation of best practices, training and data tracking and analysis. This role will report to the Director, Employee Relations and HR Compliance. 

What You Will Do:

• Provide advice and counsel to HRBPs, ADMs and management on serious employee relations matters

• Conduct investigations into complaints of discrimination and violations of Goodwin policy

• Train and coach HR Business Partners to conduct employment-related investigations

• Contribute to the development of effective and compliant Employee Relations protocols

• Ensure that Goodwin HR policies are compliant and up-to-date

• Advise and coach Talent professionals to ensure HR policies are interpreted and applied in a consistent manner

• Design and deliver training programs for partners, managers, employees and HR professionals on employee relations best practices, conflict resolution and compliance with firm policy and applicable employment laws. This may include developing on-demand as well as in-person programs in collaboration with Learning and Professional Development (L &PD) and other Talent colleagues

• Develop and maintain consistent processes to document and track significant employee relations matters

• Analyze employee relations data and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address issues of concern

• Develop employee relations programs and support initiatives to maintain a culture that fosters diversity and inclusion, ethical behavior and the ability to “speak up” using appropriate channels

Who You Are:

• 6-8 years of experience in an HR advisory role, with a strong emphasis on employee relations

• Demonstrated ability to lead internal investigations of employment complaints

• Strong knowledge of employment laws in the United States

• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to persuade, influence and mediate/resolve conflicts

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

• Strong presentation skills

• Ability to build and maintain relationships of trust with individuals at all levels within the firm

• Capacity to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

• Consistent demonstration of sound judgment and strong business acumen using a high degree of ethics at all times

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

• Master’s degree and relevant certifications a plus

• Strong working knowledge of Workday, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook

#LI- MS1

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Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work schedule

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Life and disability insurance

• Retirement & Savings Plan

• Emergency back-up child and adult care

• Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays

• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

• Employee recognition and reward programs

• Employee wellness and assistance programs

• Employee discounts and perks

​Consistent with the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Goodwin Procter LLP is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Goodwin Procter LLP considers applicants for employment, and makes employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Please note: Various agencies of the United States government require employers to collect information on applicants and employees. The National Association of Law Placement (NALP) and certain clients request us to keep track of certain aggregate information regarding lawyers. EEO information requested on this application is for purposes of compliance with these recordkeeping and reporting requirements and to determine recruiting and employment patterns. Submission of this information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

This position is eligible for overtime: No

Target Salary Range: Boston $133,100 - $199,700 | Los Angeles $139,800 - $209,700 | New York $139,800 - $209,700 | Philadelphia $125,200 - $187,800 | San Francisco $149,100 - $223,700 | Santa Monica $139,800 - $209,700 | Silicon Valley $149,100 - $223,700 | Washington DC $133,100 - $199,700