Human Resources Business Partner

Human Resources Business Partner

Munger, Tolles & Olson (MTO) has topped The American Lawyer's A-List a record twelve times and maintains the highest average A-List ranking in the history of the award. We strive to hire only the most qualified and creative lawyers. We believe that clerkships provide valuable experience. In this regard, nearly 75% of our lawyers and over 80% of our litigators served as law clerks to federal or state judges and sixteen attorneys were clerks to U.S. Supreme Court Justices. We recruit and retain the best professional talent to support our Attorneys with a focus on service and excellence. We have a full spectrum of functional positions including Information Technology, Information Security, Accounting, Human Resources, Legal Support, and Marketing.

Job Summary:

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic advisor to functional and business unit leaders by providing support across employee relations, performance management, talent development, workforce planning and organizational effectiveness. In this role you'll collaborate with leaders and HR leadership to address complex employee matters, guide performance-related decisions, and ensure the consistent application of firm policies and employment practices. The HRBP balances risk management with employee experience, helping leaders navigate workplace challenges while supporting a positive and productive work environment. This role will also involve collaboration on people projects and continuous improvement initiatives to advance the firm's strategic objectives.

What You Will Do:

Talent Development & Workforce Planning

• Drive annual HR processes including performance management cycles, annual reviews, calibrations, and promotions.
• Lead talent assessment and development processes, including succession planning and career pathways to support a sustainable talent pipeline.
• Lead workforce planning activities across assigned business areas, anticipating future capability needs, skills gaps, and critical talent risks.
• Analyze HR metrics to assess effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Support leadership development, management capability and firm wide skills programs.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Consult and advise business leaders on employee relations matters, conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, and terminations.
• Lead complex investigations into employee complaints and policy violations; ensures outcomes are fair, timely, and consistent with firm practices.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance issues and difficult employee situations
• Oversee and advise on performance management, including corrective action and performance improvement efforts.
• Partner with business leaders to increase manager capability, including coaching on feedback, performance conversations, etc.

Team Collaboration

• Maintain working knowledge of all core HRBP functions to ensure continuity of service and effective coverage across the HR team.
• Serve as a backup resource for the alternate HRBP area as needed.
• Share knowledge, best practices, and expertise to strengthen overall team capability.
• Collaborate with HR Operations, Benefits, Compensation, Payroll and Talent Acquisition to deliver integrated HR solutions.
• Manage human resource projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or a related discipline; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Professional certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent) preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, with significant experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, and employment law.
• Demonstrated experience advising leaders on complex employee matters, disciplinary actions, performance concerns, and terminations.
• Strong knowledge of California and federal employment laws and best practices related to employee relations, performance management, accommodations, and workplace investigations.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct investigations, assess risk, analyze facts, and make sound recommendations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using HRIS platforms such as Workday.
• Law firm or professional services experience preferred.

About You:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive matters.
• Ability to make good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

What MTO Offers:

At MTO, we believe our success stems from our collective efforts, and we are committed to providing well-rounded support and resources for our employees. In addition to a competitive compensation plan, MTO offers a comprehensive benefits program for employees to thrive both inside and outside of work. Eligible employees can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

• A variety of medical, dental, and vision benefit plans
• Company paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) savings plan, with company match
• Comprehensive paid time off, including: vacation days, 10 - 12 designated holidays, sick time, and bereavement leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Ongoing professional development
• Hybrid Flexible – 3 days in office

Actual base salary considers several factors including but not limited to geography, job-related knowledge, experience, and budget. At MTO, base pay is one part of the total compensation package. This role may be eligible for bonus pay in addition to base salary. The anticipated base salary range for the position in Los Angeles* is $140,000 - $160,000.

* For all positions based in the Los Angeles and San Francisco offices, residency within the state of California and within a reasonable commutable distance to the assigned office is required depending on the firm's discretion and the nature of the role.