Employee Relations Specialist

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. 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 cabinets and fax machines. Compensation & Benefits The salary ranges for this position apply to the respective listed locations. The salary range reflects a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for a position. Reasonable estimates of the current ranges for this position are: Atlantic City: $101,500 - $115,500 Boston, Washington D.C., Morristown, Princeton: $112,000 - $118,500 New York and San Francisco: $122,000 - $134,000 For information on Fox Rothschild's compensation and benefits visit: Compensation & Benefits (foxrothschild.com) Physical Requirements Sedentary work: Exertion of physical strength to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 10 pounds. Work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. DISCLAIMER Fox Rothschild LLP is under no obligation to provide sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis now and in the future. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a contract or employment agreement and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all functions, responsibilities, or requirements the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional duties. Additionally, management reserves the right to review and revise the job description at any time. Employment with the firm is at-will. Employees must be able to satisfactorily perform all the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. If an accommodation request would cause an undue hardship or a safety concern, the individual may not be eligible for the position. The Firm provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, military or veteran’s status, medical condition, disability, individual genetic information, protected leave or any other factor protected under federal or state applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr