Human Resources Business Partner – Professional Staff

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

. Serve as a strategic HR partner to leaders and managers across assigned professional staff departments .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • United StatesLead💰 $160,000 - $190,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic HR partnership, employee relations, performance management, and organizational effectiveness. Proficient in utilizing HR data and insights to inform decision-making and enhance workplace culture.

Highest-signal resume keywords

HR Business Partner ExperienceEmployee Relations AdvisoryPerformance ManagementChange ManagementHR Data Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Performance ManagementEmployee RelationsTalent DevelopmentProject ManagementChange ManagementHR Data AnalysisHRIS SystemsMicrosoft OfficeCoachingOrganizational Design

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationRelationship BuildingJudgment and DiscretionProblem-SolvingFlexibility and Adaptability

Tools & Technologies

HRIS SystemsWorkdayMicrosoft WordMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPoint

Certifications & Qualifications

PHRSPHRSHRM-CPSHRM-SCP

Industry Keywords

Professional ServicesLaw FirmFinancial ServicesOrganizational EffectivenessHR Centers of Excellence

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a strategic HR partner to leaders and managers across assigned professional staff departments
Build relationships with department leaders, managers, employees, and HR colleagues
Develop and implement people strategies supporting engagement, retention, performance, professional development, and organizational effectiveness
Advise managers on employee relations, performance concerns, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, coaching, corrective action, separations, and sensitive workplace issues
Assess people-risk scenarios and partner with Employee Relations, HR Compliance, legal, and other stakeholders
Support annual performance management, including feedback collection, manager coaching, calibration, documentation, and follow-up
Partner with Talent Management and Compensation on compensation planning and new-hire offers
Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on staffing needs, hiring strategies, and hiring manager and candidate experience
Support onboarding and integration of new hires
Use HR data, reporting, and workforce insights to identify trends and inform recommendations
Lead or support change management, organizational design, and cross-functional projects
Partner with HR Centers of Excellence and firm service areas to implement HR programs, policies, processes, and initiatives
Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing workplace culture
Maintain knowledge of HR best practices, employment law developments, and Firm policies
Mentor or guide junior HR team members
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field preferred
7+ years of progressive human resources experience required, including experience as an HR Business Partner or comparable HR advisory role
Experience advising managers and leaders on employee relations, performance management, talent development, and organizational changes
Strong business acumen and understanding of departmental priorities, operating models, and talent needs
Excellent judgment, discretion, confidentiality, employee relations, coaching, and advisory skills
Ability to build trusted relationships across functions and levels
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical skills and comfort using HR data and reporting
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced professional services environment
Strong project management, change management, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively across a matrixed HR function and with cross-functional stakeholders
Flexibility, adaptability, professionalism, and executive presence
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
Familiarity with HRIS systems; Workday experience preferred
Professional services, law firm, financial services, or similarly complex environment experience preferred
Experience partnering with HR Centers of Excellence preferred
Advanced degree and/or HR certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred
Must not require employer sponsorship for a work visa

Benefits

Comp & perks

Exempt position (not overtime pay eligible)
Equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination protections
Training and development opportunities referenced in the Firm’s employment policy