HR Business Partner - Change Management

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth. We are seeking an experienced HR Business Partner with strong operational instincts and a demonstrated ability to lead and implement change in a law firm or similarly complex professional services environment. This role is designed for an HR leader who understands firm culture, governance, and the practical realities of working with partners, attorneys, and professional staff—and who brings discipline, structure, and follow‑through to people initiatives. The Human Resources Business Partner, Change Management plays a dual role: driving the execution of HR initiatives while also serving as a center of excellence for change management and project best practices across the HR team. This individual will consult on work of all sizes—no project is too small—helping HR colleagues plan effectively, anticipate risks, and execute with confidence. The role is highly collaborative and is intended to elevate how work gets done across HR, ensuring initiatives are implemented thoughtfully, consistently, and successfully. This role is available as a hybrid or virtual work arrangement. What You'll Do In this role, you will be responsible for the operational execution and adoption of HR initiatives across the firm.

Key responsibilities include:

Managing HR initiatives from planning through implementation, ensuring timelines, dependencies, and risks are actively managed and outcomes are delivered Leading change management efforts for new or evolving HR programs, policies, and processes, with a focus on practical adoption and minimal disruption Serving as a consultative resource to the broader HR team by introducing project discipline, change management best practices, and practical tools that enable others to be effective Partnering closely with HR leadership, firm leaders, and key stakeholders to align expectations, coordinate execution, and resolve issues Developing clear, targeted communications and rollout approaches tailored to partners, attorneys, and business professionals Identifying opportunities to improve HR processes and execution, applying a hands‑on, solutions‑oriented approach What We're Looking For 7+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally including experience in a law firm or professional services environment Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred Demonstrated success as an HR Business Partner or in a similarly consultative, execution‑focused HR role Strong change management experience, particularly implementing HR initiatives related to talent, performance, workforce planning, employee relations, or organizational change Proven ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and bring structure and momentum to complex work High level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive HR matters Clear, confident communicator who can work effectively with partners, attorneys, and business professionals Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment Proficiency with HR systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:

Palo Alto, New York, San Francisco:

$131,750 - $178,250 per year.

San Diego, Seattle:

$119,000 - $161,000 per year. The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package. Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). careers.wsgr.com Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance them. We represent more than 300 public enterprises and 3,000 private companies in a wide range of today's cutting-edge industries, from AI and fintech to life sciences and mobility. For more than 60 years, our attorneys and professional staff have created a unique working environment. With deep roots in the fast-paced and innovative world of Silicon Valley, the firm fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and team-oriented approach for all employees, providing professional and personal development opportunities and encouraging all departments to promote a stable and optimal work/life balance. Wilson Sonsini is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce globally. We have built a culture in which employees of all backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences are encouraged and empowered to achieve their maximum potential. Our firm is consistently recognized among the top law firms in annual diversity rankings. For example, Wilson Sonsini ranked No. 2 among firms with more than 600 attorneys in Law360's 2023 Diversity Snapshot. Additionally, in 2024, for the sixth consecutive year, Wilson Sonsini achieved Mansfield Plus Certification, and in 2023, for the fourth consecutive year, the firm achieved a top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index. We are also dedicated to enhancing the communities in which we live and work by providing legal services, financial support, and volunteer services to worthy agencies and individuals in need. In 2023, Wilson Sonsini attorneys and staff provided more than 95,000 pro bono hours. and participated in more than 140 community service projects. The Wilson Sonsini Foundation contributed nearly $2 million to almost 120 law-related organizations and nearly 160 community organizations in 2023. Wilson Sonsini has 17 offices in 17 technology and business hubs worldwide. Austin, TX Boston, MA Boulder, CO Brussels, Belgium Century City, CA Hong Kong London Los Angeles, CA New York, NY Palo Alto, CA Salt Lake City, UT San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA Shanghai (China) Washington, D.C. Wilmington, DE