she/her

Celene Judge

Chief Human Resources Officer

My Work

I’m responsible for leading the firm’s people team, which provides HR services and supports our culture across recruitment, onboarding, professional development, engagement, benefits and employee solutions.

At the end of the day, the firm is comprised of workers who represent other workers, so we endeavor to create a healthy work environment where everyone is respected, everyone’s contribution is valued, and we all have an opportunity to thrive.

In that regard, it’s my job to provide our people with guidance and resources, so they can grow in their careers and contribute to our mission to advance and defend the rights of workers.

Credentials

New York University Executive Coaching & DISC Certification
Member, American Bar Association (ABA) Diversity Working Group
Member, Association of Legal Administrators
Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Former Program Sponsor, Dress for Success
Former Advisory Board Member, Talking Talent

My Story

As I was growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of treating everyone fairly and giving back to the community.

My father was a social worker who advocated for the welfare of children and, together with my mother, also ran a tavern that had been in the family for over 100 years. It was a traditional Irish pub, but my parents embraced our diverse community of immigrants by hosting monthly events to celebrate the various cultures and people of our city. It ingrained in me a passion for meeting new people and seeing things differently.

My first job in a law firm was as the office manager for a small litigation boutique in Washington, D.C., which exposed me to the inner workings of client advocacy and law firm partnerships. I then moved into “big law,” where I evolved into a more sophisticated HR professional and eventually had the opportunity to lead the US HR function for one of the world’s largest law firms.

I’ve loved all of the places where I’ve worked. and all the opportunities I’ve had to influence organizational culture and improve the lives of my co-workers. Each role tested me, sharpened my leadership skills, and taught me how to build strong HR teams.

I’m glad to be at Outten & Golden, where I’m surrounded by an organization that shares my values and is switched on to the importance of exceptional HR.