HR Manager

Our Law Firm client is seeking a Human Resources Manager to provide HR support to its U.S. offices, with particular focus on the Bay Area, while working closely with local Office Administrators. This is a full‑time, exempt position based in the Washington D.C. office, with regular travel required to the San Francisco and Palo Alto offices as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

• Identify and escalate HR‑related issues to appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Independently manage basic employee relations and performance management matters.
• Own local staff onboarding, including collecting new‑hire paperwork and reviewing first‑day information and resources.
• Partner with the HR Director and immigration counsel to track employees working under visa sponsorship.
• Verify new‑hire I‑9 documentation to confirm employment eligibility, including monitoring visa and alien documentation expiration dates and requesting updated documentation as needed.
• Maintain employee personnel files in compliance with California law, upholding strict confidentiality of all employee records.
• Partner with the local Office Administrator and Payroll team on termination processing to ensure compliance with state final‑pay requirements.
• Support administration of HR policies, researching answers as needed.
• Assist with tracking and approving timecards for legal secretaries and paralegals.
• Manage members of the HR team.
• Support firmwide HR initiatives as needed.

Recruiting

• Screen staff new hires in partnership with the Staff Recruiter and Office Administrator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of human resources experience in a large organization, preferably within a professional services environment; prior law‑firm experience helpful.
• Extensive knowledge of California HR‑related laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with Workday.
• Ability to manage employee data utilizing an automated HRIS.
• Strong word‑processing and data‑entry skills.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to verify data input and correct errors.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify and coordinate resolution of HR problems and inaccuracies.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively over the telephone, often in stressful situations.
• Ability to supervise and train assigned staff.
• Ability to use independent judgment and manage confidential information.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Must be a self‑starter able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to maintain effective relationships with coworkers and employees.
• Must be a successful team player.
• Ability to work in a multi‑task environment using planning and prioritization skills to manage workload in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to serve as a team lead to successfully complete approved projects and upgrades.
• Ability to work overtime for several weeks during seasonal hiring periods (e.g., Summer Associates March–May, Fall Associates September–November) and other times as required.

Working Conditions and Environment

• Hybrid role requiring at least three days per week (60%) in the Washington D.C. office; up to two days per week (40%) may be performed remotely.
• Must be available to regularly travel to both the San Francisco and Palo Alto offices as needed.
• Full‑time position with a standard 37.5‑hour work week; flexible schedule as approved by the Office Administrator.
• Must be available to work occasional weekends and evenings to meet job requirements.