Human Resources Manager

The Human Resources (HR) Manager reports directly to a member of the Executive Committee.

This is a highly visible,
hands-on position responsible for managing the HR function and Facilities for the firm.

This role is responsible for the employee lifecycle, supporting a positive and collaborative workplace environment, and the facilities for the Chicago and Lake Forest office.

The role requires a strong combination of HR expertise, leadership ability, sound judgment, and exceptional interpersonal skills. A successful candidate will be proactive and approachable, with the ability to build trusted relationships throughout the Firm while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Serve as the Firm’s primary Human Resources resource and trusted advisor to firm leadership and employees.
• Oversee the complete employee lifecycle, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, employee development, performance management, engagement, retention, and offboarding.
• Provide timely and thoughtful guidance to employees regarding HR policies, benefits, workplace concerns, and other employment-related matters.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues and workplace concerns, handling sensitive matters with sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records and HRIS information.

• Help shape and strengthen a positive, professional and collaborative Firm culture.
• Develop practical initiatives that improve employee engagement, morale, communication and retention.
• Serve as a visible and approachable presence throughout the Firm and build strong relationships with attorneys and staff.
• Regularly assess employee needs and feedback and make recommendations to firm leadership regarding opportunities to improve the employee experience.
• Organize Firm social events, employee appreciation activities and other programs that encourage connection and engagement.
• Directly manage all Firm support staff, including Administrative Assistants, Paralegals, and Office Services personnel.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, coaching and support to the support staff.
• Oversee staffing needs, workload distribution, scheduling, coverage, and performance.
• Establish clear expectations and provide ongoing feedback and coaching.
• Administer annual and ongoing performance evaluation processes for support staff.
• Identify training and professional development opportunities to enhance support staff capabilities.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and a service-oriented approach among support staff.
• Evaluate staffing needs and recommend changes to improve efficiency and service to attorneys and clients.
• Manage recruiting for support staff positions, including developing job descriptions, sourcing candidates, screening applicants, coordinating interviews, and facilitating hiring decisions.
• Partner directly with firm leadership to identify staffing needs and recruit qualified candidates.
• Coordinate a professional and welcoming onboarding experience for all new employees.
• Ensure new employees receive appropriate orientation, training, policies, technology, benefits information, and resources.

• Administer employee benefit enrollments, changes, questions, and terminations.
• Serve as the primary employee contact for benefit-related questions
• Manage HRIS systems and ensure employee information is accurate and current.
• Maintain required employment records and documentation.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Stay current on employment law developments and recommend appropriate changes to Firm policies and practices.
• Handle employee relations matters fairly, consistently, and confidentially.
• Counsel firm leadership regarding employee performance, workplace issues, and employment practices.
• Maintain appropriate documentation relating to employee relations and performance matters.