Director of Human Resources

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel has partnered with a highly respected California-based law firm that clients trust to handle some of their most high-profile, complex, and sensitive transactions and litigation matters. With attorneys across five California offices, the firm utilizes a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to guide public agencies, private companies, and public-private partnerships through a broad range of local, state, and federal legal and regulatory challenges.

Direct Counsel is currently seeking a Director of Human Resources to lead the firm’s HR strategy and operations across its California offices located in Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, and Los Angeles. This leadership role oversees all aspects of human resources for attorneys and business professionals, including talent management, employee relations, performance management, non-attorney recruiting, compensation and benefits administration, and professional development initiatives.

The Director of Human Resources will serve as a strategic partner to firm leadership, helping foster a collaborative, high-performing workplace culture grounded in professionalism, accountability, inclusion, and mutual respect. This role will also ensure the consistent implementation of compliant and effective HR policies and practices firmwide.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Developing, implementing, and maintaining HR policies, procedures, and best practices in compliance with federal, state, and local laws;
• Partnering with firm leadership and department leaders to support strategic personnel initiatives and operational goals;
• Leading employee relations matters, internal investigations, progressive discipline processes, and terminations;
• Overseeing benefits administration, recruiting, onboarding, orientation, performance management, compensation reviews, and employee departures;
• Managing the recruiting and hiring process for business professional staff across all offices;
• Preparing HR budgets and supporting long-term operational and financial planning;
• Providing leadership coaching, counseling, and conflict resolution support to managers and employees;
• Supporting a fast-paced, collaborative environment while handling multiple priorities and sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism; and
• Traveling to firm offices as needed to support operational objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred;
• Professional certifications such as SHRM, HRCI, CLM, CEBS, or similar credentials preferred;
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive HR leadership or employment law experience, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment;
• Strong experience in employee relations, organizational leadership, conflict resolution, and performance management;
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality with sensitive matters; and
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR-related technologies, including HRIS/payroll, performance management, and background check systems.

Compensation Range:

• Oakland: $190,000 – $245,000

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced HR leader seeking to join a prestigious and collaborative California law firm environment.