Senior Human Resources Coordinator

About Us

We are a boutique law firm in San Francisco known for our collegial culture, sophisticated client work, and commitment to attorney and staff development. Our team of attorneys and professionals operates with the agility of a small firm and the standards of a large one. We're looking for an HR professional who thrives in a high-touch, relationship-driven environment and takes pride in building the systems and culture that help great people do their best work.

The Role

The Senior HR Coordinator will serve as the sole HR professional on-site and the primary point of contact for all people-related matters across the firm. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, this person will own the full employee lifecycle — from recruiting and onboarding to performance management, benefits administration, and compliance — while also contributing to firm culture and strategic workforce planning. This is a hands-on role that requires both operational excellence and sound professional judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Manage end-to-end recruiting for attorney, paralegal, and administrative staff positions, including job postings, candidate screening, interview coordination, and offer letters
• Partner with practice group leaders to develop accurate, compelling job descriptions and hiring criteria
• Design and facilitate a structured onboarding experience that sets new hires up for success from day one

Employee Relations & Culture

• Serve as a trusted, confidential resource for all employees on workplace matters, concerns, and conflicts
• Advise managers and partners on employee relations issues, performance conversations, and disciplinary actions with sensitivity and legal awareness
• Work with managers and marketing department on planning firm events
• Champion a respectful, inclusive workplace culture consistent with the firm's values

Performance Management

• Administer the firm's annual and mid-year review processes, including attorney evaluations and staff appraisals
• Support managers in delivering constructive feedback and developing improvement plans when needed
• Track and report on performance metrics and trends

Benefits & Compensation

• Administer health, dental, vision, 401(k), and ancillary benefits programs; serve as the day-to-day liaison with brokers and carriers
• Manage open enrollment, life events, and employee benefit inquiries
• Conduct periodic compensation benchmarking to ensure the firm remains competitive in the San Francisco legal market

HR Compliance & Policy

• Maintain firm compliance with California and federal employment law, including leave administration (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, PTO), wage and hour requirements, and workplace safety obligations
• Keep the employee handbook and HR policies current; communicate changes clearly to staff
• Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and ensure data integrity

Training & Development

• Identify training needs and coordinate professional development programs for staff
• Facilitate onboarding training, HR policy training, and any mandatory compliance programs (harassment prevention, etc.)

HR Operations

• Process and track employee changes (promotions, transfers, separations) and ensure timely, accurate payroll inputs in coordination with the firm's payroll provider
• Prepare regular HR reporting (headcount, turnover, leave tracking) for firm leadership
• Manage offboarding, exit interviews, and unemployment claims

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of progressive HR generalist experience, with at least 2 years in a professional services environment (law firm experience strongly preferred)
• Thorough knowledge of California employment law and HR best practices
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, confidential matters with discretion and good judgment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable engaging with partners, associates, and administrative staff alike
• Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate as a true generalist
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

Preferred

• PHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification
• Familiarity with legal recruiting processes

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $95,000 – $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with firm contribution
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Professional development and certification reimbursement
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Downtown San Francisco office with a collaborative, professional atmosphere

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.