Director of Human Resources

Salary:
Oakland, CA: $190,000 – $245,000
Los Angeles, CA: $185,000 – $240,000
San Diego, CA: $175,000 – $225,000

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Human Resources Leadership & Strategy

• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws

• Partner closely with firm leadership, Directors, Managers, and HR team members to ensure consistent and effective HR operations across all offices

• Serve as a strategic advisor on employee relations, workforce planning, organizational development, and personnel matters

• Lead and oversee internal investigations, progressive discipline processes, performance management issues, and employee terminations when necessary

• Provide leadership coaching, employee counseling, conflict resolution support, and performance guidance to managers and staff

• Foster a professional, inclusive, and collaborative work environment grounded in accountability and mutual respect

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling highly sensitive employee and organizational matters

Talent Acquisition & Employee Management

• Oversee recruiting and hiring processes for non-attorney business professional positions across all offices

• Develop hiring strategies and obtain approvals for open positions

• Manage candidate screening, background investigations, onboarding, and orientation processes

• Oversee employee performance evaluation programs for attorneys and business professionals

• Administer annual compensation reviews, salary adjustments, and bonus processes for business professional staff

• Manage employee departures, transition processes, exit interviews, and related documentation

• Support long-term talent development and retention initiatives

Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations

• Oversee administration of employee benefit programs, policies, and compliance procedures

• Ensure HR practices align with applicable labor laws, firm policies, and industry standards

• Prepare annual HR budgets and long-term workforce planning initiatives

• Direct implementation and adherence to operational and financial objectives related to HR programs

• Collaborate with leadership to proactively identify and resolve personnel and organizational issues

• Maintain and improve HR systems, processes, and reporting capabilities

• Travel between office locations as needed to support operational and business objectives

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of employment law developments, HR trends, and industry best practices

• Participate in professional organizations and continuing education opportunities

• Support special projects, operational initiatives, and additional duties as assigned

• Maintain dependable attendance and flexibility in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred

• Professional HR certifications preferred including SHRM, HRCI, CLM, CEBS, or similar credentials

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive HR leadership or employment law experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment

• Strong experience handling employee relations, organizational leadership, conflict resolution, and performance management

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting business needs effectively

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments and leadership levels

• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR systems including HRIS, payroll, performance management, and background check platforms

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Strategic and solutions-oriented HR leader

• Professional, approachable, and highly dependable

• Strong leadership presence with excellent judgment and emotional intelligence

• Comfortable handling sensitive and complex employee matters

• Able to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day operational responsibilities

• Effective communicator with strong collaboration and coaching skills

• Organized and adaptable in a fast-paced professional environment

• Committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture