Director of Human Resources- 3616032

Please connect with me on LinkedIn as well @Felicia Larion

Job Title: Director of Human Resources

Only considering Professional Services and Law Firm professionals at this time.

Location: Chicago, Illinois 60654

Salary/Payrate: $150K - $200K annually, bonus and AWESOME benefits!!!

Work Environment: Hybrid (1 of days WFH)

• July & August and Thanksgiving through New Years is 2 Days WFH

Term: Permanent / Fulltime

Referral Fee: AMS will pay $1,000 should the person you refer gets hired

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Director of Human Resources & Administration to lead the firm's HR operations, administrative staff management, recruiting efforts, and employee programs. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this role serves as a strategic business partner to firm leadership while overseeing day-to-day human resources and administrative functions.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of HR leadership, talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits administration, and law firm operations experience. This position will directly manage the firm's Legal Assistants, Receptionists, and HR Administrator while helping drive firm-wide initiatives that support employee engagement, retention, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership

• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to firm leadership on employee relations, performance management, and workplace issues.
• Maintain employee records, handbook updates, and HR documentation.

Talent Acquisition & Recruiting

• Lead recruitment efforts for administrative staff, receptionists, paralegals, law clerks, and associates.
• Partner with hiring managers and the Attorney Recruiting Committee throughout the recruitment process.
• Coordinate candidate interviews, evaluations, offers, onboarding, and orientation programs.
• Develop workforce planning strategies to support current and future staffing needs.

Benefits & Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with benefits brokers and conduct regular review meetings to ensure service levels and program effectiveness.
• Oversee benefit plan administration, enrollments, changes, renewals, and employee communications.
• Serve as the primary liaison with payroll vendors, including ADP Workforce Now.
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Evaluate vendors and recommend improvements to enhance employee experience and operational efficiency.
• Employee Relations & Performance Management
• Address employee concerns and conduct investigations as needed.
• Support managers with coaching, performance improvement plans, and employee development initiatives.
• Coordinate annual performance review processes and maintain evaluation calendars.
• Foster a positive, professional, and inclusive workplace culture.

Training & Professional Development

• Identify training and development opportunities across the firm.
• Coordinate staff training programs, workshops, and professional development initiatives.
• Support attorney, paralegal, and law clerk development programs.
• Monitor compliance with continuing education and professional development requirements where applicable.
• Administrative Operations & Staff Management

Directly manage a team of 18 Legal Assistants, 3 Receptionists, and 1 HR Administrator.

• Oversee staffing coverage, workload distribution, scheduling, and performance management.
• Collaborate with department leaders to ensure exceptional administrative support across the firm.
• Participate in senior leadership meetings and contribute to firm-wide initiatives and strategic planning.

Reporting & Analytics

• Analyze workforce data and HR metrics including turnover, retention, recruiting activity, and employee engagement.
• Prepare reports and presentations for firm leadership.
• Identify trends and recommend strategies to improve organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Experience managing HR operations, employee relations, recruiting, compensation, benefits, and compliance.
• Prior leadership experience managing administrative and support staff teams.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and benefits administration.
• Experience working with payroll systems, preferably ADP Workforce Now.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.