HR Manager (Law Firm experienced preferred)

We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to join a dynamic and growing professional services firm in a full-time, direct hire capacity. This hybrid role may be based out of either the Irvine or Los Angeles office and will serve as a key partner to firm leadership and employees across California offices.

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the HR Manager will lead employee relations, performance management, and leave administration while ensuring full compliance with California employment law. This individual will act as a trusted advisor to attorneys, professional staff, and management, supporting day-to-day HR operations as well as firm-wide initiatives in talent management, policy development, and employee engagement. The ideal candidate is hands-on, solutions-oriented, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, professional services environment. There are other HR team members but they are based on the East Coast.

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Qualifications:
• Must be comfortable with a 4+4 hybrid schedule (Remote Wednesday’s + 4 additional days per month)
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience); PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment, with advanced, hands-on expertise in California employment law and direct support of CA-based employees/offices.
• Strong background in employee relations, including performance management, investigations, and disciplinary processes, as well as administration of leave programs (FMLA, medical, parental, short-term disability).
• Demonstrated ability to coach and advise attorneys, professional staff, and firm leadership with professionalism and sound judgment.
• HRIS experience required (Dayforce strongly preferred), with strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead employee relations matters, performance management processes, and disciplinary actions while serving as a trusted advisor to managers and firm leadership.
• Administer and oversee benefits-related leave programs in partnership with Benefits and Payroll, ensuring compliance with federal and California state laws.
• Partner with Office Managers and HR team members to support national HR initiatives including compensation, DEI, talent management, policy development, change management, and retention efforts.
• Conduct exit and new hire follow-up interviews; create and maintain professional staff job descriptions; support payroll/timekeeping coordination; and ensure accurate, organized employee records.