Director of Human Resources
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
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Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
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Partner closely with firm leadership, Directors, Managers, and HR team members to ensure consistent and effective HR operations across all offices
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Serve as a strategic advisor on employee relations, workforce planning, organizational development, and personnel matters
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Lead and oversee internal investigations, progressive discipline processes, performance management issues, and employee terminations when necessary
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Provide leadership coaching, employee counseling, conflict resolution support, and performance guidance to managers and staff
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Foster a professional, inclusive, and collaborative work environment grounded in accountability and mutual respect
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Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling highly sensitive employee and organizational matters
Talent Acquisition & Employee Management
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Oversee recruiting and hiring processes for non-attorney business professional positions across all offices
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Develop hiring strategies and obtain approvals for open positions
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Manage candidate screening, background investigations, onboarding, and orientation processes
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Oversee employee performance evaluation programs for attorneys and business professionals
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Administer annual compensation reviews, salary adjustments, and bonus processes for business professional staff
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Manage employee departures, transition processes, exit interviews, and related documentation
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Support long-term talent development and retention initiatives
Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations
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Oversee administration of employee benefit programs, policies, and compliance procedures
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Ensure HR practices align with applicable labor laws, firm policies, and industry standards
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Prepare annual HR budgets and long-term workforce planning initiatives
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Direct implementation and adherence to operational and financial objectives related to HR programs
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Collaborate with leadership to proactively identify and resolve personnel and organizational issues
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Maintain and improve HR systems, processes, and reporting capabilities
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Travel between office locations as needed to support operational and business objectives
Additional Responsibilities
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Maintain current knowledge of employment law developments, HR trends, and industry best practices
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Participate in professional organizations and continuing education opportunities
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Support special projects, operational initiatives, and additional duties as assigned
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Maintain dependable attendance and flexibility in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
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Professional HR certifications preferred including SHRM, HRCI, CLM, CEBS, or similar credentials
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Minimum 8–10 years of progressive HR leadership or employment law experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment
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Strong experience handling employee relations, organizational leadership, conflict resolution, and performance management
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Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
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Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting business needs effectively
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Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
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Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments and leadership levels
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High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR systems including HRIS, payroll, performance management, and background check platforms
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
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Strategic and solutions-oriented HR leader
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Professional, approachable, and highly dependable
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Strong leadership presence with excellent judgment and emotional intelligence
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Comfortable handling sensitive and complex employee matters
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Able to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day operational responsibilities
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Effective communicator with strong collaboration and coaching skills
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Organized and adaptable in a fast-paced professional environment
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Committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture
