Human Resources Manager

Cooley is seeking a Human Resources Manager to join the Human Resources team.

Position summary: The HR Manager forms partnerships across the assigned timekeeper function (attorneys, paralegals and other timekeeper business professionals) to deliver value-added service to management and employees in assigned departments through HR guidance on coaching/mentoring, employee relations and counseling/disciplinary actions. The manager will also assist with recruitment in the non-lawyer timekeeper space as needed and will work closely with the CHRO and HR Director on various HR operations areas including the non-attorney compensation process each year. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Position responsibilities:

• Serve as HR manager and business partner to designated departments. Provide HR guidance to those departments as noted below:
• Attend periodic meetings with management of respective business units for non-attorney timekeeper departments
• Work closely with non-attorney timekeeper departments to assess staffing needs. Aid in the full life-cycle recruitment process for the department, as needed
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues in non-attorney timekeeper departments
• Manage performance counselings and departures for non-attorney timekeeper groups, including scripting the meeting, attending the meeting when needed, handling all HR paperwork for next steps, coordinating with payroll or the broader HR operations team as needed
• Work closely with non-attorney timekeeper department management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention
• Collaborate with HR Analytics Manager on data to propose programs and solutions, where needed
• Collaborate with non-attorney timekeeper department management to identify training programs and professional development goals as well as individual coaching needs; monitor training programs to ensure that training objectives are met
• Work with assigned groups to create department-specific core competencies and monitor employee progress against department competencies model
• Provide guidance and input on department restructures, workforce planning and succession planning across non-attorney timekeeper departments – prepare impact analysis
• Interpret and advise employees and management on human resources policies.
• Route benefit/leave of absence/wellness questions and concerns to benefit department and liaise with department management, as needed 
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Heavy involvement in attorney performance management process, including script writing, separation agreement drafting and 1:1 meetings with those transitioning from the firm
• Collaborate cross functionally in HR to help shape and drive core pillars of operations
• Participate in the annual merit & quarterly market review processes to align performance and compensation strategies
• Take point on FLSA determination of new roles and audit of existing roles
• Create counter/retention letters and ensure executed agreements are loaded to Workday and instructions for payment are provided to payroll
• As active member of the crisis management team, provide advice and guidance related to workplace threats and violence
• Track regulatory employment updates for each region where Cooley has an office. Update and train central HR department and local admin management as needed on updates
• Train new HR members on HR procedures, maintain updates for HR department process manual
• Partner with HR Managers (HRBPs) on business services side of the house to assess improvement opportunities and support initiatives and programs tied to departments outside HR
• Work closely with CHRO and / or HR Director on conducting workplace investigations for timekeeper side of the house, as directed
• Sit on HR AI task force to explore use of AI in day-to-day HR practices – implement and train where applicable
• Assist HR leadership with various tasks/projects, as assigned
• All other duties as assigned or required

Skills and experience:

Required:

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
• 5+ years of experience in HR
• Eligible for consideration of Senior designation with 7+ years applicable experience in the field with 2+ years of exempt/management experience in relevant roles
• Excellent writing skills with strong experience in performance and counseling scripting
• Familiarity with state and federal employment laws
• Proven strong ability in excel

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Human Resources or related field
• Prior law firm experience helpful
• Working knowledge of multiple HR disciplines
• HR certification (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) strongly preferred
• Prior HRIS experience (e.g., Workday)
• Supervisory or management experience

Competencies:

• Comfortable speaking in large group setting
• Highly analytical in nature with strong math skills and ability to manage & analyze large amounts of data in excel
• Must be able to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding department information
• Ability to handle multiple tasks quickly and efficiently
• Ability to function in fast paced hectic environment while still producing error-free work
• Excellent communication (verbal, email and writing) skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills as well as the ability to interact with all levels of staff and management
• Professional demeanor
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Unquestionable business and personal integrity and ethical standards
• Ability and focus to keep apprised of federal, state, and local HR, compensation laws and regulations in order to ensure firm compliance

Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices. EOE.

The expected annual pay range for this position is $115,000 - $170,000. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate. Senior level candidates may be considered for this position and would be eligible for a higher salary range based on experience.

We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 21 days of Paid Time Off (“PTO”) and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.