Human Resources Specialist

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative, and diverse firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Human Resources department in our Chicago office as a Human Resources Specialist.

The Human Resources Specialist serves as the primary resource for Business Services HR matters in the Chicago office including onboarding, offboarding, integration, leave of absences, accommodations, retention and diversity initiatives, etc.

• Provides day-to-day HR support for Business Services staff, and partners with the Human Resources Manager and leadership to ensure staff development, morale and engagement efforts are being successfully implemented
• Oversees and facilitates new hire orientation and onboarding processes for Chicago Business Services new hires including but not limited to: communications with new hires, coordinating and processing new hire paperwork and orientation schedules, holding HR orientation sessions, providing information on firm policies and procedures, and coordinating with Benefits, Payroll, IT, Facilities and other internal departments on arrivals
• Administers new hire integration efforts by coordinating 30-, 60-day Feedback Process
• Oversees the coordination of the departure process for Business Services staff including but not limited to: gathering and processing separation forms, conducting exit interviews, collecting firm issued equipment, providing information on benefits and final pay
• Administers all aspects of FMLA/medical leave process and other forms of leave programs, as well as workers’ compensation programs and accommodation requests for Chicago personnel; works closely with third party administrators and Benefits to ensure accurate processing or leaves and other programs
• Collaborates with an outside vendor to ensure timely and accurate response and processing of unemployment claims
• Assists in the annual evaluation process, provides system assistance and solicits and compiles interim feedback
• Directs Staff Personnel to process PeopleSoft updates related to new hires, status changes, separations, office transfers, and other work flows; works closely with Payroll to ensure adequate pay processing when applicable
• Collaborates with the Global Chief Administrative Officer and Chicago Human Resources Manager to coordinate employee events and employee retirement activities
• Provides on-the-ground support to other HR professional when training sessions, office events, etc. are hosted in the Chicago office
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet Firm goals and objectives

Education/Training/Certifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job 

Professional Experience: 

• 3 years+ of progressive HR experience in a professional services environment. Law firm experience highly preferred
• Prior experience in a legal or business services setting, preferred 

Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required
• Knowledge of software tools such as PeopleSoft; experience with onboarding platform is a plus
• Proficiency in virtual platforms such as Microsoft Teams, WebEx, and Zoom

Performance Traits:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401 (k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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