Manager: Human Resources

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 Palo Alto office, as a Manager: Human Resources.

Manages the Human Resources functions for all lawyers and business services personnel including recruiting, on-boarding, compensation and performance management. In addition, lead business partner for the Employment & Benefits Group practice for the US.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as direct line report for Northern California lawyers and business services personnel
• Responsibilities include but not limited to, salary administration, employee performance management, merit increase and bonus recommendations
• Respond to inquiries regarding policies (including compliance), procedures and firm programs
• Advise other managers on appropriate resolution of employee relations issues
• In partnership with the HR Coordinator & Student Recruitment team, responsible for student recruitment for the Northern California offices. This includes, 2L and 1L recruitment, summer associate programs, on campus events etc.
• Strategic partner with both the Office Managing Partner and Director of Administration
• HR Business Partner to Employee & Benefits Practice Area across the US

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:

• Five to Seven years in a Human Resources position in a law firm required

Technical Skills: 

• Experience with Microsoft programs including Word and Excel
• Familiar with HR software
• Familiar with current laws affecting benefits, hiring, wage and hour issues and conduct

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

Management Accountabilities:

• Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner