McDermott Will & Emery

Senior Human Resources Manager, Legal Practice Groups

McDermott Will & Emery • $190K — $225K *
Chicago, IL 60629In-Person
Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
  • At least eight years of progressive experience in law firms or professional services
  • Advanced knowledge of employment law and employee relations
  • Strong business acumen and leadership coaching skills
  • Expertise in law firm industry practices
  • Ability to convey HR concepts clearly to various stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Provide senior-level HR guidance on workforce strategy and talent-related decisions
  • Collaborate with HR leadership to ensure legal compliance in employment practices
  • Lead the implementation of Firmwide HR programs and processes
  • Manage the performance and development of HR Manager direct reports
  • Contribute to the strategy for global HR Management
  • Partner with HR teams to ensure cohesive delivery of HR services
  • Analyze HR data to drive strategic talent planning

Benefits

  • Outstanding career development opportunities
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Eligibility for discretionary bonuses
  • Support for professional growth and succession planning
Full Job Description

Job Description:

The Senior Human Resources Manager, Practice Groups acts as a strategic advisor to senior leaders in their aligned practice groups, leading the implementation of talent initiatives while aligning our HR strategy and processes with business goals. This role drives consistency in people practices, proactively navigates and improves culture and engagement, and plays a critical role in workforce planning and leadership development. The Senior Human Resources Manager works alongside their aligned practice groups to deliver high-performance outcomes and ensure effective management of employment-related risk.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

  • Provide senior-level HR guidance and coaching to leadership on workforce strategy, organizational design, risk management, and talent-related decisions
  • Collaborate with HR Leadership and the General Counsel’s Office to ensure all employment policies and practices comply with federal, state, and local law and effectively manage employment-related risk
  • Lead the implementation of Firmwide HR programs, including attorney lifecycle processes, talent management, compensation planning, and training initiatives
  • Manage the performance and development of Human Resources Manager direct reports
  • Contribute ideas and project leadership to the strategy and roadmap for the global HR Management function
  • Partner with functional/operational HR teams (HRIS, Benefits, Compensation, etc.) to ensure cohesive delivery of HR services and programs, adapting approaches to business-specific needs
  • Provide direction on complex employee relations matters and high-impact organizational change efforts
  • Lead the consistent and scalable HR service delivery in partnership with Firm and HR Leadership teams
  • Analyze people trends and HR data to anticipate challenges and drive strategic talent planning, including retention, development, and workforce optimization
  • Promote a high-performance culture by driving leadership development, career progression, and succession planning in partnership with Attorney Professional Development team

Job Specifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
  • At least eight years of progressive experience working in law firms or professional services organizations
  • Advanced knowledge of employment law, employee relations, and talent development practices
  • Knowledge of law firm industry concepts and practices
  • Strong business acumen and leadership coaching skills
  • Strong communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills
  • Ability to navigate difficult conversations and complex interpersonal situations
  • Ability to assess risk and escalate concerns when appropriate
  • Ability to convey a variety of HR concepts in a practical and straightforward manner
  • Ability to handle and maintain confidential information

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.
    

Target Hiring Range $190,000 - $225,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. 

#LI-JL1

#LI-Hybrid

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

  • Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

 

 

About McDermott Will & Emery

McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Our lawyers represent a wide range of commercial, industrial and financial enterprises, both publically and privately held. McDermott has more than 1,100 lawyers located in 18 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. Further extending our reach in Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai. McDermott partners with clients to accomplish their business objectives by providing superior counsel and service. The expansion of our international platform has supported numerous cross-border transactions and litigation matters, while providing the experience necessary to offer corporate, tax, labor and benefits, competition, intellectual property and regulatory counsel to clients across all industries. In the years to come, we will continue to expand geographically and enhance our existing practices and industry-focused strengths, and are committed to building from these strengths in order to best serve our clients and communities. McDermott has a long history of social responsibility and supporting the communities in which our people live and work. We believe it is our obligation to embrace our communities and promote their well being through pro bono work, community service, charitable giving, environmental stewardship and promoting diversity.

McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Joining McDermott Will & Emery presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance a career at a global leader in legal services. The firm is renowned for fostering professional growth and embracing innovation through a culture that values diversity and leadership.

Explore Job Opportunities

McDermott Will & Emery offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. The firm seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players ready to contribute to a dynamic team. From seasoned attorneys to support staff, McDermott Will & Emery is continuously hiring to enhance their service capabilities.

Internship Programs

Internships at McDermott Will & Emery provide a robust platform for early-career individuals to gain significant, hands-on experience in a highly professional environment. Interns are immersed in the culture of excellence, working closely with experienced professionals while engaging in real-world legal challenges.

Career Growth and Development

McDermott Will & Emery is committed to the professional development of its team members. The firm offers unmatched training, development programs, and leadership workshops to ensure career trajectories are not only met but exceeded. Employees are encouraged to leverage these opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

Diversity and Inclusion

The firm holds a strong commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. McDermott Will & Emery believes in empowering all employees through diversity training that enriches the professional environment and fosters a deeper understanding and respect among colleagues.

Benefits and Culture

McDermott Will & Emery prides itself on offering competitive benefits that reflect the firm’s appreciation for its team members. Benefits are designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of all employees and their families. The firm's culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and collaboration, making it a prime environment for professional fulfillment.

Networking and Innovation

Networking within McDermott Will & Emery is supported through various events, seminars, and collaborative projects that encourage connections and foster innovative thinking. Employees are encouraged to build networks that can support personal and professional growth.

Applying for a Position

To apply for a position at McDermott Will & Emery, candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter through the firm’s Careers page. The hiring process may include multiple stages of interviews to ensure a mutual fit both for the candidate and the company.

Stay Connected with McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Interested professionals can stay informed about new openings and company news by subscribing to job alert emails. These updates provide valuable insights into the firm and the legal industry, helping potential candidates find the right opportunities.

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Learn more about McDermott Will & Emery
Industry
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Founded
1934
* Ladders Estimates

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