Human Resources Manager

Baker Botts•New York, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Baker Botts is seeking a Human Resources Manager to provide HR support to the Firm’s US offices, particularly in the Bay Area, working closely with Office Administrators. This is a full-time, exempt position based in the Firm’s New York office, with regular travel to the Bay Area offices as needed. The role supports HR administration, employee relations, performance management, onboarding, immigration tracking, employment eligibility verification, records compliance, timecard administration, recruiting, and Firmwide HR initiatives. The manager also supervises and trains assigned HR staff. The successful candidate will become a trusted HR partner to the Firm’s US offices by providing responsive, practical, and compliant support to employees and office leadership. They will build strong relationships, confidently manage employee relations and HR administration, ensure compliance with California employment laws and Firm policies, maintain confidentiality, collaborate with Firmwide stakeholders, and contribute to a positive workplace culture. The role may be hybrid, requiring at least three days per week (or 60%) in the office, with up to two days per week (40%) remote. It has a standard 37.5-hour work week and a flexible schedule subject to Office Administrator approval. Regular travel to the San Francisco and Palo Alto offices is required. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required, as well as overtime for several weeks during seasonal hiring periods and at other times as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of human resources experience in a large organization.
Extensive knowledge of California HR-related laws and regulations.
Familiarity with Workday.
Ability to manage employee data using an automated human resources information system.
Word processing and data-entry skills.
Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
Ability to verify data input and correct errors.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to identify and coordinate resolution of HR problems and inaccuracies.
Ability to interact and communicate with people by telephone, including in stressful situations.
Ability to supervise and train assigned staff.
Ability to use independent judgment and manage and impart confidential information.
Ability to analyze data.
Self-starter able to work independently with little supervision.
Strong interpersonal skills and patience, with the ability to maintain effective relationships with coworkers and employees.
Successful team player able to work in a multitask environment and use planning and prioritization skills in a fast-paced setting.
Ability to lead a team to complete approved projects and upgrades effectively.
Ability to work overtime for several weeks at a time during seasonal hiring periods and at other times as required.
Ability to meet the role’s physical requirements, including prolonged computer work, lifting up to 15 pounds, bending, and walking.
Availability for regular travel to the Firm’s Bay Area offices and occasional weekend and evening work.

Nice To Haves

Prior law firm experience.
Experience in a professional services organization.

Responsibilities

Identify and escalate HR-related issues to appropriate internal stakeholders.
Independently manage basic employee relations and performance management matters.
Manage local staff onboarding, including collecting new-hire paperwork and reviewing first-day information and resources.
Partner with the HR Director and the Firm’s immigration counsel to track lawyers on work visas.
Verify new-hire I-9 documentation and monitor visa and alien-document expiration dates, requesting updated documentation as needed.
Maintain employee personnel files in compliance with California law and preserve strict confidentiality of employee records.
Partner with the local Office Administrator and Payroll team on termination processing to ensure compliance with state final-pay requirements.
Support administration of Firmwide HR policies and research answers as needed.
Assist with tracking and approval of timecards for legal secretaries and paralegals.
Manage members of the HR team and supervise and train assigned staff.
Support Firmwide HR initiatives as needed.
Screen staff new hires in partnership with the Staff Recruiter and Office Administrator.
Work with Firmwide stakeholders to provide HR support to US offices, particularly in the Bay Area.
Travel regularly to the San Francisco and Palo Alto offices as needed.
Work occasional weekends and evenings and overtime during seasonal hiring periods or as required.