Senior Human Resources Manager, Legal Practice Groups

McDermott Will & Emery•Chicago, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm with over 1,700 lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. They are recognized as a top workplace and certified by Great Place to Work. The firm emphasizes excellence, collaboration, and community, supporting employee careers both in and out of the office. They foster a culture where everyone belongs, value diverse perspectives, and prioritize employee wellness and work-life balance. McDermott offers generous compensation packages and opportunities for career acceleration.

Requirements

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

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.