Senior Human Resources Manager, Legal Practice Groups

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With Us, You’ll Find

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

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.

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.