POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of HR and Staff Operations to lead and evolve all HR functions for our growing litigation firm. Based in Chicago, this role supports attorneys and professional staff across both our headquarters and our Northern Indiana office.

This position reports to the COO and serves as a key partner to firm leadership, with responsibility for modernizing HR practices, enhancing employee experience, and ensuring operational excellence across all non-legal personnel functions. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in professional services environments and is equally comfortable setting strategy and executing day-to-day initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

HR Strategy & Leadership

Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with firm goals and growth plans
Partner with firm leadership on organizational design, workforce planning, and change management
Evaluate and implement HR technologies to improve efficiency and reporting

Benefits & Total Rewards Management

Design, implement, and manage competitive compensation and benefits programs
Lead vendor selection and negotiations; ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws (including ERISA, COBRA, and multi-state regulations)
Mitigate risk through policy development, audits, and training

Talent Management & Operations

Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for administrative and professional staff
Develop scalable processes to support firm growth

Performance, Culture & Engagement

Lead performance management processes and employee development initiatives
Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture

Employee Relations

Manage complex employee relations matters with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism

Staff Operations

Oversee day-to-day management and development of non-legal personnel across offices

Team Leadership

Build, mentor, and lead the HR function; develop team capabilities as the firm grows

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

Primary office: Chicago, IL
Travel to Crown Point, IN office approximately 1–2 times per month, or as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
8–12+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3–5+ years in a leadership role
Demonstrated expertise in benefits design, vendor management, and compliance
Experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred
Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems
Strong understanding of multi-state employment laws
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills
HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent) preferred

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary range: $140,000 – $175,000, based on experience
Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, retirement)
Paid time off and professional development support

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to info@jbltd.com.

Johnson & Bell, Trial Lawyers

Vacatures

Director of HR and Staff Operations