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.
