Human Resources Generalist (Law Firm)

Role overview

A leading New York law firm is hiring a Human Resources Generalist to join its Talent Services team. The position focuses on day-to-day HR support across the employee lifecycle, with responsibilities spanning onboarding, employee relations, benefits, compliance, recruiting, reporting, and other operational HR tasks. The role also partners closely with attorneys, professional staff, and internal stakeholders to provide reliable, high-quality service in a fast-paced professional environment.

Key responsibilities

• Work with the Business Director, Talent Services Regional Manager, Compliance team, and employees to handle employee relations matters and escalate issues when needed.
• Support managers with performance concerns, documentation, disciplinary conversations, and separation meetings.
• Manage onboarding and offboarding for attorneys and professional staff, including paperwork preparation and new-hire orientation.
• Act as a first point of contact for HR policy, procedure, benefit, and general Talent Services questions.
• Keep employee records current in the HRIS platform, including Workday updates for employment changes.
• Coordinate annual benefits enrollment and help resolve employee benefit issues through collaboration with the shared services benefits team.
• Support administration of benefit plans, including new hire enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Track and maintain leave-related records and assist with leave administration such as FMLA, STD, and workers’ compensation, including communication with employees and third-party administrators.
• Lead recruiting activity for professional staff.
• Partner with managers and attorneys to define role requirements and prepare job descriptions.
• Coordinate with employment agencies on direct-hire placements and temporary staffing needs.
• Assist with performance review processes and related communications for professional staff.
• Identify training and development needs and recommend suitable solutions.
• Prepare HR reports, audit materials, compliance documents, and HR metrics as required.
• Collaborate with the Talent Services Coordinator on leave management, time-off policies, internal procedures, and planning internal events.
• Help improve HR processes and procedures continuously.
• Supervise legal secretaries and ensure coverage for daily operations and vacations.
• Maintain working relationships with attorneys and secretaries to review assignments and recommend staffing adjustments when appropriate.
• Support other offices, departmental activities, and any additional duties assigned.

Skills and competencies

• Strong discretion and professionalism when working with sensitive or confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a polished, professional presence.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage time and deadlines well.
• Comfortable working under pressure in a busy environment while balancing multiple priorities.
• Strong service orientation with a proactive approach to helping others and maintaining high standards.
• Analytical mindset with good problem-solving ability, sound judgment, initiative, and dependable follow-through.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Development, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of human resources experience is required; experience in a large law firm is preferred.
• Relevant HR certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, or PHR are considered an advantage.
• Working knowledge of HR practices, employment law compliance, and applicable federal and state requirements.

Technology requirements

• Proficiency with Windows-based systems and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience using HRIS and ATS platforms is required; Workday experience is preferred.
• Basic understanding of artificial intelligence, including its capabilities, limitations, privacy considerations, accuracy, verification, and ethical use in a professional services setting.
• Willingness to learn and responsibly use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar platforms to improve day-to-day work.
• Interest in adapting to new technologies and contributing to a culture of innovation.

Additional information

This role requires someone who can protect confidential information, work collaboratively across departments, and support both operational and employee-facing HR needs. The position also includes responsibility for legal secretary supervision, workflow coordination, and maintaining consistent coverage across assigned teams.

Qualifications summary

Applicants should have strong HR generalist experience, solid administrative capability, and confidence handling employee relations, benefits, compliance, recruiting, reporting, and HR systems in a high-performing legal environment.