- Identify and elevate HR‑related issues to appropriate internal stakeholders; independently manage basic employee relations matters.
- Take primary responsibility for onboarding local personnel by gathering all paperwork and required authorizations for new hires; process background checks with third‑party vendors; send approval to hire once all paperwork is complete.
- Verify new hire I‑9 documentation to ensure legal work eligibility in the United States, including tracking VISA/Alien documentation, monitoring expiration dates, requesting updated documentation, and filing I‑9s appropriately.
- Maintain employee personnel files and uphold strict confidentiality of all employee records and information.
- Enter personal information, emergency contacts, and citizenship information into the HRIS for all new hires; verify receipt of all required paperwork.
- Verify completion of employee terminations in the HR system and ensure all necessary paperwork is received and distributed.
- Assist in administering HR policies and research answers where necessary.
- Track anniversaries, prepare and send necessary emails, and coordinate gifts as required.
- Take primary responsibility for tracking local office PTO and reviewing/approving secretary timecards.
- Assist with firmwide HR initiatives as needed.
- Post open positions on firm and external recruiting websites; process related invoices.
- Screen and sort incoming resumes and applications; maintain applicant files.
- Conduct phone and in‑office interviews; communicate with candidates via email and phone; manage scheduling for additional interviews.
- Ensure background checks are processed promptly by liaising with vendors and prospective employees.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2 years of human resources experience in a large company, preferably within a professional services environment; prior law firm experience helpful.
- Extensive knowledge of California HR‑related laws and regulations.
- Ability to manage employee data using an automated HRIS.
- Strong word processing and data entry skills.
- Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
- Ability to verify data input and correct errors.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to identify and coordinate resolution of HR problems and inaccuracies.
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively over the telephone, often in stressful situations.Ability to supervise and train assigned staff.
- Ability to use independent judgment and manage confidential information.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Must be a self‑starter able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to maintain effective relationships with coworkers and employees.
- Must be a successful team player.
- Ability to work in a multi‑task environment using planning and prioritization skills to manage workload in a fast‑paced environment.
- Ability to serve as a team lead to successfully complete approved projects and upgrades.
- Ability to work overtime for several weeks during seasonal hiring periods (e.g., Summer Associates March–May, Fall Associates September–November) and other times as required.
Extent of Contact
- Extensive contact with staff, lawyers, and vendors.
Physical Requirements
- Solid attendance record; ability to work at a computer for long periods; ability to lift up to 15 lbs.; bending and walking as needed.
- Heavy telephone and face‑to‑face communication with applicants, vendors, lawyers, and staff.
Working Conditions and Environment
- Hybrid role requiring at least three days per week (60%) in the office; up to two days per week (40%) may be remote.
- Must be available to travel weekly between the San Francisco and Palo Alto offices as needed.
- Full‑time position with a standard 37.5‑hour work week; flexible schedule as approved by the Office Administrator.
- Must be available to work occasional weekends and evenings to meet job requirements.