Manager, Legal Talent Compliance and Operations

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is seeking a Legal Talent Compliance and Operations Manager to oversee attorney compliance and manage policy development. The ideal candidate will have 6–8 years of experience in Legal Talent or Human Resources at a law firm.

This role involves conducting audits, fostering process improvements, and supporting technology initiatives. Candidates must have strong communication skills and be detail-oriented, with a Bachelor’s degree required.

The estimated base salary range for this position in New York is $160,000–$190,000.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years of comparable experience in Legal Talent or Human Resources at a law firm.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to engage across stakeholders.
• Proficiency in software such as Workday and viDesktop.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain firm policies to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Analyze and document current Legal Talent processes; identify opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Project management skills

Detail-oriented

Collaborative

Proficiency in MS Office Suite

Confidential information handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degrees or certifications in HR

Tools

Workday

viDesktop

Job description

The Legal Talent Compliance and Operations Manager will oversee firm attorney compliance with regulatory and internal policy requirements, manage policy development and maintenance, conduct audits, drive process improvement, and support technology initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Policy Oversight:
  • Develop and maintain firm policies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and internal standards.
  • Stay current with new laws and regulations, evolving best practices, and update the Legal Policy Handbook.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to annually update the handbook, including state and overseas supplements.
  • Administer policies relevant to Legal Talent such as the time diary, remote work requests, social media policy, and outside employment.
  • Liaise between Legal Talent and OGC on all policy‑related matters.
• Core Processes:
  • Conduct regular audits/assessments with the OGC to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Review attorney files, onboarding documents, personnel records, and other related materials to verify data accuracy.
  • Collaborate with the Managing Clerks Office and Legal Talent Training team to maintain attorneys’ standing with bar associations and CLE requirements.
  • Review relocation or remote work requests against local bar requirements and monitor remote arrangements for compliance.
  • Respond to internal and external surveys and RFPs; partner with OGC on the firm’s annual audit of professional liability insurance.
• Operations:
  • Analyze and document current Legal Talent processes; identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, recommend solutions, and implement best practices.
  • Serve as primary contact for the Workday Support Team on attorney‑population matters.
  • Partner with the Senior Manager of Legal Talent Technology & Analytics to pilot, implement, and optimize AI and automation tools.
  • Provide end‑to‑end support for Legal Talent projects from planning to rollout and adoption.
  • Streamline and oversee regular reporting to stakeholders such as the Legal Talent Development Committee and Standing Committees.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years of comparable experience in Legal Talent or Human Resources at a law firm.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Superior judgment and discretion with confidential information.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to engage across technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative, detail‑oriented, and results‑driven with a passion for legal innovation.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and software such as Workday and viDesktop.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees or certifications in HR or related fields preferred.

Salary Information (NY Only): Estimated base salary range $160,000–$190,000. The role is exempt from overtime. No sponsorship for work visas.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, or any other legally protected status. This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other employment aspects.