Director of Human Resources

Location: Plano, TX (On-site)

Travel: 25-50% between Texas and California offices

Salary: $175,000-$205,000, depending on experience

Bonus: 15% target annual performance bonus

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

A growing, multi-state law firm is seeking a hands-on Director of Human Resources to lead and manage its HR function across offices in Texas and California. Reporting directly to the CEO, this individual will oversee HR operations, employee relations, compliance, recruiting, compensation, benefits, performance management, and HR systems.

This role is ideal for an experienced law firm HR leader who can independently manage day-to-day responsibilities while building scalable processes, improving internal systems, and partnering with attorneys and executive leadership to support continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Leadership: Independently oversee the firm's HR function, establish priorities, and develop strategic initiatives aligned with business objectives.
• HR Team Management: Directly supervise the HR Manager and HR Coordinator, oversee daily responsibilities, and support their professional development.
• HR Systems and Payroll: Manage and improve HRIS and payroll systems, ensuring accurate records, efficient processes, and timely administration.
• Compensation and Benefits: Develop and maintain compensation structures, performance management programs, employee benefits, and retention initiatives.
• Recruiting and Talent Acquisition: Lead full-cycle recruitment for legal support staff, including job postings, sourcing, screening, interviews, and offer management. Build internal recruiting capabilities to reduce reliance on external agencies.
• Employee Relations: Handle sensitive employee matters, workplace investigations, performance issues, and disciplinary actions with appropriate documentation and discretion.
• Policies and Procedures: Develop, implement, and maintain consistent firm-wide policies covering PTO, attendance, remote and hybrid work, and other employment practices.
• Employment Law Compliance: Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, with particular emphasis on California employment regulations.
• Workplace Safety: Oversee compliance calendars, employee handbooks, required postings, harassment prevention training, leave documentation, workplace safety programs, and related requirements.
• Reporting and Analytics: Develop workforce metrics and reports covering headcount, recruiting, retention, turnover, and other key HR performance indicators.
• Executive Collaboration: Serve as a trusted HR partner to the CEO, managing partners, attorneys, and administrative leadership across all offices.
• Professional Development: Support summer associate programs, internships, mentorship initiatives, succession planning, and employee career development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Finance, Operations, IT, and Marketing on firm-wide initiatives and process improvements.

Qualifications Required

• Proven human resources leadership experience within a law firm.
• Experience independently managing an HR function with minimal day-to-day oversight.
• Hands-on experience designing, implementing, and administering HRIS/payroll systems, compensation programs, benefits, and performance management processes.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state employment compliance, including California employment law.
• Experience developing and maintaining employee handbooks, workplace policies, and compliance programs.
• Background in recruiting, employee retention, professional development, and talent management.
• Experience directly supervising HR personnel and managing daily team priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive employee relations matters and workplace investigations from start to finish.
• Strong project management, change management, and stakeholder relationship skills.
• Experience supporting privately held, high-growth organizations.
• Excellent communication, judgment, discretion, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly between Texas and California offices.

Preferred

• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or a comparable HR certification.
• Experience building internal recruiting teams and reducing external recruiting costs.
• International business experience.

Compensation And Benefits

• Base salary of $175,000-$205,000, depending on experience.
• 15% target annual performance bonus based on individual and firm performance.
• Comprehensive benefits package.