• Operate as a Human Resources advisor for the Chicago office to understand the strategic needs of the people; liaise and coordinate with our People functions (Leadership & Learning, Careers & Performance, Recruitment & Mobility, Diversity & Inclusion) to jointly deliver best-in-class solutions that deliver against the requirements of North America 
• Consult with supervisors/managers to provide day-to-day performance management guidance or human resource advice (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions) 
• Mobility: liaise with Global Mobility Advisory Group on mobility issues and serve as the local point of contact for incoming and outgoing mobility
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues, conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations 
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance; partner with the legal department as needed/required 
• Analyze trends and metrics in partnership with the NA Human Resource team to develop solutions, programs, and policies
• Planning and management: partner with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity, retention, workforce planning, and succession planning, identify training needs and individual executive coaching needs, and liaise with appropriate People functions to make recommendations) 
• Recruitment: determine needs, evaluate staffing options, liaise with the Recruitment team during the planning and offer process, coordinate on-boarding/induction) 
• Provide human resource policy guidance and interpretation 
• Develop contract terms for new hires, promotions, and transfers 
• Participate in evaluation and monitoring of training programs to ensure success; follow up to ensure training objectives are met 
• Process employee terminations to comply with Firm guidelines, including conducting departure meetings 
• Manage partner on-boarding and departures ensuring compliance with Firm standards 
• Drive and provide leadership for office meetings and committees; partner meetings, associate committees, diversity, and women's committees, and administrative management meetings 
• Performance Management: manage business professionals’ performance management processes, e.g., annual evaluation and promotion processes, evaluate performance results with supervisors/managers 
• Collaborate with Talent Management Practice Group HR Managers and practice group leadership to administer attorney performance and compensation management and deliver attorney development initiatives 
• Career Development: consult as needed on lawyer and business professional programs in partnership with the NA Leadership and Learning team; provide individual career development coaching recommendations as needed 
• Organizational Development e.g., follow-up on BakerYou within the office, consistent with the overall NA approach; focus on improving engagement 
• Integration: serve as a key liaison to support and facilitate the integration of attorneys and business professionals 
• Partner with the People and NA leadership teams to help develop optimal People strategy, infrastructure, and resources for NA Other duties as assigned
• Handle other special projects/initiatives as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree focusing on Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Organizational Development, Management, or other related areas preferred; professional human resources certification highly desired
• Extensive experience in HR/Talent Management, preferably in a professional services and/or law firm environment
• Strong knowledge of HR functional disciplines (employee relations, staffing, compensation, organizational development, training, and employee development)
• Knowledge of local and state employment laws and statutes
• Experience working across multiple locations and jurisdictions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; fluent written and spoken English is required
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and drive results with a sense of urgency in setting strategies and executing against the objectives
• Proven ability to influence, interact, and consult with senior leaders, strong collaboration skills, and effective stakeholder management
• Strong coaching, counselling, business acumen, and overall communication skills
• High level of discretion, diplomacy, and a commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality

This position is bonus eligible and includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) based on number of hours worked.  The US base compensation for this position is expected to be $130,000 to $150,000 annually if located in an office in the city of Chicago. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

About Baker McKenzie

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. Like no other firm and few other businesses. With more than 6,000 locally admitted lawyers and more than 5,800 business service professionals in 77 offices worldwide and five (5) Service Centers, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm and a distinctive way of thinking, working and behaving - as a passionately global and genuinely collaborative firm.

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