Demo

Human Resources Manager, Legal Practice Groups

McDermott Will & Schulte
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 11/26/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/25/2025
Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 3,200 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With Us, You’ll Find

  • A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
  • Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
  • Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
  • Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Human Resources Manager, Legal Practice Groups serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers in their aligned departments and practice groups, providing proactive guidance and support on a broad range of people-related matters. This role ensures successful execution of HR initiatives and annual/ongoing processes, while maintaining a responsive and practical approach to operational HR needs. The Human Resources Manager ensures consistent, high-impact service delivery in their aligned departments and practice groups through strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

As Human Resources Manager, Legal Practice Groups You Will

  • Provide trusted and reliable guidance to managers and leaders on employee relations, performance management, organizational design, and talent development
  • Interpret and apply Firm policies, ensuring alignment with legal and regulatory standards and best practices
  • Collaborate with HR Leadership and the General Counsel’s Office to ensure all employment policies and practices comply with federal, state, and local law and effectively manage employment-related risk
  • Facilitate and guide annual performance and compensation review processes in collaboration with Attorney and Business Professional Development and Firm leadership
  • Provide tailored and nuanced input into workforce planning, headcount optimization, and team structure in partnership with business leadership and the functional/operational HR teams
  • Partner with leadership to identify, assess, and develop high-potential talent and support succession planning
  • Analyze HR metrics and trends to inform decision-making and proactively address workforce challenges
  • Ensure consistency of HR service delivery across locations while adapting to local nuances when needed
  • Support culture-building efforts and change management initiatives related to organizational growth, engagement, and continuous improvement

Job Specifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
  • At least five years of progressive experience working in law firms or professional services organizations
  • Advanced knowledge of employment law, employee relations, and talent development practices
  • Knowledge of law firm industry concepts and practices
  • Strong business acumen and leadership coaching skills
  • Strong communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills
  • Ability to navigate difficult conversations and complex interpersonal situations
  • Ability to assess risk and escalate concerns when appropriate
  • Ability to convey a variety of HR concepts in a practical and straightforward manner
  • Ability to handle and maintain confidential information

#LegalHR #AmLaw100

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $138,000 - $194,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

As part of our ongoing commitment to be #AlwaysBetter for our people, clients and communities, we have created a culture of belonging that champions your individuality as both a person and a professional. From our competitive compensation, top benefits and award-winning professional development programs to industry-leading wellness initiatives, we support you through every stage of your life and career. With McDermott, you can live a life you love both in and outside of the office.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear
  • Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

Salary : $138,000 - $194,000

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