Job Description

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About Kirkland & Ellis
At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence—we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional expertise and dedication of our people.

With 6,500+ professionals, including 4,000 lawyers, across 21 offices worldwide, Kirkland attorneys shape markets, influence policies, and establish legal precedents that redefine what’s possible. We bring together the best minds to meet clients where they are, driving the future of business, investment, and innovation.

What You’ll Do

1. Lead with Purpose: Partner with senior Talent leadership and the Senior Director of Administration to align HR strategies with business objectives.
2. Drive the Full Talent Lifecycle: From recruiting elite talent to onboarding, employee development, engagement, performance management, and thoughtful exits—you’ll have a hand in it all.
3. Champion Culture & Compliance: Serve as the go-to HR advisor for attorneys and staff, ensuring legal compliance while fostering a workplace culture built on trust, excellence, and inclusion.
4. Influence & Innovate: Be a catalyst for change, leading local talent initiatives and supporting strategic firmwide programs with a sharp business lens.
5. Mentor & Motivate: Manage and develop local HR staff, setting the tone for empathy, creativity, and accountability.

What You’ll Bring

1. A Strong Foundation: Bachelor’s degree required; PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
2. Proven Experience: At least 10 years in HR, including 5+ years managing teams—ideally in a professional services or law firm environment.
3. Expert Knowledge: In-depth understanding of federal and local employment laws, employee relations, and performance management.
4. Strategic Mindset: Analytical, data-driven, and solutions-oriented with a deep understanding of business needs.
5. Exceptional Communication Skills: Able to inspire trust, provide counsel at all levels, and drive change with clarity and confidence.
6. Relationship Builder: Adept at navigating cross-functional teams and managing stakeholders across departments and locations.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in the Bay Area. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range

• Bay Area: $205,000 - $225,000

How To Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click Apply Now.

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Firm will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records and criminal histories consistent with local laws.

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources
• Industries: Law Practice

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