Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Human Resources Specialist in the Human Resources department, reporting to the Washington, DC Human Resources Manager.

The role will reside in the Washington, DC office with hybrid work capabilities and will be responsible for supporting various HR operations, processes and initiatives in the firm’s Washington and Philadelphia offices. The HR Specialist is responsible for entry to mid- level support of the department including basic HR organizational strategies, research, and document preparation. The HR Specialist fully supports all those on the local HR team on the delivery of HR services and requires some previous HR experience, knowledge and/or training. The Human Resources Specialist also oversees HR-related applications and processes as they relate to office personnel. The Human Resources Specialist is expected to serve as a positive role model and mentor for the staff and paralegals, and to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s lawyers, efficient and effective departmental operations, and an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

Prepare all employment-related document and forms for staff, paralegals, attorneys and advisors for HR Manager’s signature.
Responsible for administering local and firm time and attendance procedures, utilizing the firm’s Workday HRIS to review and approve timecards and leave requests. Follow up and counsel department managers/supervisors and employees regarding missing timecards each pay period; escalate issues accordingly.
Enter employee life cycle changes into Workday HRIS in a timely manner.
Work within the Firm’s online on-boarding system to on-board and integrate new employees, coordinating with Firm HR personnel as necessary.
Serve as gatekeeper for the firm’s Contractor Database and Firm Directory (information not pulled from HRIS systems), entering required information for new hires and responding to directory inquiries from personnel.
Respond to unemployment claims for respective office in consultation with HR Manager and Firm HR personnel.
Prepare and distribute daily Arrivals/Departures/Changes (ADC List) as needed.
Respond to and oversee workers’ compensation claims for the office, in consultation with HR Manager and Firm HR personnel.
Serve as backup to the HR Assistant as needed to conduct new hire orientations.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR processes and systems to increase efficiency.
Remain current in industry trends in Human Resources and the legal profession.
Participate in the implementation of projects that increase the value of Human Resources services to business services employees and the firm.
Coordinate annual HR events such as biometric screenings, vaccination clinics, other wellness events, Staff Appreciation Day, and Years of Service celebration.
Troubleshoot benefits & payroll inquiries, including discussions with personnel in regard to qualifying events, payroll deductions, benefit coverage and leaves of absences under federal and state laws.
Create and run various standard, ad hoc and validation reports as needed.
Prepare various Excel spreadsheets as needed.
Compile paperwork requested during firm’s annual audit.
Serve as back-up for Verification of Employment/Attorney Bar Examiners.
Provide assistance with staff performance evaluation process.
Provide logistical support, such as scheduling, tracking, and attending local training and development events for the Talent, Training and Benefits teams.
Prepare various Excel spreadsheets to aid in tracking HR related data, etc., as needed.
Perform other administrative tasks or projects as needed.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

Bachelor’s degree required
A minimum of two plus years of related human resources experience, preferably in a law firm or other professional services organization
Solid working knowledge of MS Office applications including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
Familiarity with HRIS, databases and reporting applications; experience with Workday preferred
Familiarity with administration of Applicant Tracking, Onboarding and Learning Management systems. SilkRoad and viDesktop experience a plus
Excellent interpersonal skills, discretion and tact
Strong oral and written communication skills
Commitment to maintain confidentiality of employee, office, firm and client information and adhering to the Firm’s Values
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing priorities and deadlines in a professional manner
Ability to work independently and with a team
Strong work ethic with the willingness and ability to assume new tasks and responsibilities
Ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment and common sense
Strong service orientation, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with users, peers, office and firm management, and outside business partners
Commitment to the office and firm, professional growth and development

The base salary range for this position in Washington, DC is $60,000 to $66,000. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

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Human Resources Specialist