Company Description
Kiernan Trebach, is a mid-sized law firm based in Washington, DC with offices throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions of the United States.
Role Description
This is a full-time Human Resources Director role in a experienced Director of Human Resources to lead and strengthen the firm’s people operations across multiple offices. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this is a hands-on role for an HR leader who enjoys building structure, improving systems, and partnering closely with senior leadership in a professional services environment.
Success in this role requires sound judgment, creativity, and a solutions-oriented approach to employee engagement. The firm is seeking a practitioner with deep knowledge of HR practice and employment law, supported by formal education and professional certification, who can apply that expertise thoughtfully and pragmatically in support of a healthy and strong professional workplace culture.
The job is based in Kiernan Trebach's Washington, DC office and requires 5 days per week in-office presence.
Key Responsibiilties
- Advise firm leadership on HR strategy, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness.
- Provide HR leadership and operational support across multiple firm offices, ensuring consistent practices while responding to local business needs and jurisdictional requirements.
- Oversee HR operations including payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, and compliance.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including multi-jurisdictional requirements.
- Supervise one HR professional and provide leadership, coaching, and accountability.
- Oversee recruiting for attorneys and professional staff.
- Guide the development and maintenance of HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.
- Evaluate and improve HR systems and processes in partnership with Finance and IT.
- Manage sensitive employee matters with discretion and sound judgment.
Qualifications
- Expertise in Human Resources (HR), including organizational planning and talent development.
- Strong knowledge of HR Policies and procedures to ensure compliance and efficiency in workforce management.
- Experience in Employee Relations, with a focus on conflict resolution and fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Proficiency in Performance Management, including developing and implementing evaluation processes.
- Comprehensive understanding of Labor and Employment Law to ensure organizational compliance.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to effectively guide teams and manage change.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree and/or HR certification (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
- Proven experience in a leadership role within human resources, preferably in dynamic and diverse organizations.
Qualifications
• At least five (5) years of progressive HR management experience.
• Experience in professional services or similarly complex organizations.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Professional HR certification required (SHRM or HRCI).
Additional Information
This position is eligible for the firm’s employee benefits programs, including health insurance, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background and reference checks, consistent with applicable law.
Kiernan Trebach is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law. This job posting is not intended to be all-inclusive; additional responsibilities may be assigned as business needs evolve.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter expressing interest and compensation expectations with a resume to Resumes@nnkadvisory.com. This search is being conducted by nnkAdvisory, a Human Resources consultancy.
