Human Resources Manager – Southeast Michigan Varnum LLP seeks a Human Resources Manager to support HR functions in the firm’s southeast offices (Birmingham, Novi, Ann Arbor, and Naples, Florida) in partnership with Human Resources leadership in Grand Rapids. The Human Resources Manager supports the firm by overseeing core HR operations, guiding employee relations, and enhancing the overall employee experience. This role serves as a trusted resource to staff and attorneys, ensuring consistent HR practices, strengthening engagement and retention, and promoting a culture of professionalism, well‑being, and collaboration. This role reports to the Senior Manager of Human Resources and will be based in the firm's Birmingham office, with expected regular travel to the other southeast Michigan offices. This role will work collaboratively across the firm, particularly with the Human Resources team in Grand Rapids, in furtherance of Varnum's growth. Responsibilities Staff Management & Development - Lead and manage southeast staff, including the Benefits Coordinator, Southeast Michigan Human Resources Assistant, receptionists, legal assistants and central services staff.
- Coach and mentor team members to ensure ongoing professional growth and departmental effectiveness.
Employee Relations & Staff Support - Resolve complex employee relations issues using a coaching‑first approach to increase trust, improve communication, and facilitate effective conflict resolution. Engage the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other mental health resources when appropriate.
- Manage the legal assistants and LSS in the southeast Michigan offices, including oversight of PTO, timecards, workload distribution, employee relations and professional development.
- Build and maintain long‑term working relationships with staff and attorneys to support engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
- Supports the firm’s Platinum Service Model to advance the firm’s strategic business plan.
Performance Management & Development - Maintain a staff mentorship framework that provides professional guidance, supports historical knowledge transfer, and strengthens cross‑department relationships by pairing experienced staff with newer team members.
- Partner with IT and HR teammates to develop monthly and annual training programs relevant to legal assistants and support staff.
HR Operations & Compliance - Ensure HR processes and documentation support accuracy, consistency, and compliance across the firm.
- Identifies strategies targeted at identifying workflow efficiencies and coverage procedures.
- Exercises care and discretion with confidential and sensitive materials.
- Support office safety initiatives.
Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or 5+ years of experience in a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a legal or professional services environment.
- Knowledge of HR laws, practices, and HRIS systems.
- Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently with multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills, with an orientation towards client service.
- Ability to think strategically with active listening skills.
- Ability to identify issues, develop recommendations, and implement solutions.
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