Senior Human Resources Generalist

Position Summary

Sweet James, a leading and fast-paced Personal Injury law firm, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior HR Generalist to join our team. This key role will support day-to-day human resources operations and report to the Chief People Officer (CPO) to drive strategic initiatives across performance management, payroll, employee engagement, and compliance. The Senior HR Generalist will serve as a trusted resource for managers, attorneys, staff and the HR team, contributing to a positive workplace culture and HR operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

· Talent Acquisition: Lead and support full-cycle recruitment efforts for approximately 20–30 roles per month in collaboration with the HR team. Participate in interviews and provide hiring recommendations.

· Data-Driven Decision Making: Analyze HR metrics to identify trends, guide strategic decisions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

· Stakeholder Communication: Liaise effectively with internal teams and external vendors, ensuring smooth communication and alignment with company objectives.

· Compliance & Employment Law: Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local labor laws and internal policies. Stay updated on legal and regulatory changes affecting HR operations.

· Process Improvement: Identify and implement initiatives to streamline HR processes, improve efficiency, and support business growth.

· HR Operations Support: Partner with the Chief People Officer and Managing Partner on key initiatives related to compliance, employee engagement, and organizational development.

· Payroll Administration: Accurately manage and process payroll using Paylocity or equivalent systems. Ensure timely payments and compliance with payroll regulations.

· Performance Management: Administer the company-wide performance review process and provide support to managers in performance coaching and documentation.

· Employee Relations: Address employee concerns, provide guidance on HR policies, and escalate complex issues to leadership with well-considered solutions.

· Benefits & 401(k) Oversight: oversight of benefits administration, 401(k) compliance, COBRA, and related processes under the direction of the CPO. Work cross-functionally to ensure accuracy and compliance.

· Onboarding & Offboarding: Manage employee onboarding and offboarding processes in alignment with company compliance and legal requirements.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with IT, office administration, and other departments to ensure seamless execution of HR processes and alignment with headquarters' standards.

Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Communications, Psychology, or a related field.

· 5–7 years of progressive HR experience in a company with 500+ employees, ideally within a scaling fast-paced or professional services environment.

· Strong expertise in HR compliance, employee relations, and performance management.

· Advanced proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., Paylocity, ADP, or similar).

· In-depth understanding of employment law and regulatory requirements.

· Demonstrated ability to analyze data and apply insights to decision-making.

· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.

· Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

· Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a high level of discretion and professionalism.

Why Join Sweet James?

At Sweet James, we are more than a law firm—we are a team driven by excellence, innovation, and compassion for our clients and employees. As part of our HR team, you'll contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven environment that values growth, teamwork, and employee well-being.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75, $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Newport Beach, CA Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Newport Beach, CA 92660: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person