Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Manager – Sidley Austin LLP

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This range is provided by Sidley Austin LLP. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$/yr - $/yr

The HR Manager plays a key leadership role in supporting the Chicago office’s lawyers and business professionals. Working in close partnership with the HR Director, the HR Manager delivers a full spectrum of human resources services, including employee relations, talent management, performance processes, onboarding/offboarding, policy interpretation, and HR operations. This role serves as a trusted advisor to office leadership, a resource to employees at all levels, and a driver of initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

• Supervise, coach, and develop junior members of the Chicago HR team to foster a collaborative, high‑performing, and service‑oriented environment.
• Serve as a key partner to the HR Director and act as backup during absences, ensuring continuity of HR operations and support for the Chicago office.

• Provide guidance to managers and supervisors on employee relations issues, performance concerns, and the interpretation of personnel practices, policies, and employment laws.
• Conduct and document workplace investigations, ensuring fair, consistent, and timely resolution.
• Coach managers on effective feedback, performance conversations, and conflict resolution.

• Oversee performance management processes for business professionals, including goal setting, midyear and annual reviews, and compensation recommendations.
• Serve as an HR advisor and liaison to key lawyer committees, including the Committee on the Evaluation and Compensation of Associates, the Lawyer Mentoring Committee, and the Associate Relations Committee.
• Support talent development and engagement efforts by identifying opportunities for learning, growth, and improved employee experience.

• Manage the onboarding process for lawyers and business professionals, including orientation, integration support, and coordination with relevant departments.
• Oversee the exit process, including documentation, interviews, and analysis of trends to support retention and engagement strategies.

• Oversee personnel data accuracy within the Firm’s HRIS system, including new hires, job changes, salary adjustments, leaves of absence, disability, terminations, and other employment‑related actions.
• Partner with firm‑wide HR functional areas to effectively implement HR initiatives, policies, and programs in the Chicago office.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and ensure HR practices reflect compliance and best practices.

• Anticipate HR‑related needs and collaborate with the HR Director to develop integrated solutions aligned with office and Firm objectives.
• Provide insights and recommendations using HR metrics and trends to support leadership decision‑making.
• Recommend and implement new approaches, policies, and procedures that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the HR function.

• Support or lead HR‑related projects and initiatives across the Chicago office as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary varies by location and is based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at

$125,000 - $165,000 if located in Illinois

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and…