HR Manager

Overview

Degan, Blanchard & Nash is a leading insurance defense law firm with over 100 employees across three Louisiana offices. We are seeking a hands-on HR Manager to lead day-to-day HR operations and partner with the Firm Administrator on firm-wide HR strategy, specifically setting HR policies and benefits, running payroll, and administering performance reviews for all support staff. You’ll directly manage an HR Coordinator and work closely with the managing partner, practice leads, and admin team to deliver a best-in-class employee experience in a multi-office, professional services environment.

• Oversee full-cycle recruiting for support roles; collaborate with practice leaders and hiring managers on requisitions, interviewing, selection, and offer processes.
• Lead structured onboarding and orientation; ensure compliant and professional offboarding.
• Administer the performance review cycle for all support staff (e.g., legal assistants, paralegals).
• Lead annual benefits strategy and open enrollment in conjunction with the Firm Administrator and benefits broker; manage eligibility, life events, COBRA, and vendor relationships.
• Maintain HRIS/ATS data integrity, employee files, and reporting, drive process improvements and automation.
• Own or oversee end-to-end payroll processing including audits, reconciliations, and coordination with Firm Administrator; ensure accuracy of earnings, deductions, and leave accruals.
• Advise leadership and managers on HR best practices, change management, and organizational effectiveness.
• Serve as the primary HR lead for the firm; manage, coach, and develop the HR Coordinator.
• Partner with the Firm Administrator to set and update HR policies and benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), leave programs) aligned with firm strategy, compliance, and market competitiveness.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for employee relations; investigate and resolve issues with fairness and confidentiality.
• Promote a respectful, high-performance culture grounded in professionalism and legal ethics.

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (HR certifications such as SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR preferred).
• 5–8+ years of progressive HR experience, including direct ownership of payroll, benefits, and performance management; professional services or law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Prior experience managing at least one HR team member.
• Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems (e.g. Paylocity, Employee Navigator or similar) and strong Excel/reporting skills.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and communication skills; proven ability to influence at all levels and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing strategic projects with day-to-day operations.
• Travel to other offices as needed (approx. 15%–20%).
• Work Arrangement: 100% In-Person (Onsite)

• Life Insurance:
  We provide $50,000 coverage at no cost to the employee.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance:
  Also provided at no cost to the employee.
• Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with an annual discretionary match.
• HSA with Employer Contribution.
• Dependent Care FSA.
• Generous PTO allotment.
• Flexible Work Schedules.
• Additional Supplemental insurances are also available.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.

DBN makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. We participate in E-Verify and Right to Work to confirm identity and employment eligibility.

This position is not open to recruiting agencies. Any resumes sent to this Firm by an agency that was not specifically engaged for this position and does not have a valid agreement on file will become the property of this Firm. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.