Latham & Watkins, a global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms in the world, is currently seeking a Human Resources Generalist to join our winning team, located in our Global Services Office in downtown Los Angeles.  The success of our firm is largely determined by our commitment to hire and develop the very best and brightest, creating a team that provides our clients with the highest quality of work and service. We are driven by our core values: respect, innovation and collaboration.  The Human Resources Generalist will receive a generous total compensation package. Bonuses are awarded in recognition of individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham's comprehensive benefit program including healthcare, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401k plan, and more! In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure.  As a California-based Human Resources Generalist at Latham, you will act as a local resource for employees’ human resources and benefits questions. You will be responsible for providing a variety of human resources services for including but not limited to, recruiting, staff timekeeping, and policy implementation while accomplishing these and other critical functions:  

• Acting as a point of contact for human resources questions in the office.  Understanding a majority of the human resources policies of the firm and being able to answer most questions independently.  Using appropriate judgment to route complex questions and issues to appropriate resources and following up to ensure the issue is resolved in a timely manner.
• Managing timekeeping activities for the office including following up with managers and supervisors to ensure all timecards are approved, answering routine questions about timekeeping and Kronos, and ensuring FLSA standards are met.
• Acting as a point of contact in the office for questions regarding Paid Time Off (PTO), PTO accrual policies, how they are applied in Kronos, and the annual PTO sellback process.
• Leading new hire orientation, developing programs within the office to facilitate new employee integration during the first year of employment to meet firm’s objectives for new hire retention.
• Entering data in PeopleSoft and the Employee Directory including new hire entries and terminations.  
• Understanding benefits eligibility rules for all health, welfare, and retirement benefits. Connecting staff with the Global Benefits and Global Retirement Benefits department as needed.
• Acting as a point of contact and coordinating with the Global Benefits department regarding all office leaves of absence.
• Maintaining relationships with all employees on leave of absence.  Updating the Human Resources Manager on a regular basis regarding employees preparing to return to work, employees likely to request extensions, and other issues regarding employees on leave.
• Promoting the value-added benefits of the firm within the office with a goal of increasing participation (e.g., Pre-Tax Transportation, Retirement, etc.).  Planning health and wellness events for the office on a regular basis throughout the year.
• Partnering with the Talent Management department on office recruiting, assisting in drafting and editing job descriptions, and performing reference checks for new hires.
• Maintaining personnel files for the office to ensure confidentiality and compliance with all legal regulations and firm policies.  Maintaining other department filing as necessary.
• Responding to appropriate government correspondence (e.g., unemployment verification, garnishments) by following firm policies in all circumstances.
• Providing additional support to the department at the direction of the Human Resources Manager.  Completing special projects regarding various issues as needed.
• Promoting effective work practices, working as a team member, and showing respect for co-workers.

As a Human Resources Generalist, you will be expected to apply your organizational and communication skills while displaying a positive, high-energy attitude. The successful Human Resources Generalist must have comprehensive knowledge of human resource functions, as well as a fundamental knowledge of California timekeeping and labor laws. HRIS experience, preferably with PeopleSoft along with Kronos Timekeeper, is a plus.  The Generalist will display well-developed and professional interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm, and the organizational skills needed to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required, and a focus in a related field is preferred. Four (4) years of HR experience may be considered in lieu of Bachelor’s degree. Three (3) years Human Resources experience is desired. Experience with California timekeeping and labor laws is required. 

Latham & Watkins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity, equal opportunity and sustainability enables Latham & Watkins to draw from a remarkable wealth of talent to create one of the world's leading law firms.

Latham & Watkins is also committed to protecting the health and well-being of our employees and partners, their families, and members of our community against COVID-19. Accordingly, we require all partners and employees based in the United States to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have a documented underlying medical condition or sincerely held religious belief that prevents such vaccination. Offers of employment will be conditioned upon applicants presenting proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or obtaining an exemption on medical or religious grounds.

Latham & Watkins LLP will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)​.  Please click the link below to review the Ordinance.

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Required Skills Required Experience