ABOUT BAKER BOTTS
Baker Botts is a leading international law firm recognized for its deep understanding of the industries it serves. With offices across major global markets, the firm delivers sophisticated legal services while cultivating a collaborative, inclusive culture where both attorneys and professional staff contribute to client success and organizational excellence.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Baker Botts, a full-service, leading international law firm recognized for our understanding of the industries we serve, is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner to provide Human Resources support to Baker Botts’ Texas-based offices and California offices as needed, working closely with the HR Director. This is a full-time, exempt position, resident in the Firm’s Houston office.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Primary Responsibilities
Human Resources Administration
- Identify and escalate HR-related issues to appropriate internal stakeholders.
- Independently manage basic employee relations and performance management matters.
- Assist with onboarding local personnel by gathering all paperwork and required authorizations for all new hires; process background check with third party vendor; and send approval to hire when all paperwork is complete.
- Partner with the HR Director and the Firm's immigration counsel to track lawyers on work visas.
- Verify new hire I-9 documentation to confirm employment eligibility, including monitoring visa and alien documentation expiration dates and requesting updated documentation as needed.
- Maintain employee personnel files in compliance with California law, upholding strict confidentiality of all employee records.
- Verify that each employee’s termination has been completed in the Firm’s HR system and that all necessary paperwork has been received and distributed.
- Support administration of Firmwide HR policies, researching answers as needed.
- Track anniversaries, create and send necessary e-mails, order and deliver gifts as required.
- Assist with the tracking and approval of timecards for legal secretaries and paralegals.
- Manage members of the HR team.
- Support Firmwide HR initiatives as needed.
Recruiting
- Screen staff new hires in partnership with Staff Recruiter and Office Administrator.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 5 years of human resources experience in a large organization, preferably a professional services organization. Prior law firm experience helpful.
- Extensive knowledge of Texas HR-related laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of California HR-related laws and regulations.
- Familiarity with Workday.
- Ability to manage employee data utilizing an automated human resources information system.
- Word processing and data entry skills.
- Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
- Ability to verify data input and correct errors.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to identify and coordinate the resolution of human resources problems and inaccuracies.
- Ability to interact and communicate with people over the telephone, often in stressful situations.
- Ability to supervise and train assigned staff.
- Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
- Ability to analyze data.
- Must be a self-starter.
- Must be able to work independently with little supervision.
- Must exhibit strong interpersonal skills and patience and be able to maintain effective relationships with co-workers and employees.
- Must be a successful team player.
- Must be able to work in a multi-task environment using planning and prioritization skills to manage workload in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to work as a team lead to effectively and successfully complete approved projects and upgrades.
- Ability to work overtime for several weeks at a time during seasonal hiring periods, i.e., Summer Associates (March through May), Fall Associates (September through November) and other times as required.
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE
Success in this role means becoming a trusted HR partner to the Houston office by delivering responsive, practical, and compliant support to employees and office leadership. The successful candidate will quickly build strong relationships, manage employee relations and HR administration matters with confidence, ensure compliance with California employment laws and Firm policies, and provide exceptional service throughout the employee lifecycle. They will demonstrate sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, collaborate effectively with Firmwide stakeholders, and contribute to a positive workplace culture while supporting the Firm's strategic objectives.
HOW YOU'LL WORK
Physical Requirements
- This position requires a solid attendance record and working at a computer for long periods of time; lifting up to 15 lbs.; and bending and walking. Heavy telephone and face-to-face communication with applicants, vendors, lawyers and staff.
Working Conditions and Environment
- This role may be hybrid and will require a minimum of three days per week (or at least 60%) present in the office, and up to two days per week (40%) may be performed remotely.
- This is a full-time position with a standard 37.5 hour work week.
- Must be available to work occasional weekends and evenings to meet job requirements.
Baker Botts L.L.P. is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.