Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.
Wilson Sonsini, a leading US-headquartered law firm with a global presence spanning Europe and Asia, is seeking an experienced HR Manager to join our international HR team. This role provides comprehensive generalist and operational HR support across the firm’s London, Brussels, China, and Hong Kong offices. This is a dynamic, hands-on, client-facing position that requires expertise in navigating multi-jurisdictional employment frameworks, adapt to varying local requirements, and deliver consistent, high-quality HR service across all international locations. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience supporting employees and management across multiple countries and will be comfortable operating as part of a globally integrated HR function while remaining responsive to the specific needs of each office.
Key Responsibilities:
Employee and HR Generalist Support
- Serve as the primary HR lead for Europe and Asia, serving as a trusted advisor to members, attorneys and business professionals on HR policy, benefits, leave, and general employment matters.
- Deliver expert HR guidance and practical solutions across the employee lifecycle, building strong partnerships with firm leadership and employees at all levels.
- Manage employee relations matters end-to-end, including documentation, stakeholder coordination, and resolution, exercising sound judgment on sensitive and complex issues.
- Support performance management cycles, employee engagement initiatives, and learning and development programmes in alignment with firm-wide priorities.
- Coordinate recruitment activities including interview logistics, onboarding, and new hire orientation in collaboration with the US recruitment teams.
- Champion employee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives, contributing to a positive and equitable workplace culture.
- Uphold consistent application of HR policy and best practices across jurisdictions, identifying gaps and recommending improvements.
HR Operations and Administration
- Maintain accurate employee records within Workday and other HR systems.
- Assist with drafting and updating HR policies, procedures, and employee communications, process employee lifecycle transactions including hires, transfers, promotions, compensation changes, leaves, and terminations.
- Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes across Europe and Asia offices.
- Prepare HR documentation including employment verification letters, and HR correspondence as required.
- Support monthly payroll processes and separation payments, and liaise with payroll providers and Finance teams to ensure accuracy and timeliness
- Assist with HR reporting, headcount management, organizational charts, and HR analytics.
Immigration & Compliance
- Support the coordination of UK immigration processes including visa applications, sponsorship documentation, renewals, and right-to-work compliance.
- Maintain comprehensive immigration and compliance records.
- Support compliance matters relating to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), including practicing certificate tracking and related documentation.
- Assist with HR audits and ensure compliance with employment legislation, firm policies, and data privacy requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Minimum of 7 years’ of progressive HR generalist experience, ideally gained within a law firm or professional services environment, with demonstrated responsibility for multi-country employee populations operating under diverse diverse employment frameworks.
- Bachelor's degree of equivalent experience.
- Broad, hands-on experience across all stages of the employee lifecycle.
- Proficiency in Workday or a comparable HRIS platform.
- Experience with UK immigration and right-to-work processes preferred.
- Proven track record supporting HR functions across multiple jurisdictions; with direct experience across the UK, Europe (including Belgium), and/or Asia (including China and Hong Kong) will be given preference.
- CIPD qualification (or active progress toward certification) preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to advise and influence at all levels of a professional services firm.
- Exceptional organizational skills and rigorous attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a client-focused, hands-on approach.
- Proactive, responsive, and solutions focused.
- Self-directed and proactive, with strong judgment and the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package. Visit our website here. Equal Opportunity Employer.
