Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP · 5 hours ago
HR Leave Administration Manager
Washington, DC
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$135K/yr - $165K/yr
7+ years expAkin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm seeking an HR Leave Administration Manager in the Human Resources department. The role involves overseeing the administration of the firm’s U.S. leave of absence programs and providing guidance to employees and managers on related matters.
Law Practice
Hiring Manager
Raechel Reynolds
Responsibilities
Oversee and administer all U.S. employee leave of absence programs, including FMLA, short/long-term disability, parental leave, family leave, Workers’ Compensation, and other statutory or firm-sponsored leaves, ensuring compliance with firm policy and all federal, state and local leave regulations
Advise and provide guidance to employees and managers regarding leaves of absence, leave entitlements, policies, available benefit resources and procedures. Monitor leave balances and communicate timely updates to employees, managers and practice group leadership
With the Director of Benefits, oversee relationship management with Unum, the firm’s third-party medical disability, FMLA and long-term disability insurance administrator, and the firm’s external benefits brokers that manage the Unum relationship
Oversee compliance with and coordination of state disability and family leave paid benefits programs with FMLA, state and local leave protections and firm leave policies
Supervise the HR Policy and Leave Specialist, overseeing day-to-day work, prioritizing workload, setting expectations, delivering performance evaluation and feedback, supporting professional growth, and mentoring
In collaboration with the Director of Benefits and the Office of the General Counsel, ensure regulatory compliance with federal, state and local laws and statutes, update Human Resources related policies as necessary and disseminate updates to local office Human Resources teams
Assist in recommending and developing new and/or revised human resources policies, procedures, projects and initiatives related to leaves of absence
With guidance from the Office of the General Counsel, as needed, provide direction on the application of the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local statutory employment regulations to local office Human Resources teams, people managers and employees
Provide guidance to the Human Resources department, people managers and employees on the application of employee leave policies and procedures; assist in resolving complex leave issues
Manage leave of absence benefit communications, campaigns and resources, including identifying educational opportunities for firm personnel regarding leave of absence benefits and policies
Serve as a primary resource with the Human Resources Policy and Leave Specialist for local office Human Resources queries and issues related to the firm’s leave of absence tracking modules in Workday
Serve as backup to Human Resources Policy and Leave Specialist for oversight of records set-up, tracking and maintenance
Serve as backup to Human Resources Policy Leave Specialist for daily Workday leave entries and updates
Liaise with Workers’ compensation carrier on matters related to escalated workers’ compensation claims
Organize and lead, as appropriate, status meetings with the Director of Benefits, as well as with benefit vendors regarding open cases and current projects or initiatives
Remain current in industry trends in Human Resources and the legal profession as they relate to leaves of absence and related topics
Ensure expertise in technology relevant to the position; strive for proactive use of the most current technology to further internal customer service and efficiency
Provide leave of absence data and trends for internal reporting and third-party surveys as needed
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree and/or professional HR certification helpful
Minimum of 7 years of human resources and/or leave administration related experience with at least 3 years of management level experience
Knowledge and experience in administering FMLA, ADA, and other federal, state, and local statutory employment regulations
Unfailing commitment to confidentiality and discretion; impeccable judgment and common sense
Ability to establish and build credibility as a knowledgeable and trusted HR advisor and function as a strong role model within the office
Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate potentially difficult, detailed and complex information to others with tact and finesse
Strong organizational skills and unfailing attention to detail
Ability to work independently and with a team
Ability to manage vendor relationships with tact and influence, including holding vendors accountable for contract service level agreements
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner
Willingness and ability to assume new tasks and responsibilities
Ability to work well under pressure, facilitate solutions and meet deadlines
Ability to work extended hours to fulfill time sensitive responsibilities
Thorough knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of client and office information, and adhering to the Firm's Core Values
Preferred
Previous human resources experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred
Working knowledge and experience in Workday preferred
Working knowledge and experience in NetDocs management system preferred
Benefits
A full range of health and other insurance benefits
Financial and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility)
A discretionary bonus
Various paid time off benefits
Company
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Akin is a global law firm with more than 900 lawyers and advisors who pride themselves on dedication to their clients and their communities.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Ivan Orlic
Chief Financial Officer
Abid Qureshi
Partner
Recent News
Dallas Innovates
2025-09-17
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