HR Manager (Maternity Cover) – Leading Law Firm

Description

HR Manager (Maternity Cover) – Leading Law Firm Location: London (Hybrid – minimum 3 days in office) Salary: Up to £77,000 Contract: Fixed-Term (12–15 months) We’re working with a leading law firm to appoint an experienced HR Manager on a maternity cover basis. This is a key role within the HR function, offering broad exposure across generalist HR, employee relations, and trainee development within a legal environment.

The Opportunity

You’ll act as a senior HR partner to the business, supporting both leadership and employees while also playing a central role in developing the firm’s trainee and early careers programmes. This is a hands-on position with real impact – ideal for someone who enjoys both strategic input and day-to-day delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide proactive, high-quality HR support across the firm
• Act as an escalation point for HR Advisors and junior team members
• Partner with senior stakeholders on employee relations and people strategy
• Support and guide managers on performance, absence, and employee lifecycle matters
• Oversee HR processes, policies, and compliance
• Manage and develop HR reporting and systems

Trainee & Early Careers Focus:

• Lead on Vacation Scheme and Training Contract programmes
• Design and deliver assessment centres
• Manage trainee lifecycle including onboarding, seat rotations, and qualification
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure a high-quality trainee experience

About You

• CIPD Level 7 qualified (or working towards)
• Proven HR generalist experience within a law firm or legal environment (essential)
• Strong experience working with Trainees and/or Vacation Schemes
• Demonstrable experience designing and delivering assessment centres
• Confident managing complex ER issues and advising senior stakeholders
• Highly organised, commercially aware, and detail-focused

Additional Details

Hybrid working: minimum 3 days per week in London office

Likely 2-stage interview process, including at least one in-person meeting

Ideal start date: late June (to allow for handover before maternity leave in August)

Contract length: 12 months initially, with potential to extend to 14–15 months (not guaranteed)

Interested?

If you’re an experienced HR professional with a background in legal environments and a passion for early careers development, get in touch to find out more.