Jacklyn Krikorian, SHRM-SCP
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Human Resources Director and People & Operations leader with extensive experience in law firm and professional services environments. Trusted advisor to the COO, Managing Partners, and firm leadership on HR strategy, total rewards, employee relations, and multi-state compliance. Proven track record leading HR functions, modernizing HR infrastructure, and driving practical, scalable people practices in fast-paced, high-accountability organizations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Manning Kass LLP
03.2025 - Current
- Serve as the senior on-site HR and operational leader for a multi-office law firm, partnering closely with the COO and firm leadership on day-to-day operations and people matters.
- Act as a trusted advisor to Managing Partners, Practice Leaders, attorneys, and staff on complex employee relations, performance, and operational issues, balancing legal risk and business needs.
- Oversee HR strategy and operations including employee relations, performance management, compliance, retention initiatives, and staff recruitment strategy.
- Own staff recruitment strategy, workforce planning, and execution for administrative and legal support roles.
- Lead onboarding, integration, and ongoing employee support processes for attorneys and staff.
- Lead performance management processes and coach managers through performance, feedback, and development conversations.
- Oversee total rewards programs including compensation support, benefits administration, vendor management, and renewals.
- Partner with Finance and the COO on payroll oversight, benefits funding, budgeting, and workforce planning.
- Ensure compliance with California, federal, and multi-state employment laws; lead investigations and manage sensitive employee relations matters with discretion.
- Serve as one of the primary leadership escalation points for employees, providing consistency, visibility, and support across the firm.
Director of Human Resources
Michelman & Robinson LLP
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Served as HR Director for a multi-office law firm, advising Managing Partners and senior leadership on people strategy, employee relations, and organizational effectiveness.
- Led staff recruitment strategy and hiring; supported onboarding and integration for attorneys and staff.
- Led onboarding, integration, and professional development processes for attorneys and staff.
- Directed firm-wide performance management processes and coached leaders on feedback, accountability, and documentation.
- Oversaw compensation and benefits programs, vendor relationships, and renewals.
- Advised on complex employee relations matters and ensured multi-state employment law compliance.
Senior Manager, HR Business Partner
Morrison Foerster LLP
04.2021 - 09.2021
- Senior HR Business Partner for a global client group of 80+ employees in a matrixed professional services environment.
- Advised leaders on performance management, employee relations, and organizational planning.
- Led investigations and coached managers on performance and development matters.
Director of Human Resources
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP
03.2013 - 12.2020
- Led the firm’s HR function across multiple offices, partnering closely with executive leadership on HR operations, compliance, and people strategy.
- Independently designed and implemented the firm’s first electronic performance management system, replacing a fully paper-based evaluation process.
- Built and launched a Learning Management System (LMS) to support structured training, coaching, and professional development.
- Implemented an electronic MCLE tracking system for attorneys and paralegals, ensuring compliance and eliminating manual tracking.
- Converted firm onboarding from paper-based processes to a fully electronic onboarding experience.
- Owned staff recruitment strategy and execution for administrative and legal support roles.
- Oversaw compensation and benefits programs and supported vendor management.
- Led employee relations, investigations, disciplinary actions, and ensured compliance with California and federal employment laws.
- Managed HR and legal staff, fostering accountability, consistency, and professional development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Skills
- Executive & Partner Advisory
- Law Firm HR Leadership
- Staff Recruitment Strategy
- Performance Management Systems
- Learning & Development (LMS / MCLE)
- Employee Relations & Investigations
- Multi-State Employment Law (CA, Federal)
- Payroll & Benefits Oversight
- HR Operations & Digital Transformation
Certification
- SHRM-SCP
- YogaWorks 500HR Teacher Training
Languages
English & Dutch (Fluent)
French, German, Turkish (Intermediate)
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Manning Kass LLP
03.2025 - Current
Director of Human Resources
Michelman & Robinson LLP
10.2021 - 10.2022
Senior Manager, HR Business Partner
Morrison Foerster LLP
04.2021 - 09.2021
Director of Human Resources
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP
03.2013 - 12.2020