Leave of Absence & Accommodations Manager

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in Los Angeles, New York, or Washington, D.C., the Leave of Absence Manager is responsible for overseeing the administration of all leaves of absence and reasonable accommodation process, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (including FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws). This role serves as the subject matter expert, providing strategic guidance on best practices, developing and implementing process improvements, establishing and managing data reporting needs, actively engaging with delivery partners, and serving as the point of escalation for timely resolution. The Leave of Absence Manager will act as the primary liaison between LOA team members, and third-party vendors to ensure a consistent, compliant and seamless leave and accommodation experience throughout the Firm.

This role reports to the Director of Benefits.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage the LOA Team, providing training, guidance, and expertise. Provide coaching and mentoring to administrators, contributing to the successful performance of the team.
• Ensure delivery of excellent service, maintaining a high standard of communication and support.
• Serve as subject matter expert on complex leave of absence-related inquiries, providing advanced guidance to staff and attorneys, HR team members, and senior management.
• Manage, interpret and administer FMLA, disability programs and ADA accommodation requests working with the third-party administrator, employees and business functions in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, NYPFL, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Workers Compensation, USERRA, etc.).
• Partner closely with HR, Managers, Payroll, HRIS, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless leave administration and compliance.
• Facilitate interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations under the ADA, and collaborate with employees, managers and medical professionals to implement and monitor accommodations.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of leave balances, return-to-work dates, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Serve as the main point of contact to manage relationship with the leave of absence vendor, ensuring the system is tracking and applying leaves as intended.
• Identify opportunities to enhance leave of absence and accommodation processes and implement best practices to improve efficiency and employee experience.
• Continuously review and update company leave and accommodation policies to reflect changes in laws and best practices.
• Conduct audits of leave and accommodation practices to ensure compliance and recommend process improvements.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and other federal and state leave laws.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to develop and mentor staff.
• Expertise in legal requirements related to leave of absence and accommodation laws.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex, sensitive cases.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience managing leave of absence and reasonable accommodation programs.
• Previous experience in a managerial or leadership role in leave administration or disability management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HR information systems (HRIS).
• Experience working with HRIS, leave management systems, and disability benefits programs.
• System implementation and oversight experience helpful.

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual compensation range for this position is $133-175k. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses.

Locations:

Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, New York

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.