HR Generalist (Part-time)

About the role

We're looking for an experienced, US-based HR Generalist to join us part-time. Our HR team in Tokyo leads core HR operations such as payroll, onboarding, compensation, and performance reviews. As our on-the-ground HR partner in the US, you'll own the work that needs real-time attention during US business hours — multi-state compliance and off-boarding — and support employee relations, benefits, and payroll in close collaboration with the HR team in Tokyo and our Legal team.

This is a hybrid role based in our San Francisco office, with in-office work approximately one day per week. You'll work 16–20 hours per week (50–70/hour) during US Pacific Time business hours; specific days and hours will be determined at the time of hire. The role is currently part-time, with the potential to grow in scope and hours over time.

What you'll do

• Own multi-state HR compliance, including state filings and registrations, required postings and notices, and a compliance calendar to track deadlines.
• Handle paper filings and mail at our San Francisco office, and work with local tax advisors as needed.
• Manage off-boarding for voluntary and involuntary separations, including timely communication with managers and the HR team in Tokyo, off-cycle final pay when required by state law, and equipment returns.
• Lead involuntary separations in partnership with Legal, including severance terms, termination meetings, negotiations, and documentation.
• Support employee relations matters, including leaves of absence, accommodations (ADA/FEHA), performance management, and promotions and role changes, in partnership with Legal and the HR team in Tokyo.
• Serve as the local point of contact for our benefits brokers and for employee benefits questions, including COBRA.
• Support bi-weekly payroll by following up with employees and managers to make sure timesheets are submitted on time.
• Help update the employee handbook and policies for a multi-state workforce, in partnership with Legal.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR generalist experience in the US, including independently managing off-boarding and employee relations.
• Deep knowledge of US employment law, especially California, and comfort working across multiple states.
• Hands-on experience with final pay, severance, COBRA, and benefits administration.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and empathy in sensitive situations — you know when to act, when to document, and when to loop in Legal.
• Experience with an HRIS/payroll platform (Rippling preferred).
• Comfort working closely and asynchronously with a team in Japan using tools like Slack and Notion.

Nice to have:

• Experience developing or updating employee handbooks and HR policies for a multi-state workforce
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification
• Experience at a startup or on a lean HR team
• Interest in or experience using AI tools to streamline HR work

LegalOn is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workplace, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. LegalOn does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.