General Counsel in Chicago, IL

General Counsel Job Description

The general counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to the organization, focusing on managing legal risks, ensuring compliance, and providing day-to-day legal guidance across various business units. This role requires a deep understanding of the company’s operations and industry-specific regulations. The general counsel typically reports to the chief legal officer (in larger organizations) or directly to the CEO and is responsible for overseeing the internal legal team or managing relationships with external counsel. They play a crucial role in interpreting laws and regulations, advising on contractual matters, and implementing legal policies and procedures throughout the organization.

The general counsel must possess excellent management, teamwork, delegation, and problem-solving skills. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and active state bar license is required. The amount of experience required for the position may vary depending on company size. For example, large companies (more than $250 million in revenue) may prefer candidates with 15 to 20 years of experience, while small companies (up to $25 million in revenue) may seek five or more years of relevant experience. Companies seek candidates who also possess experience in a corporate legal department or major law firm where they held positions of increasing responsibility, such as associate general counsel or partner.

Typical general counsel duties:

Providing legal advice and support to various departments and business units

Managing and mitigating legal risks associated with company operations

Overseeing contract drafting, negotiation, and management processes

Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies

Managing litigation and dispute resolution processes

Conducting legal research and providing opinions on complex legal issues

Collaborating with HR on employment law matters and workplace policies

Advising on intellectual property protection and management

Coordinating with external counsel on specialized legal matters when necessary

Developing and implementing legal training programs for employees

Overseeing the company’s intellectual property

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Salary for General Counsel in Chicago, IL

268095 - 329705

25th percentile

268095

The candidate is new to the role and building the needed skills, experience and autonomy.

50th percentile

292190

The candidate has the experience to perform core responsibilities without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.

75th percentile

329705

The candidate delivers value beyond the stated job duties, has advanced qualifications and experience, and is ready for the next career level.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Chief Legal Officer

281515

306830

346175

In-House Counsel/Associate General Counsel, 10+ Years’ Experience

189710

222345

265350

In-House Counsel, 4-9 Years’ Experience

130235

179645

216245

In-House Counsel, 0-3 Years’ Experience

112850

138470

162870

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