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Executive Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Empire State

Sr. Executive Counsel, Real Estate

Albany, NY · On-site

$180K - $190K/yr

The Sr. Executive Counsel, Real Estate will serve as a lead legal strategist for ESD most complex real estate and economic development initiatives. Reporting to the General Counsel, this person will ...

State of Louisiana

GENERAL COUNSEL

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

This position supervises the Executive Counsel position, assigning roles, responsibilities and functions for the provision of legal services at the Special School District. Minimum Qualifications ...

City of New York

EXECUTIVE AGENCY COUNSEL

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Company Description The Office of Research and Policy Development provide legal counsel to DSS, HRA and DHS Operations managers and executive staff on legal matters pursuant to social services policy ...

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Executive Counsel information

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$43.5K

$135.2K

$205.5K

How much do executive counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive counsel in the United States is $135,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,500.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Executive Counsel?

An Executive Counsel is a senior legal advisor who provides strategic legal guidance to a company's executive team and board of directors. They typically handle high-level legal matters such as corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Executive Counsels often serve as the chief legal officer or general counsel, ensuring the organization operates within the law while supporting its business objectives. Their role may also include overseeing a team of legal professionals and managing external legal relationships.

What are the typical challenges Executive Counsel face when balancing legal oversight with business strategy?

Executive Counsel often encounter the challenge of aligning legal risk management with the company's broader business objectives. Balancing the need to ensure compliance while enabling innovation and growth requires strong strategic judgment and proactive communication with senior leaders. Additionally, Executive Counsel must stay updated on evolving regulations and anticipate legal issues that could impact the organization's operations or reputation. This role frequently involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, requiring both legal expertise and business acumen to provide actionable, forward-thinking guidance.

What is the difference between Executive Counsel vs Corporate Counsel?

AspectExecutive CounselCorporate Counsel
Required CredentialsJD, bar license, extensive legal experienceJD, bar license, legal experience in corporate law
Work EnvironmentHigh-level legal advisory, strategic decision-makingLegal support for corporate operations, compliance, contracts
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, large organizations, executive teamsCorporations, legal departments, in-house legal teams
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior legal roles, executive legal responsibilitiesLegal department roles, corporate legal support

Executive Counsel typically refers to senior legal advisors involved in strategic decision-making at the executive level, often with broader responsibilities. Corporate Counsel generally denotes in-house lawyers providing legal support for corporate operations and compliance. While both roles require similar credentials, Executive Counsel usually operates at a higher strategic level within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Counsel, you need an advanced law degree (J.D.), strong expertise in corporate law, and licensure to practice, often backed by significant legal experience. Familiarity with legal research databases, contract management software, and corporate compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional negotiation, strategic thinking, and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These qualifications ensure sound legal advice, risk mitigation, and effective leadership in high-stakes corporate environments.
What cities are hiring for Executive Counsel jobs? Cities with the most Executive Counsel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counsel jobs? The most popular types of Counsel jobs are:
What states have the most Executive Counsel jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Counsel jobs include:
Executive Counsel jobs near you

Sr. Executive Counsel, Real Estate

Empire State

Albany, NY • On-site

$180K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.

*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.

*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Sr. Executive Counsel, Real Estate will serve as a lead legal strategist for ESD most complex real estate and economic development initiatives. Reporting to the General Counsel, this person will manage the legal lifecycle of large-scale projects that drive regional economic growth.


WORK PERFORMED:

  • Drafting and negotiating all legal documents necessary for implementation of ESD real estate and economic development projects;
  • Act as a liaison to chamber on all real estate legal matters; Provide counsel and strategic advice to ESD’s real estate development and to other ESD departments as well as ESD management as needed;
  • Provide high level strategic counsel to the Real Estate department and executive chamber on project feasibility, risk allocation and dispute resolutions.
  • Work with interdisciplinary teams of in-house staff and outside consultants (Including private developers, State and local government entities, outside counsel, environmental consultants, architects and others) to develop General Project Plans for single and multi-parcel real estate development projects for commercial and mixed uses Statewide;
  • Represent ESD on all aspects of general corporate matters including the drafting, negotiation and/or review of diverse corporate documents by and among public and private parties;
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with UDC Act, all UDC legislation and related laws and regulations;
  • Perform administrative and other tasks assigned by the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel;
  • Supervise assistant, associate counsels, senior counsel, interns and outside counsel and consultants for ESD.
  • Lead the legal response to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests, ensuring transparency while protecting privileged or proprietary information.
  • Legislative Drafting;
  • Corporate Governance including reviewing, drafting and interpreting Director’s Materials and Resolutions;

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education Level Required: J.D. plus admission to the New York State bar.

Relevant Experience required: A minimum of ten (10) years of general legal experience in real estate and one or more of the following areas preferred: Financing and/or other corporate transactions. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically and provide business – practical legal advice a strong plus. Ideal candidate will have relevant in-house or public sector experience, including exposure to large-scale development projects. Experience working in government or as outside counsel to governmental entities preferred. Knowledge of construction and zoning laws and regulation is desirable.

Knowledge Required: Excellent verbal and written communication skills and negotiation skills. A minimum of 50% in-office presence is required.