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General Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The OSU/A&M System

General Counsel

Stillwater, OK · On-site

POSITION OF GENERAL COUNSEL BOARD OF REGENTS FOR THE OKLAHOMA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGES The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges (Board) invites ...

CalPrivate Bank

General Counsel

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$319K - $325K/yr

The Role: EVP/ General Counsel The Location: SB, LA, OC, SD, California Reports To: EVP/President/CEO Make a Difference Where It Matters Most At CalPrivate Bank, we believe banking is personal. We ...

City of New York

General Counsel

Manhattan, NY

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) serves as legal counsel for the 13 lines of service, or units, that comprise DCAS. Accordingly, OGC has a broad and diverse legal portfolio, with most attorneys ...

City of New York

General Counsel

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) serves as legal counsel for the 13 lines of service, or units, that comprise DCAS. Accordingly, OGC has a broad and diverse legal portfolio, with most attorneys ...

City of New York

General Counsel

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) serves as legal counsel for the 13 lines of service, or units, that comprise DCAS. Accordingly, OGC has a broad and diverse legal portfolio, with most attorneys ...

REPKON USA

General Counsel

Tampa, FL · On-site

General Counsel Job Family: Legal Company : Paligen Technologies Location: Tampa, FL (on - site) Job Summary: Paligen Technologies, a leading aerospace and defense company, is seeking an experienced ...

Unite America

General Counsel

Denver, CO · On-site

The General Counsel position requires expertise in IRS non-profit and political activity regulations, FEC regulations, and fluency in state-level campaign finance, lobbying, and charitable ...

Unite America

General Counsel

Denver, CO · On-site +1

The General Counsel position requires expertise in IRS non-profit and political activity regulations, FEC regulations, and fluency in state-level campaign finance, lobbying, and charitable ...

City of New York

General Counsel

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) serves as legal counsel for the 13 lines of service, or units, that comprise DCAS. Accordingly, OGC has a broad and diverse legal portfolio, with most attorneys ...

Unite America

General Counsel

Denver, CO · On-site

The General Counsel position requires expertise in IRS non-profit and political activity regulations, FEC regulations, and fluency in state-level campaign finance, lobbying, and charitable ...

JBA International

General Counsel

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$250K/yr

Immediate need for General Counsel! Pay from $250k/yr. MUST be CA Barred. Apply TODAY for immediate consideraton As our General Counsel , you will have the opportunity to provide legal counsel to the ...

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General Counsel information

See salary details

$58.5K

$151.6K

$267K

How much do general counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for general counsel in the United States is $151,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $190,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a General Counsel, you need a law degree (J.D.), admission to the state bar, and extensive experience in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Familiarity with contract management systems, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and specialized compliance software is often required. Exceptional judgment, leadership, negotiation, and communication skills set outstanding General Counsels apart. These skills are critical for providing sound legal guidance, protecting the organization from risk, and effectively supporting business objectives.

What is a General Counsel?

A general counsel, also known as a chief counsel or a Chief Legal Officer (CLO), acts as the primary legal advisor to the senior leadership board of a business or law firm. Like corporate attorneys, a general counsel is well versed in laws, regulations, and negotiating skills. However, unlike corporate lawyers, these specialists have a broader knowledge base and must be able to identify legal issues in a variety of industries, including engineering, marketing, finance, human resources, and business policy. CEOs depend on a general counsel to give confidential feedback and suggestions on firm cases and internal attorney activity.

What does a General Counsel do?

A General Counsel is the chief lawyer of an organization, responsible for overseeing all legal matters. They provide legal advice to the company's executives and management, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and manage legal risks. General Counsels may also handle contracts, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and litigation. Their role is crucial in helping the organization make informed decisions while minimizing legal exposure.

What are some common challenges faced by a General Counsel in balancing legal risk and business objectives?

A General Counsel often faces the challenge of providing legal advice that protects the organization while supporting its strategic and operational goals. This means carefully evaluating legal risks and proposing solutions that enable business growth without exposing the company to unnecessary liability. Navigating complex regulatory environments, addressing fast-evolving compliance requirements, and communicating legal considerations in clear, actionable terms to non-legal colleagues are all part of the role. Collaboration with executive leadership is essential to align legal priorities with broader business objectives, often requiring creative problem-solving and negotiation skills.

What is the difference between General Counsel vs Corporate Lawyer?

AspectGeneral CounselCorporate Lawyer
CredentialsJD, bar admission, extensive legal experienceJD, bar admission, specialized in corporate law
Work EnvironmentIn-house legal department of a companyLaw firms or corporate legal teams
Employer & IndustryCorporations across industriesLaw firms or corporate legal departments
Primary FocusLegal strategy, risk management, corporate governanceTransactional work, contracts, mergers & acquisitions

While both roles require a JD and legal expertise, the General Counsel serves as the top in-house legal advisor focusing on overall legal strategy and risk management within a company. In contrast, a Corporate Lawyer typically handles transactional work like contracts and deals, often working in law firms or corporate legal teams. The General Counsel has a broader leadership role, whereas the Corporate Lawyer specializes in specific legal transactions.

More about General Counsel jobs
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General Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various General Counsel job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,643 per year, or $72.9 per hour.