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General Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saint Mary's University

General Counsel

Winona, MN · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

The General Counsel functions as a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who bridges the University's strategic goals and legal obligations, fostering a culture of informed, ethical decision-making ...

Page Group USA

General Counsel

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$170K - $175K/yr

  • PTO

The General Counsel will lead legal strategy and execution for a rapidly growing, global, retail company, ensuring compliance and providing strategic legal guidance to support business objectives ...

Saint Mary's University

General Counsel

Winona, MN · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

The General Counsel functions as a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who bridges the University's strategic goals and legal obligations, fostering a culture of informed, ethical decision-making ...

Saint Mary's University

General Counsel

Winona, MN

$160K - $190K/yr

The General Counsel functions as a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who bridges the University's strategic goals and legal obligations, fostering a culture of informed, ethical decision-making ...

Saint Mary's University

General Counsel

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

The General Counsel functions as a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who bridges the University's strategic goals and legal obligations, fostering a culture of informed, ethical decision-making ...

Page Group USA

General Counsel

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$170K - $175K/yr

  • PTO

As General Counsel, you will oversee all legal matters for the retail company, providing strategic legal guidance to support business objectives and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Saint Mary's University

General Counsel

Winona, MN · On-site

$160 - $190/hr

The General Counsel functions as a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who bridges the University's strategic goals and legal obligations, fostering a culture of informed, ethical decision‑making ...

Todd & Weld, LLP

General Counsel

Bedford, MA · On-site

$225 - $275/hr

The next General Counsel for the Massachusetts Community Colleges will lead a highly respected legal office serving all fifteen public community colleges and provide legal advice to presidents on ...

State Bar New Mexico

General Counsel

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$135 - $145/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

General Counsel (Full-Time) Salaried/Exempt Salary: $135,000 - $145,000/year depending on experience and qualifications Location: Albuquerque, NM The State Bar of New Mexico is a professional ...

MBC Talent Connections

General Counsel

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$190K - $250K/yr

General Counsel Location & Work Arrangement * Los Angeles Metro Area * Full-time, permanent * Onsite (local candidates only; no relocation) Salary * $190,000-$250,000 Position Overview The General ...

GVW Group, LLC

General Counsel

Miami, FL · On-site

General Counsel What will you do? As the General Counsel you will translate the company's vision into actionable legal strategies that support and protect the interests of the holding company and its ...

GVW Group, LLC

General Counsel

Birmingham, AL · On-site

General Counsel What will you do? As the General Counsel you will translate the company's vision into actionable legal strategies that support and protect the interests of the holding company and its ...

Gelber Group

General Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The General Counsel serves not only as the firm's chief legal advisor, but also as a trusted business partner whose judgment shapes important decisions across the organization. The role offers ...

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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 Aug 13, 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?

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.

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General Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various General Counsel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% 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.

General Counsel

ACC - Association of Corporate Counsel

Eureka, CA • On-site

$180 - $260/hr

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Posted yesterday

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Job description

The Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) is recruiting a versatile and approachable legal expert to serve as its inaugural General Counsel. This executive-level role offers the rare opportunity to build the agency’s internal legal foundation and serve as a trusted partner to the Board of Directors and Executive Director during an era of exciting growth.

This is an exceptional fit for a grounded, proactive professional who balances high-level strategic counsel with hands-on legal execution. Operating as a chief legal officer, the General Counsel oversees public agency compliance, drafts complex energy contracts, manages risk mitigation and navigates regulatory frameworks. The role plays a vital part in advancing local clean energy initiatives, while supporting a mission-driven team culture.

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