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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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

GVW Group, LLC

General Counsel

Birmingham, AL

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

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 ...

GVW Group, LLC

General Counsel

Birmingham, AL

Description 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 ...

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 ...

American Fidelity

General Counsel

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

General Counsel for a privately owned group of financial services companies, including insurance, banking, brokers, and others. Must currently reside in the Oklahoma City metro area or be willing to ...

Americanfidelity

General Counsel

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

General Counsel for a privately owned group of financial services companies, including insurance, banking, brokers, and others. Must currently reside in the Oklahoma City metro area or be willing to ...

Gelber Group

General Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

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 ...

GVW Group, LLC

General Counsel

Birmingham, AL

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 +1

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 ...

GVW Group, LLC

General Counsel

Miami, FL

Description 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Jovia Financial

General Counsel

Westbury, NY · On-site

$250K - $320K/yr

General Counsel Join our team and begin writing your next success story with us. If you're looking for a place where culture and leadership matter, look no further. Whether you work here, bank here ...

GVW Group, LLC

General Counsel

Miami, FL · On-site

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 portfolio businesses. This is a ...

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General Counsel information

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$151.6K

$267K

How much do general counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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 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.

Is general counsel a prestigious job?

The role of general counsel is considered a prestigious position within organizations, often held by experienced legal professionals with significant responsibility for corporate legal matters. It typically requires a law degree, extensive legal experience, and strong leadership skills, reflecting its high status in the corporate hierarchy.
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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, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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

Saint Mary's University

Winona, MN • On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Overview and Responsibilities
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition's quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.
Job Summary
As the University's chief legal officer, the General Counsel provides strategic legal counsel and guidance to the President, Board of Trustees, President's Cabinet, and senior leadership across a diverse range of complex legal, regulatory, governance, and institutional matters. This highly visible executive leader serves as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner dedicated to advancing the University's mission while minimizing legal and reputational risk.
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 and institutional accountability. The General Counsel advises across a broad spectrum of issues affecting higher education, including employment matters, student affairs, governance, compliance, contracts, litigation, risk management, Title IX, regulatory developments, and emerging legal challenges. The General Counsel also assists in the selection, retention, and oversight of experienced outside counsel engaged to support specialized legal matters. The successful candidate will possess the ability to effectively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support research, communication, problem-solving, and operational efficiencies.
As a member of the President's Cabinet, the General Counsel works closely with institutional leadership to navigate complex legal landscapes, support sound governance practices, and provide practical guidance that advances organizational objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements. The General Counsel serves as a trusted and accessible resource to leadership and collaborates extensively with Human Resources, Student Affairs, Title IX, Campus Safety, Academic Affairs, Finance, Athletics, and other administrative units.
The General Counsel is expected to exercise exceptional judgment, integrity, discretion, diplomacy, and political acumen while managing sensitive and high-profile matters affecting the University community. This position reports directly to the President.
Salary Range (full-time)*: $160,000 - $190,000
* Position Structure
The University is open to appointing either a full-time or part-time General Counsel, depending upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate and the organizational structure ultimately adopted. A full-time appointment may include a broader portfolio of executive or strategic leadership responsibilities in addition to serving as General Counsel. The University has not predetermined the final structure and welcomes candidates whose experience may align with either model.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Legal Counsel
  • Serve as the University's chief legal advisor on all legal, regulatory, governance, compliance, and risk management matters.
  • Provide strategic legal counsel and practical guidance to the President, Board of Trustees, President's Cabinet, and senior leadership.
  • Anticipate legal issues, assess institutional risks, and develop proactive strategies to protect the University's interests and mission.
  • Translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for both legal and non-legal audiences.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner to campus leaders in addressing complex and sensitive institutional matters.
  • Inform leadership regarding legislative, regulatory, and legal developments that may impact university operations.
  • Support strategic initiatives, institutional partnerships, affiliations, acquisitions, and other significant organizational transactions.

Governance and Board Relations
  • Serve as legal advisor to the Board of Trustees on governance, fiduciary responsibilities, bylaws, policies, and legal obligations.
  • Support effective university governance and ensure compliance with governance requirements and best practices.
  • Review and draft Board resolutions, governance documents, policies, and related materials.
  • Advise trustees and senior leadership regarding emerging legal and governance issues.
  • Serves as a resource person for the University Nominations and Governance Committee.
  • Manage all legal affairs involving the University and Board of Trustees.

Employment, Labor, and Human Resources Matters
  • Advise and support Human Resources regarding employment law matters, including compliance with Titles VI, VII, and IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and other applicable employment laws.
  • Provide counsel regarding employee relations, accommodations, investigations, disciplinary actions, grievances, workplace policies, and personnel matters.
  • Assist with labor relations, and workforce-related legal issues as applicable.
  • Recommend corrective actions and risk mitigation strategies when employment concerns arise.

Student Affairs and Higher Education Compliance
  • Advise leadership regarding legal matters affecting students and student affairs operations.
  • Provide legal guidance regarding compliance with federal and state laws governing higher education, including: Title IV, VI, VII, IX, FERPA, ADA and disability accommodations, Clergy Act, campus safety requirements, NCAA and athletic compliance matters, Immigration and international student issues, accreditation requirements, and research compliance requirements.
  • Review student-related disputes, disciplinary matters, discrimination complaints, and other legal concerns involving students.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Policy Development
  • Identify, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, and legal requirements affecting university operations.
  • Advise the University regarding the most effective methods to achieve and maintain compliance.
  • Develop, review, and update institutional policies and administrative procedures.
  • Draft and administer policies designed to meet ethical, legal, and regulatory obligations.
  • Collaborate with institutional leaders to identify, assess, and mitigate operational, legal, and reputational risks.
  • Support enterprise risk management initiatives and compliance programs.
  • Develop and implement legal compliance training and educational programs for faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees.

Contracts, Transactions, and Business Operations
  • Draft, review, negotiate, and maintain contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, grants, licenses, leases, and other legal documents.
  • Advise departments regarding procurement, vendor relationships, technology agreements, sponsored research agreements, and business partnerships.
  • Provide legal support for real estate, construction, intellectual property, and institutional transactions.
  • Ensure legal documents accurately reflect the University's interests and obligations.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  • Manage litigation, administrative proceedings, governmental investigations, regulatory inquiries, and claims involving the University.
  • Represent the University or oversee representation by outside counsel.
  • Evaluate legal exposure and recommend litigation, settlement, or alternative dispute resolution strategies.
  • Coordinate responses to subpoenas, complaints, and governmental requests.
  • Manage relationships with outside counsel and ensure effective use of external legal resources.

Crisis Management and Institutional Response
  • Coordinate with the Vice President of University Relations and advise senior leadership on crisis management, emergency response, and institutional communications.
  • Participate in crisis response planning and decision-making processes.
  • Investigate underlying causes of institutional crises and recommend risk mitigation measures.
  • Support leadership during highly sensitive and high-profile situations requiring immediate legal guidance.

Leadership and Administration
  • Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet and other leadership committees as assigned.
  • Advance and support the University's Catholic identity, and core values.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the Catholic faith and to advancing the University's Lasallian Catholic mission through sound legal counsel and ethical leadership. Bring an understanding of the legal, governance, and operational considerations of faith-based higher education and integrates mission-centered decision-making into legal strategy, policy development, and institutional risk management.
  • Build collaborative relationships across all levels of the institution.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity, respect, and commitment to the dignity of all members of the University community.
  • Establish a culture that encourages proactive consultation with legal counsel.
  • Develop and manage departmental budgets and operational priorities.

Qualifications
Experience and Education Requirements
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
  • Current license to practice law in the State of Minnesota or eligibility to obtain admission to practice in Minnesota at the time of employment.
  • Maintenance of all required licensure, continuing education, certifications, and professional training.
  • Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible legal experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, government, healthcare, or similarly regulated environments, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A demonstrated commitment to and support for the Catholic faith and identity of the University is required. Preference will be given to candidates who are practicing Catholics.
  • Demonstrated experience serving as a strategic legal advisor to executive leadership, presidents, governing boards, or senior administrative teams on complex legal, regulatory, governance, and institutional matters.
  • Significant experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws affecting higher education, including employment law, student affairs, regulatory compliance, civil rights, and risk management.
  • Demonstrated experience managing sensitive, confidential, and high-impact institutional matters involving significant legal, financial, operational, or reputational risk.
  • Experience supporting executive-level decision-making and participating as a member of a senior leadership team, cabinet, or equivalent executive body.
  • Proven ability to balance legal risk with institutional mission, strategic priorities, and operational objectives.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience serving as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, Associate General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, or senior legal executive.
  • Experience in Catholic higher education or other faith-based colleges and universities.
  • Demonstrated understanding of Catholic higher education governance, mission integration, religious exemptions, and legal issues unique to faith-based educational institutions.
  • Familiarity with the principles and traditions of Catholic intellectual life and mission-driven higher education.
  • Knowledge of Lasallian educational values and the role of mission in institutional decision-making.
  • Prior legal practice or leadership experience in Minnesota.
  • Experience supporting Boards of Trustees and advising governing bodies on fiduciary responsibilities, governance practices, and institutional strategy.
  • Experience with labor relations, collective bargaining, enterprise risk management, and organizational compliance programs.
  • Experience managing outside counsel in transactional and document matters, litigation, arbitration, administrative proceedings, and other legal affairs.
  • Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Essential Knowledge & Skills
  • Technology and AI Competency. Demonstrated proficiency in using artificial intelligence tools to enhance productivity, decision-making, and information management. Ability to formulate effective AI queries, assess output quality and accuracy, and apply AI-generated information appropriately while maintaining professional standards, data integrity, and confidentiality requirements.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of higher education law, nonprofit governance, and regulatory compliance.
  • Strong understanding of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
  • Knowledge of legal issues affecting private, faith-based institutions of higher education.
  • Ability to efficiently conduct complex legal research and analysis.
  • Ability to anticipate legal risks and provide strategic, practical solutions.
  • Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build relationships across varied constituencies.

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