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General Counsel Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

AD Mortgage

Deputy General Counsel

Troy, MI · On-site

The Deputy General Counsel will help oversee legal risk management, regulatory compliance, transactions, litigation management, and corporate governance activities across the enterprise. The ideal ...

Spectrum Health

Counsel

Southfield, MI · On-site

Job Summary The senior counsel position will report to the Corewell Health VP & Deputy General Counsel and work closely with other senior legal leaders, including Corewell Health's Chief Legal ...

General Motors

Counsel, GM Asset Management

Detroit, MI · On-site

Counsel, GM Asset Management The Role GM is seeking a Counsel, GM Asset Management to support the ... General corporate transactional experience * Excellent judgment and strong problem-solving skills

Adler Pelzer USA

Regional Legal Counsel

Troy, MI · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

Prior General Counsel, Senior Counsel, or Partner-level experience * Strong business acumen, understands operations, not just legal theory * Experience managing or replacing outside counsel ...

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All JobsGeneral Counsel JobsGeneral Counsel Jobs in Rochester, MI

General Counsel information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$53.8K

$139.6K

$245.8K

How much do general counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for general counsel in Rochester, MI is $139,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,900.00 and $174,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you do as general counsel?

A general counsel is the chief legal officer of an organization, responsible for overseeing legal matters, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and providing legal advice to management. They often handle contract review, risk management, and may supervise a legal team, requiring strong legal knowledge and negotiation skills.

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.

Do you need a law degree to be a general counsel?

A law degree is typically required to become a general counsel, as the role involves providing legal advice and representing the company in legal matters. Most general counsels are licensed attorneys with extensive legal experience, often including passing the bar exam and maintaining active licensure. While alternative qualifications are rare, legal expertise and a strong understanding of corporate law are essential for the position.

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.

Is general counsel a high position?

Yes, the general counsel is a senior executive role responsible for overseeing a company's legal matters. It is typically one of the highest-ranking legal positions within an organization, often reporting directly to the CEO or board of directors.

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.

Who is the highest paid general counsel?

The highest paid general counsel typically work for large multinational corporations and can earn total compensation exceeding several million dollars annually, including base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Compensation varies based on company size, industry, and individual experience, with top earners often holding senior leadership and legal expertise in complex corporate environments.

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
What are the most commonly searched types of General Counsel jobs in Rochester, MI? The most popular types of General Counsel jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What are popular job titles related to General Counsel jobs in Rochester, MI? For General Counsel jobs in Rochester, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching General Counsel jobs in Rochester, MI look for? The top searched job categories for General Counsel jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for General Counsel jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most General Counsel job openings:
General Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various General Counsel job openings in Rochester, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,580 per year, or $67.1 per hour.
General Counsel

General Counsel

Pioneer Health Care Management Inc

Franklin, MI • On-site

Contractor

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Title: General Counsel

Reports to: President & CEO

Effective Date: 4/1/2019 Review Date: 2/9/2025


Position Summary:

The General Counsel represents our company in our transactions, assures compliance with state laws and regulations, and develops strategies to identify and mitigate risk. This is not a remote position.


Core Responsibilities:

  • Evaluate new business agreements with vendors and subcontractors.

  • Draft contracts and agreements based on the business interests of the company and regulatory requirements pertaining to the transaction.

  • Oversee all companywide compliance with applicable State and Federal laws and regulations including, but not limited to CMS Regulations, HIPAA, HITECH, 1128 Exclusions, Anti-Kickback, Stark Law, and Michigan Hospital and Nursing Home Operation Laws.

  • Prepare the appropriate legal documents for trial or court proceedings and represent the company in legal proceedings.

  • Design and oversee the company’s policy and position on legal matters.

  • Handle all real estate acquisitions and negotiations with sellers and municipalities

  • Protect the company against legal risks and violations.

  • Examine the legal issues related to new products and services.

  • Advise corporate leadership regarding human resource policy and issues in order to avoid exposure and mitigate risk.

  • Guide management on regulatory and compliance issues.

  • Handle all corporate governance issues for the company and its managed entities

  • Other duties as requested


Requirements:

  • Licensed to practice law by the Michigan State Bar Association

  • 7-10 years’ experience as an attorney, experience in corporate law preferred

  • Proven experience within CMS Regulations, Michigan Nursing Home Operation Laws

  • Experience with union contracts, EEOC, Labor Laws, IRS

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing

  • Highly analytical with a strong attention to detail

  • Outstanding administrative and negotiation skills

  • Experience in healthcare law