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General Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Counsel

Tuskegee, AL · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

General Counsel * Status: Full Time Job Summary The General Counsel will lead the legal and government affairs department and manage all government affairs for Tuskegee University. As a trusted ...

General Counsel

Houston, TX · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

The General Counsel will also be responsible for the full spectrum of legal affairs, excluding litigation, but including corporate governance, regulatory compliance and all investor-related matters.

The General Counsel is an executive position and, as such, leads the Company's in-house Legal Department. The General Counsel supports various internal business units and manages other Legal ...

General Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site

$142K - $214K/yr

General Counsel POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Vice President REPORTS TO: SVP of Business Strategy and Operations LOCATION: Hybrid or Remote with a willingness to work ET hours when necessary About ...

New

General Counsel

Houston, TX · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

The General Counsel will also be responsible for the full spectrum of legal affairs, excluding litigation, but including corporate governance, regulatory compliance and all investor-related matters.

Position Information Position Title General Counsel Status Full Time Job Summary The General Counsel will lead the legal and government affairs department and manages all government affairs for ...

The General Counsel will oversee corporate governance, commercial transactions, regulatory strategy, compliance programs, litigation management, employment matters, and legal operations across ...

The General Counsel is a licensed attorney who will ensure that the company's business practices, operations, risk management, and commercial dealings meet regulatory requirements and industry ...

Masterworks is seeking a General Counsel to take over primary responsibility for the company's legal function, reporting directly to the CEO. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role rather ...

New

Role Summary The General Counsel will define and lead the legal function for Sky Ecosystem. This leadership role spans two core dimensions: regulatory expertise, which the General Counsel will ...

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY Founded 1856 • Vincentian Catholic Tradition GENERAL COUNSEL Office of the General Counsel Location: Lewiston, New York Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular FLSA Status: Exempt ...

The General Counsel is a licensed attorney who will ensure that the company's business practices, operations, risk management, and commercial dealings meet regulatory requirements and industry ...

$120K - $150K/yr

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY Founded 1856 • Vincentian Catholic Tradition GENERAL COUNSEL Office of the General Counsel Location: Lewiston, New York Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular FLSA Status: Exempt ...

$120K - $150K/yr

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY Founded 1856 • Vincentian Catholic Tradition GENERAL COUNSEL Office of the General Counsel Location: Lewiston, New York Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular FLSA Status: Exempt ...

Showing results 41-60

General Counsel information

See salary details

$58.5K

$151.6K

$267K

How much do general counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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 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.

What cities are hiring for General Counsel jobs? Cities with the most General Counsel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of General Counsel jobs? The most popular types of General Counsel jobs are:
What states have the most General Counsel jobs? States with the most job openings for General Counsel jobs include:
What points of interest are hiring for General Counsel jobs? Points of interest with the most General Counsel job openings:
What are popular job titles related to General Counsel jobs? For General Counsel jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various General Counsel job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,643 per year, or $72.9 per hour.
GENERAL COUNSEL

$145K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Arizona Department Of Corrections rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 41 rated prisons


Job description

Description The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) is seeking an experienced and driven Attorney to join our team as our General Counsel. The General Counsel must be skilled in exercising discretion and independent judgment in overseeing the day-to-day functions of the General Counsel Office and providing legal advice and consultation to the Director and Division Directors on a variety of corrections and government issues. This role requires a keen legal acumen and the ability to manage relationships with various stakeholders including the Governor's Office, Attorney General's Office, and outside firms working on current and pending litigation affecting the Agency.

The ideal candidate will operate with integrity, support the mission and vision of the Agency, and be familiar with current criminal justice case law, rules, and regulations. The General Counsel will use this foundation to give guidance, assess policies and procedures, and identify and resolve legal issues that may impact ADCRR. Examples of Duties - Provides advice to the Director and leadership team on an ad hoc basis as issues arise across the agency - Reviews and offers recommendations regarding Agency policy and procedure - Coordinates Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry's (ADCRR) response with other stakeholders (Executive, Attorney General's office, etc.) on significant cases, rulings, and events - Supports the Assistant Attorney General team assigned to represent the ADCRR in inmate lawsuits, procurement issues, and public records litigation - Supervises the Inmate Grievance and Disciplinary Hearing Officers and provides legal advice to the agency relating to grievance and disciplinary appeals - Maintains record retention schedules - Responds to public records requests through the Public Access Unit - Provides day-to-day interpretation of policy in response to outside advocates and attorneys - Oversees the ADCRR Inmate Legal Access Program under Department Order 902 - Acts as primary contact for the Federal District Court's inmate mediation pilot program - Drives on State business, including overnight stays - Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment Typical Qualifications License to practice law in the State of Arizona

Requires possession of, and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12). Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation

Supplemental Information Selective Preference - Ten or more years experience in the practice of law, with five or more years in the management of legal staff. Preference will be given to individuals who can demonstrate experience in corrections or criminal justice law.


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