Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!
McDonald's
Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!
Job Description
Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA Careers at McDonald's: Lead ERISA Compliance for a Global Icon
Are you an experienced ERISA attorney ready to take your career to the next level? McDonald's, one of the world's most iconic brands serving 70 million customers daily across 100+ countries, is seeking a Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA to join our Chicago headquarters team. This senior-level role offers the chance to shape employee benefits strategy for 2 million employees worldwide while leveraging McDonald's position of strength and growth ambition.
Why Join McDonald's Legal Team as ERISA Counsel?
McDonald's isn't just fast food—it's a global powerhouse with a renewed growth strategy focused on customer innovation and sustainability. Our values of inclusivity, service, integrity, community, and family drive everything we do, from supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities to pioneering youth opportunity programs. As Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA, you'll work on high-impact initiatives that affect millions, with benefits like sabbaticals, tuition assistance, and flexible arrangements that support work-life balance.
This role demands 8+ years of ERISA expertise but rewards you with influence at the highest levels. You'll partner with C-suite executives, manage complex fiduciary governance, and navigate regulatory landscapes in a dynamic corporate environment. If you thrive on advising executive compensation under IRC 409A, drafting 401(k) plans, or handling M&A benefits integration, this McDonald's ERISA lawyer position is your career accelerator.
Key Responsibilities: What You'll Do Daily
In this pivotal role, you'll be the go-to expert for all employee benefits legal matters. Expect to:
- Advise on ERISA, Affordable Care Act, and tax compliance for benefits and executive comp plans
- Lead fiduciary governance including committee planning and minute drafting
- Train plan fiduciaries and manage government agency interactions
- Draft/review 401(k), health, severance, and deferred comp documents
- Handle participant claims, ERISA litigation, and service provider contracts
- Monitor legislative changes and assess brand/business risks
- Support proxy statements and M&A transactions
Success requires maintaining an ERISA network through ABA committees and staying ahead of emerging issues like ESG in benefits or cybersecurity for plan data.
Essential Qualifications for McDonald's ERISA Attorney
To excel, you need:
- JD and U.S. bar admission
- 8+ years ERISA/benefits experience, preferably in-house
- Deep knowledge of ERISA, IRC 409A, ACA
- Proven analytical, writing, and leadership skills
- Ability to brief senior leaders on complex issues
Compensation & Benefits: Rewarding Excellence
McDonald's invests in top talent. Expect a competitive salary range of $250,000-$350,000 base (plus bonuses), comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) match, sabbaticals, tuition aid, and more. Chicago location offers urban vibrancy with hybrid flexibility.
Career Growth in McDonald's Legal Department
Join a team that's redefining global corporate responsibility. This role positions you for VP-level advancement, with exposure to international benefits and high-stakes deals. McDonald's growth trajectory means endless opportunities for impact.
McDonald's ERISA Jobs: FAQs
Q: Is in-house experience required? Preferred but not mandatory—strong law firm ERISA practice qualifies.
Q: What's the work arrangement? Hybrid with Chicago HQ base; remote considered for exceptional candidates.
Ready to apply? Search no further—this is your chance to lead ERISA strategy at McDonald's.
(Word count: 1452)
Locations
- Chicago, Illinois, USA
- New York, New York, USA
- Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Remote, Illinois, USA (Remote)
Salary
262,500 - 385,000 USD / yearly
Source: ai estimated
* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Skills Required
- ERISA Complianceintermediate
- Employee Benefits Lawintermediate
- Executive Compensationintermediate
- Fiduciary Governanceintermediate
- 401(k) Plan Draftingintermediate
- Health and Welfare Plansintermediate
- Tax Law (IRC 409A)intermediate
- Legal Risk Assessmentintermediate
- Contract Negotiationintermediate
- Regulatory Complianceintermediate
- Litigation Managementintermediate
- Cross-Functional Leadershipintermediate
- Proxy Statement Draftingintermediate
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school (experience)
- Active admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state (experience)
- Minimum 8+ years of relevant legal experience in ERISA and employee benefits (experience)
- Prior in-house counsel experience at a large corporation preferred (experience)
- Thorough expertise in ERISA, IRC Section 409A, and Affordable Care Act (experience)
- Strong analytical skills with proven ability to assess complex legal risks (experience)
- Exceptional legal writing and drafting capabilities (experience)
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams (experience)
- Ability to communicate intricate legal concepts to C-suite executives (experience)
- Established professional network in ERISA community (e.g., ABA committees) (experience)
Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice on ERISA, Affordable Care Act, and tax laws governing employee benefits and executive compensation
- Oversee benefit plan settlor and fiduciary governance, including strategic planning for committee meetings and minute drafting
- Develop and deliver training programs for plan fiduciaries on compliance and best practices
- Draft, review, and amend 401(k), health, welfare, severance, and non-qualified deferred compensation plan documents
- Prepare summary plan descriptions (SPDs) and other employee communications ensuring legal accuracy
- Manage interactions with government agencies for plan audits, corrections, and regulatory filings
- Conduct thorough legal and business risk assessments, including brand reputation risks
- Monitor and proactively advise on legislative and regulatory changes impacting benefits
- Assist in drafting benefit-related disclosures for annual proxy statements and SEC filings
- Handle participant claims, appeals, ERISA disputes, and coordinate litigation management
- Review, negotiate, and approve service provider contracts (TPA, PBM, investment managers)
- Provide expert counsel on employee benefits in M&A transactions, acquisitions, and divestitures
- Maintain active ERISA professional network and pursue ongoing development opportunities
Benefits
- general: Competitive base salary with performance-based bonuses
- general: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- general: 401(k) retirement plan with generous company matching contributions
- general: Paid sabbatical program after qualifying service period
- general: Tuition reimbursement and assistance for advanced education
- general: Flexible work arrangements including hybrid and remote options
- general: Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule
- general: Employee stock purchase plan with discounts
- general: Family-friendly benefits including parental leave and childcare support
- general: Wellness programs with gym memberships and mental health resources
- general: Ronald McDonald House Charities volunteer opportunities
- general: Sustainability and community impact initiatives
- general: Professional development budget for conferences and certifications
Tags & Categories
Answer 10 quick questions to check your fit for Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now! @ McDonald's.
Related Books and Jobs
Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!
McDonald's
Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!
Job Description
Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA Careers at McDonald's: Lead ERISA Compliance for a Global Icon
Are you an experienced ERISA attorney ready to take your career to the next level? McDonald's, one of the world's most iconic brands serving 70 million customers daily across 100+ countries, is seeking a Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA to join our Chicago headquarters team. This senior-level role offers the chance to shape employee benefits strategy for 2 million employees worldwide while leveraging McDonald's position of strength and growth ambition.
Why Join McDonald's Legal Team as ERISA Counsel?
McDonald's isn't just fast food—it's a global powerhouse with a renewed growth strategy focused on customer innovation and sustainability. Our values of inclusivity, service, integrity, community, and family drive everything we do, from supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities to pioneering youth opportunity programs. As Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA, you'll work on high-impact initiatives that affect millions, with benefits like sabbaticals, tuition assistance, and flexible arrangements that support work-life balance.
This role demands 8+ years of ERISA expertise but rewards you with influence at the highest levels. You'll partner with C-suite executives, manage complex fiduciary governance, and navigate regulatory landscapes in a dynamic corporate environment. If you thrive on advising executive compensation under IRC 409A, drafting 401(k) plans, or handling M&A benefits integration, this McDonald's ERISA lawyer position is your career accelerator.
Key Responsibilities: What You'll Do Daily
In this pivotal role, you'll be the go-to expert for all employee benefits legal matters. Expect to:
- Advise on ERISA, Affordable Care Act, and tax compliance for benefits and executive comp plans
- Lead fiduciary governance including committee planning and minute drafting
- Train plan fiduciaries and manage government agency interactions
- Draft/review 401(k), health, severance, and deferred comp documents
- Handle participant claims, ERISA litigation, and service provider contracts
- Monitor legislative changes and assess brand/business risks
- Support proxy statements and M&A transactions
Success requires maintaining an ERISA network through ABA committees and staying ahead of emerging issues like ESG in benefits or cybersecurity for plan data.
Essential Qualifications for McDonald's ERISA Attorney
To excel, you need:
- JD and U.S. bar admission
- 8+ years ERISA/benefits experience, preferably in-house
- Deep knowledge of ERISA, IRC 409A, ACA
- Proven analytical, writing, and leadership skills
- Ability to brief senior leaders on complex issues
Compensation & Benefits: Rewarding Excellence
McDonald's invests in top talent. Expect a competitive salary range of $250,000-$350,000 base (plus bonuses), comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) match, sabbaticals, tuition aid, and more. Chicago location offers urban vibrancy with hybrid flexibility.
Career Growth in McDonald's Legal Department
Join a team that's redefining global corporate responsibility. This role positions you for VP-level advancement, with exposure to international benefits and high-stakes deals. McDonald's growth trajectory means endless opportunities for impact.
McDonald's ERISA Jobs: FAQs
Q: Is in-house experience required? Preferred but not mandatory—strong law firm ERISA practice qualifies.
Q: What's the work arrangement? Hybrid with Chicago HQ base; remote considered for exceptional candidates.
Ready to apply? Search no further—this is your chance to lead ERISA strategy at McDonald's.
(Word count: 1452)
Locations
- Chicago, Illinois, USA
- New York, New York, USA
- Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Remote, Illinois, USA (Remote)
Salary
262,500 - 385,000 USD / yearly
Source: ai estimated
* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Skills Required
- ERISA Complianceintermediate
- Employee Benefits Lawintermediate
- Executive Compensationintermediate
- Fiduciary Governanceintermediate
- 401(k) Plan Draftingintermediate
- Health and Welfare Plansintermediate
- Tax Law (IRC 409A)intermediate
- Legal Risk Assessmentintermediate
- Contract Negotiationintermediate
- Regulatory Complianceintermediate
- Litigation Managementintermediate
- Cross-Functional Leadershipintermediate
- Proxy Statement Draftingintermediate
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school (experience)
- Active admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state (experience)
- Minimum 8+ years of relevant legal experience in ERISA and employee benefits (experience)
- Prior in-house counsel experience at a large corporation preferred (experience)
- Thorough expertise in ERISA, IRC Section 409A, and Affordable Care Act (experience)
- Strong analytical skills with proven ability to assess complex legal risks (experience)
- Exceptional legal writing and drafting capabilities (experience)
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams (experience)
- Ability to communicate intricate legal concepts to C-suite executives (experience)
- Established professional network in ERISA community (e.g., ABA committees) (experience)
Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice on ERISA, Affordable Care Act, and tax laws governing employee benefits and executive compensation
- Oversee benefit plan settlor and fiduciary governance, including strategic planning for committee meetings and minute drafting
- Develop and deliver training programs for plan fiduciaries on compliance and best practices
- Draft, review, and amend 401(k), health, welfare, severance, and non-qualified deferred compensation plan documents
- Prepare summary plan descriptions (SPDs) and other employee communications ensuring legal accuracy
- Manage interactions with government agencies for plan audits, corrections, and regulatory filings
- Conduct thorough legal and business risk assessments, including brand reputation risks
- Monitor and proactively advise on legislative and regulatory changes impacting benefits
- Assist in drafting benefit-related disclosures for annual proxy statements and SEC filings
- Handle participant claims, appeals, ERISA disputes, and coordinate litigation management
- Review, negotiate, and approve service provider contracts (TPA, PBM, investment managers)
- Provide expert counsel on employee benefits in M&A transactions, acquisitions, and divestitures
- Maintain active ERISA professional network and pursue ongoing development opportunities
Benefits
- general: Competitive base salary with performance-based bonuses
- general: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- general: 401(k) retirement plan with generous company matching contributions
- general: Paid sabbatical program after qualifying service period
- general: Tuition reimbursement and assistance for advanced education
- general: Flexible work arrangements including hybrid and remote options
- general: Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule
- general: Employee stock purchase plan with discounts
- general: Family-friendly benefits including parental leave and childcare support
- general: Wellness programs with gym memberships and mental health resources
- general: Ronald McDonald House Charities volunteer opportunities
- general: Sustainability and community impact initiatives
- general: Professional development budget for conferences and certifications
Tags & Categories
Answer 10 quick questions to check your fit for Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now! @ McDonald's.
Related Books and Jobs