About the General Counsel Role at Robert Half's Industry-Leading Partner

Robert Half Legal is thrilled to partner exclusively with a rapidly growing, industry-leading corporation in the west suburbs of Chicago, specifically Aurora, Illinois. This premier organization is seeking a dynamic General Counsel to join their executive leadership team. As General Counsel, you will serve as the company's chief legal strategist, providing expert counsel on high-stakes matters, spearheading compliance initiatives, and shaping governance strategies to fuel the company's ambitious growth trajectory. Overseeing a robust legal department spanning multiple business sectors with 10-13 direct reports, this role demands a seasoned leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and excels at risk mitigation while aligning legal operations with business objectives.

This is more than a legal position—it's a pivotal executive opportunity to influence C-suite decisions, board interactions, and company-wide policies. With a competitive base salary of $410,000, escalating to $422,000 in year 2 and $447,500 in year 3, plus a top-tier benefits package, this hybrid role (2 days WFH, 3 days in-office) offers unparalleled stability and growth in Aurora, IL.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of legal talent management: recruitment, onboarding, and training to build a high-performing department.
• Champion the company's values and strategic vision, promoting collaboration and purpose across teams.
• Define clear roles, performance metrics, and development paths ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Deliver proactive strategic advice on critical areas like employment law, data privacy, ethics, regulatory compliance, and emerging legal risks.
• Oversee litigation, disputes, and all legal proceedings, seamlessly coordinating with external counsel for optimal outcomes.
• Craft and enforce governance frameworks, performing in-depth risk assessments and deploying innovative mitigation strategies.
• Conduct ongoing compliance monitoring across business units, with swift implementation of audits and corrective actions.
• Guide complex corporate transactions—M&A, partnerships, and deals—ensuring airtight legal protections.
• Maintain meticulous corporate records, filings, and statutory compliance to safeguard the organization.
• Partner with executives to refine team strategies, streamline policies, procedures, and practices for efficiency.
• Manage the legal department budget, balancing internal resources with external counsel expenditures effectively.

Required Qualifications for General Counsel

To excel in this role, candidates must bring 7-10+ years of executive-level counsel experience, with hands-on leadership in diverse legal domains. Key qualifications include:

• Proven expertise in commercial contracts, M&A, corporate governance, labor & employment law, compliance, litigation, data privacy, and legal operations.
• Demonstrated success managing large teams (10-13+ reports) in multi-sector environments.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for engaging with C-Suite executives, Boards of Directors, and senior management.
• J.D. from an accredited institution, active bar membership in Illinois, and a strategic mindset for risk management.
• Track record of proactive leadership, fostering innovation in legal operations while driving business-aligned outcomes.

Ideal candidates are visionary leaders who blend deep legal acumen with business savvy, ready to propel this Aurora-based powerhouse forward.

Why Join Us? Exceptional Benefits and Career Growth

Joining this forward-thinking corporation means accessing a world-class compensation and benefits package designed for long-term success. Beyond the disclosed salary progression ($410K → $422K → $447.5K), enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous PTO; parental leave; 401k with 5% match; ST/LT disability; life insurance; wellness programs; and a flexible hybrid schedule. Located in vibrant Aurora, Illinois—part of the greater Chicago metro—this role offers work-life balance in a thriving economic hub.

Robert Half Legal presents this rare opportunity to shape the future of a market leader. For immediate consideration, email your resume to Justin Rambert, VP - Permanent Placement at justin.rambert@roberthalf.com. Elevate your career as General Counsel today—apply now and lead with impact!