General Counsel Job Description

This General Counsel job description template has all you need and can easily be customized. 

Job Descriptions


General Counsel Introduction:

At ______________________, our mission is to ___________________________________________. We’re currently hiring an experienced General Counsel to oversee our legal department. We’ll rely on you to help us make legally sound and strategic decisions and ensure legal compliance at all times. This position also provides an opportunity to lead and share your experience with an amazing legal team. The ideal candidate for this role is an excellent communicator. We’re looking for someone who enjoys working in a competitive industry and being a part of strategic business moves. Sound like you?

General Counsel Responsibilties:

This position reports to the ______________________. Duties may include:

  • Ensuring our organization complies with laws and regulations at all times
  • Advising our executive team of the best course of legal action as situations arise or reach the potential to occur
  • Leading and mentoring the legal team
  • Assessing and managing risk
  • Advising on legal implications or procedures for business development initiatives and strategy planning
  • Supporting employment practices including drafting of contracts, intellectual property agreements, as well as providing guidance during recruitment and termination activities if needed
  • Keeping up-to-date on changes to legislation, regulations, and relevant legal news
  • Other duties as assigned

General Counsel Qualifications:

  • BSc Law or Juris doctorate.
  • Post-secondary study in Business or an MBA considered a strong asset
  • 5-10 years of corporate law experience
  • Management experience considered an asset but not required
  • Strategic thinking and business acumen
  • An excellent sense of judgment is critical for success in this role 

General Counsel Core Skills:

  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Strategic and proactive thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Ethics
  • Litigation
  • Business acumen
  • Risk management
  • Compliance
  • Audits
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Dependability
  • Analytical mind

Alongside Pro-Tip:

Does this role require someone with legal experience in a particular industry or any specific skill sets? Be sure to add these essential details to your job posting to attract better-qualified candidates. Get some great General Counsel interview questions here.

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