Chief Legal Officer

Chief Legal Officer Job Description

The chief legal officer is a senior executive responsible for overseeing and managing all legal affairs of the organization and aligning it with strategic business objectives. This role combines legal expertise with executive leadership, requiring the chief legal officer to provide counsel on complex legal matters while also contributing to high-level corporate decision-making. The chief legal officer works closely with the board of directors, CEO, and other C-suite executives to shape company strategy, manage risk, and ensure ethical business practices. They are responsible for developing and implementing the overall legal strategy, overseeing corporate governance, and navigating regulatory challenges across all jurisdictions where the company operates.

The chief legal officer position demands exceptional legal acumen and strong business and leadership skills. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and an active state bar license are mandatory requirements. The level of experience needed can vary based on company size and complexity, with large public companies often seeking candidates with 15 to 20 years of experience and smaller organizations often considering those with 10 or more years. Expertise in corporate governance, securities law, and familiarity with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance is crucial. Experience in the company’s specific industry sector is highly valued, as is a broad understanding of business operations and strategy. Strong writing and verbal skills are essential, as is the ability to translate complex legal concepts into actionable business advice.

Typical duties include:

Overseeing corporate governance, compliance, and ethics programs

Managing the legal department, including budget, staffing, and resource allocation

Leading the company’s response to major litigation and regulatory investigations

Negotiating and structuring significant corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions

Representing the company in high-level discussions with regulatory bodies and government officials

Identifying and mitigating legal and regulatory risks that could impact the organization

Overseeing the company’s intellectual property

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Salary for Chief Legal Officer

230750 - 283750

25th percentile

230750

The candidate is new to the role and building the needed skills, experience and autonomy.

50th percentile

251500

The candidate has the experience to perform core responsibilities without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.

75th percentile

283750

The candidate delivers value beyond the stated job duties, has advanced qualifications and experience, and is ready for the next career level.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

General Counsel

219750

239500

270250

In-House Counsel/Associate General Counsel, 10+ Years’ Experience

155500

182250

217500

In-House Counsel, 4-9 Years’ Experience

106750

147250

177250

In-House Counsel, 0-3 Years’ Experience

92500

113500

133500

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