General Counsel (Chicago)

The Latin School of Chicago is conducting a search for its inaugural General Counsel — a newly created executive leadership role reflecting the School’s commitment to proactive, sophisticated legal stewardship in a K-12 environment. This is a unique opportunity for a senior‑level attorney who will be the sole practitioner to build a legal function from the ground up, establishing the systems, policies, practices, documentation, and institutional culture that support a safe, compliant, and mission‑aligned school community.

About The Latin School Of Chicago

Founded in 1888, the Latin School of Chicago is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent day schools in the city — and among the most respected in the nation. Located in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast neighborhood on the Near North Side, Latin serves approximately 1,200 students across Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade on a campus of three interconnected buildings steps from Lincoln Park. Originally founded to provide a rigorous, classical education — the curriculum rooted in the humanities, the classics, and college‑preparatory excellence — Latin has evolved into a dynamic, forward‑looking institution that pairs academic depth with a genuine commitment to developing the whole student. Today the school draws students from more than 70 neighborhoods and communities across the greater Chicago area, awards more than $5.6 million annually in need‑based financial aid, and maintains an 8:1 student‑to‑faculty ratio with average class sizes of approximately 14 students. Latin is accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the Independent School League (ISL). One hundred percent of graduates matriculate to four‑year colleges and universities. The school’s alumni network spans the judiciary, government, business, medicine, law, and the arts.

Latin operates as a nonprofit and is governed by a Board of Trustees. The school's workforce includes both exempt professional staff, non‑exempt staff and a segment of union‑represented employees, reflecting the breadth and complexity of its operations.

The Opportunity

The General Counsel will report directly to the Head of School and will work closely with the Board of Trustees, serving as the primary legal resource across all aspects of School operations. The General Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor helping the School navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape specific to independent schools, including student safety, parent engagement, employment matters and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the General Counsel is expected to build relationships with a vetted network of outside counsel for specialized matters (litigation, real estate, etc.).

Scope of Responsibilities Legal Operations & Infrastructure

Establish the foundational infrastructure of a mature in‑house legal function, including a comprehensive library of institutional policies, standard‑form agreements, and operational protocols. Develop and maintain documentation and process frameworks that enable consistent, legally sound decision‑making across all departments. Evaluate legal tasks — both those arising in the ordinary course and new matters as they emerge — including student matters, employment issues, vendor relationships and enrollment contracts to determine the appropriate allocation between internal handling and outside counsel, with a view toward quality, efficiency, and cost management.

Risk Management & Litigation Avoidance

Lead the School’s efforts to proactively identify and mitigate legal risk, with a strong emphasis on student safety, supervision, and duty of care. Develop and implement a comprehensive risk‑management strategy that emphasizes early identification and mitigation of legal exposure across all institutional functions. Establish policies and preventive measures designed to reduce legal exposure such as student supervision, off‑campus activities, mandatory reporting and crisis response. Manage disputes and claims when they arise, coordinating with outside counsel as needed, with a focus on efficient, thoughtful resolution that protects students and the School community.

Training & Legal Education

Design and deliver ongoing internal training programs for administrators, faculty, and staff on legally relevant topics including employment practices, student safety, mandatory reporting obligations, privacy and data compliance, and institutional policy. Build a culture of legal awareness and informed decision‑making throughout the organization.

Employment & Labor

Work closely with Human Resources and administration to provide counsel and guidance on the full spectrum of employment matters, from hiring and performance management through separation. Advise on compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment law. Partner with internal stakeholders to manage relationships with represented employee groups, including contract interpretation, grievance processes, and labor relations strategy.

Student Rights & Compliance

Provide guidance on student rights matters across a range of evolving legal and regulatory frameworks, including those touching on access, accommodation, privacy and participation. Support the School in developing and implementing policies that are legally sound, consistent with applicable law, and aligned with the School’s values and community obligations. Support compliance with applicable laws and best practices related to student records, accommodations, and equitable access to educational programs. Advise administration about student and parent/guardian complaints.

Student Expression, Student Conduct, & School Policy

Advise on matters relating to student expression, conduct, and community standards. Help the School develop and/or refine, and enforce policies that balance student voice with age‑appropriate expectations, safety, and the School’s mission.

Governance & Nonprofit Operations

Support the Board and Head of School on governance matters, including Board fiduciary obligations, nonprofit compliance, contracts, vendor agreements, insurance matters, and regulatory filings. Participate as a subject‑matter expert for various board sub‑committee. Serve as a resource on an ad‑hoc basis across all operational areas of the School.

Compensation & Location

The Latin School of Chicago offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the seniority of this role, including a competitive base salary, benefits, and access to the School’s professional development programs. This is a full‑time position based in Chicago, Illinois. The expected salary range for this role is $225,000 to $300,000 per year. The starting salary will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to experience, job‑related experience, skills, etc.