Corporate Counsel II (Lake Forest)

Work Location Type: Hybrid Req Number 332593About GraingerW.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit   CompensationThe anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $134,100.00 – $223,500.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 15 %, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.Rewards and BenefitsWith benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.For additional information and details regarding Grainger’s benefits, please click on the link below:Grainger BenefitsThe pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills. The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.Position DetailsThe Corporate Counsel provides practical legal guidance for commercial contracting matters across Grainger, with primary accountability for customer and supplier agreements. The role independently drafts, reviews, negotiates, and advises on a broad portfolio of commercial contracts while partnering with Sales, Supplier Management, Procurement, Marketing, Technology, and other business functions. The position evaluates contractual and business risk, recommends solutions within established risk tolerances, and escalates novel, high-risk, or precedent-setting matters to senior legal leadership. The role also improves contracting practices, templates, playbooks, technology, and knowledge-sharing processes that support consistent and efficient legal service delivery.You WillDraft, review, negotiate, and manage customer, supplier, services, procurement, confidentiality, technology, software-as-a-service, and other commercial agreements from intake through execution, applying legal judgment and established contracting requirements to protect Grainger’s interests and support business objectives.Advise Sales, Supplier Management, Procurement, Marketing, Technology, and other business partners on contractual obligations, negotiation positions, and commercial risk, translating legal requirements into practical recommendations that support informed business decisions.Identify, assess, and resolve contractual, legal, and business risks within established risk tolerances, developing alternative terms and mitigation strategies and escalating novel, high-risk, or precedent-setting matters to Senior Corporate Counsel or the Associate General Counsel.Apply approved templates, playbooks, negotiation frameworks, approval requirements, and contract lifecycle management processes to promote consistency, appropriate governance, efficient cycle times, and accurate documentation across the contracting portfolio.Communicate contract status, material terms, negotiation strategies, unresolved issues, and required decisions to legal and business stakeholders, coordinating cross-functional input and maintaining accountability for assigned matters and deadlines.Improve legal operations by updating contract templates, playbooks, workflows, contract lifecycle management tools, and approved artificial intelligence applications, while sharing knowledge, supporting training, mentoring junior contract professionals when appropriate, and participating in enterprise contracting initiatives.You HaveJuris Doctrate required5+ years following law school, including substantive responsibility for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements in a law firm or corporate legal department requiredExperience drafting and negotiating customer, supplier, services, procurement, confidentiality, technology, and software-as-a-service agreements and advising business partners on related contractual risk.Knowledge of commercial contracting principles, legal risk assessment, negotiation frameworks, approval requirements, and escalation practices within a corporate or law firm environment.Experience managing multiple contracting matters through intake, negotiation, approval, and execution while coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders and communicating material legal considerations.Experience using contract templates, playbooks, contract lifecycle management systems, legal technology, and data or workflow tools to improve consistency, efficiency, and contracting outcomes.State of Illinois Licensed Attorney Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction requiredBar Admission Active BAR Membership Upon Hire requiredWe are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.