Assistant General Counsel (Chicago)

Assistant General Counsel – Commercial Contracts

The Assistant General Counsel provides legal support on commercial contracting matters, partnering with executives and stakeholders on contract review, negotiation, and risk assessment.

Key Relationships

• Reports to: General Counsel, North America
• Other Key Relationships: Legal Department, Human Resources, Management and Clients

Responsibilities

• Prepares, reviews, and negotiates commercial contracts (e.g., service agreements and confidentiality agreements) and advises on client and/or third‑party arrangements.
• Supports clients on a wide variety of contract and engagement‑related legal issues in collaboration with or under the direction of Regional General Counsels.
• Advises on legal issues involving potential legal, professional, or reputational risks to the Firm.
• Collaborates with team members to develop more effective and efficient ways to review and negotiate complex agreements or address new issues (e.g., master consulting agreements).
• Develops and maintains standard‑form contracts and related documents.
• Maintains databases for legal compliance matters, including a system to track whether contracts have been executed, with a reminder system for any required follow‑up.
• Works with other members of the Department on projects in support of broader initiatives.
• Provides backup to other attorneys on contract‑related and other responsibilities.
• Proactively seeks to develop and leverage expertise in legal subject areas.
• Helps develop and provide coaching and support to Contracts Specialists.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 1 to 3 years’ legal experience in‑house or at a law firm with a business focus.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills including negotiation skills. Additional languages are a plus.
• Ability to operate in a thorough, detail‑oriented, and accurate manner.
• Prior contract drafting experience.
• Experience with consulting agreements or professional service agreements is preferred.
• Experience with international law and/or employment law is preferred.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work and communicate at all levels within the organization.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage time effectively.
• Team player that can also work on their own initiative.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills based on the pragmatic business situation.
• Self‑starter with drive and initiative.

Compensation & Benefits

Base compensation range: $135,000–$180,000 per year. The actual base compensation offered within this range will be dependent on the individual’s skills, experiences, and qualifications. The position will be eligible to participate in the annual discretionary bonus program.

Benefits include a retirement savings plan with discretionary profit‑sharing contribution and employer match; paid time off (minimum 15 days per year, increases with tenure), paid sick time (10 days per year), company holidays (12 days per year), and paid leaves of absence when applicable; comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a healthcare flexible spending account; life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance; wellness benefits; and voluntary benefit options including supplemental life insurance, identity theft protection, and whole life insurance with long‑term care and critical illness coverage.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Spencer Stuart is a proud equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to non‑discrimination without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any basis prohibited under applicable federal, state, or local law.