(Hybrid) Senior Corporate Counsel

At the Trust, we believe it is our privilege to work on behalf of the Chicago region and the people who call it home. Our guiding light is service to our community, our donors, and our nonprofit partners—and we aim to be better and do better with every step we take. Department: Executive/President’s Office Reports to: General Counsel Direct Reports: None FSLA: Exempt Position Summary The Chicago Community Trust seeks an experienced Senior Counsel to assist in managing the legal aspects of the intake and administration of donor bequests and non‑cash gifts. This role is central to ensuring that donor legacy gifts—whether coming through estates, trusts, or other planned giving vehicles—are stewarded responsibly, efficiently, and in alignment with donor intent and applicable laws. This role plays a critical part in advancing a proactive, solutions‑oriented legal culture that protects the Trust’s interests and supports mission‑driven innovation. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this attorney is required to work collaboratively with the Philanthropic Services team, specifically the Director of Gift Planning, to document and facilitate bequests and other planned gifts. In addition, the Senior Counsel will advise on and prepare or review legal documentation related to the acceptance, liquidation, and transfer of complex or illiquid assets. Development of a strong partnership with the Director of Gift Planning who sits in Philanthropic Services is central to the success of this role. The Director of Gift Planning must maintain a close relationship with donor families and professional advisors and is a key negotiator during the intake and throughout the process. This position also offers the opportunity to be cross‑trained in other corporate legal functions such as drafting and reviewing contracts, fund‑related documents and grant agreements as well as providing legal guidance across departments to help teams navigate various legal and regulatory requirements and align operations with ethical standards. Position Responsibilities Work in strong and clear partnership with the Director of Gift Planning. As assigned, manage the legal aspects of the intake process for donor bequests and estate gifts, from initial notification through final distribution. Primary Legal Contacts Trustees administering gifts from trusts Attorneys and personal representatives settling estates Financial institutions, custodians, and executors As assigned, review wills, trust instruments, settlement agreements, and related estate planning documents to confirm donative intent and ensure compliance with legal and Trust requirements. Identify and resolve legal issues related to restricted gifts, donor intent, property titles, or potential disputes. Enter all actions and plans into our Sales Force system in compliance with accepted practices which are led by the Philanthropic Services team. Intake & Disposition of Complex Gifts Work in strong and clear partnership with the Director of Gift Planning, who has specific expertise in the areas of non‑cash assets. As assigned, oversee legal due diligence for gifts of non‑cash assets, including but not limited to: Business interests (LLCs, partnerships, corporations) Tangible personal property Other complex assets Advise the members of the Trust’s Gift Acceptance Committee on the assessment of potential non‑cash gifts. As assigned, draft and negotiate legal documents related to acceptance, transfer, liquidation, or disposition of non‑cash gifts. Coordinate with the Finance, Investment, and Philanthropic Services teams to ensure timely and compliant asset management and related reporting. General Legal Support Provide support to the General Counsel on a wide range of in‑house functions. Monitor legal, legislative and regulatory developments affecting charitable giving and community foundations. Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents. Assist in developing and updating templates for various types of fund agreements and related internal and external guidance about related Trust policies and procedures. Assist with governance, risk management, compliance, policy development, and training. Serve as a resource to staff on legal and compliance questions related to charitable giving, tax‑exempt organizations, and nonprofit operations. Identify opportunities to improve internal legal workflows and oversee the development, documentation, and implementation of enhanced processes that promote efficiency and compliance. Experience and Skills Required Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible legal experience, with a focus on estate planning. Experience working with tax‑exempt organizations. Strong analytical, drafting, research, and communication skills, with demonstrated business and financial acumen. Proven ability to read, analyze and interpret highly complex legal documents and apply legal principles to organizational needs. Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously and communicate effectively with external counsel, trustees, and beneficiaries. Preferred Background in corporate law, especially relating to business ownership structures. Experience with real estate transactions or complex asset transfers. Familiarity with planned giving structures such as charitable remainder trusts, lead trusts, and donor‑advised funds. Skills & Attributes Excellent legal judgment and risk assessment capabilities. Demonstrated success in collaborating in a team environment and ability to partner effectively with cross‑functional teams to streamline processes and drive strategic initiatives. Ability to work independently, be self‑motivated. Comfort working with donors, families, and professional advisors during sensitive transitions. Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to guide processes from intake to completion. Commitment to the mission and values of community philanthropy. Equal Opportunity Statement Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. Refusal to complete this information will not subject any applicant or employee to adverse treatment. Veterans and Service Members We welcome veterans of all protected categories and comply with applicable federal contracting regulations regarding the hiring of disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active‑duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, and armed forces service medal veterans. #J-18808-Ljbffr