General Counsel

The General Counsel is responsible for all legal affairs of the law firm, including enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, contract oversight, litigation strategy oversight, employment matters, transactional counsel, and governance. This executive will function as a trusted strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer, offering proactive counsel that protects and advances organizational objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Law Firm — Legal & Operational Counsel

• Advise on law firm governance, partnership structure, and attorney professional responsibility obligations

• Review, draft, and negotiate vendor agreements, co-counsel arrangements, and referral

agreements

• Oversee bar compliance, licensing, and regulatory filings across jurisdictions

• Manage and direct outside counsel on complex matters involving the firm itself

• Counsel on employment and HR matters including attorney and staff hiring, performance, separation, and compensation disputes

• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, reputational, and operational risk across the firm

• Coordinate with external counsel on organizational structures and entity formation

• Draft and negotiate contracts, operating agreements, and loan documents

• Ensure compliance with applicable securities, banking, and investment regulations

Enterprise-Wide Leadership

• Develop and maintain legal policies, templates, and playbooks across entities

• Serve as primary legal liaison to principals and senior leadership

• Lead legal due diligence on strategic investments and partnerships

• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the law firm

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school

• Active bar admission in good standing; Michigan licensed

• 15 years of legal experience spanning both corporate and litigation practice areas

• Demonstrated experience advising law firms or professional services organizations on internal governance and risk

• Experience managing or supervising outside counsel

• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, principal-led environment

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills; ability to translate complex legal issues for non-lawyer stakeholders

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior in-house General Counsel or Deputy GC experience

• Litigation background a plus

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

• Performance-based bonus

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits

• 401(k) with employer contribution

• Generous PTO and firm holidays

• Professional dues, bar fees, and CLE reimbursement