What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Legal Officer position at Ogletree Deakins?
Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.'s 1,000 attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged and stable, and share our clients' goals to emphasize belonging and respect for the contributions of every employee.
The Firm is ranked in the First Tier nationally in the category of Labor and Employment Litigation, as well as in both Employment Law and Labor Law on behalf of Management, in the U.S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms".
Summary
Responsible for overall firm risk management and compliance, theChief Legal Officer willserve as a key member of the firm's leadership team. This individual willoversee a team of attorneysinprovidinglegal support and guidance to thefirmintheoversight andmanagement of 60 national offices.Thissuccessful incumbentwillbe responsible forprovidingstrategic guidance on variousinternal and client specificlegal matters, includingrelatedbusiness decisions, compliance programs andgovernance programs, protection of firm assets and ensuringaccurateandtimelylitigationand managementofemployment issues.This person should understand and be experienced with understanding the scope of managing a variety of issues in a law firm setting in the General Counsel function. Reporting toourChief Operations Officer,theChief Legal Officerwill collaborate withfirm leadership, the board, andcross-functional teams and stakeholders,inprovidingproactive legal advice to mitigate risk.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and leadfirmlegal strategies, and compliance programsto support the mitigation of firm-wide legal and reputational risks, including but not limited to, malpractice exposure, ethicalissuesand regulatory compliance
Serve as trusted advisor tosenior leadership including the firm chairand firm managing principal,board of directors,principalsandacross-functionalteam ofchiefs on matters of significance
Adept in understanding all operating matters in a law firm setting from a GC function and being proactive in identifying issues and solutions quickly.
Identify,assessand manage legal regulatory risk across the firm
Adviseonthe development and implementation of firm policies, provide guidance onappropriate auditand governance structures to mitigate risk
Manage all legal matters including contracts, outside counselguidelines, litigation, intellectual property, and corporate transactions.
Effectively manage relationships with outside counsel, opposing counsel and regulatory bodies
Provide guidance to attorneys and practice leaders on professional responsibilities; oversee compliance with applicable rules of professional conduct,andbarregulationsacrossjurisdictions
Oversee a team of attorneysand other professionalsin the day-to-day execution of the OGC functions
Adept in defining processes,implementingappropriategovernance/ controlsandoperationalizing a cadence to review and update firm-wide policies,while building team structure and overseeing key functions such as risk management.
Support the resolution of conflicts governance and process matters
Support internal investigations and confidential matters involving policy violations or professional conduct
Collaborate with HR, IT,Riskand Finance teams to ensure integrated governance and compliance oversight.
Skills and Educational Requirements:
JD fromABAAccredited Law School
Working in house at a large multi office AMLAW 200 law firm as the General Counsel (Or Deputy General Counsel if the remit is broad enough) is required.
20 years of relevantand progressiveexperience; Active member in good standing withthe state bar
Must beawell-versedandexperiencedbusiness/commercial lawyer
Law firm experiencerequired; preferred industries include professional services
Proven ability to provide strategic business-oriented legalcounselin a largematrixed organizationwith experienceoperatingwithin billion-dollar enterprises and navigating the complex, sophisticated challenges inherent to large-scale environments
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent written and oral communication,negotiationand judgement skills
Strong organizational and project management skills
Strong understanding of Microsoft Wordand Microsoft Excela plus
#LI-LM1
#LI-Hybrid
For New York Metro, California and Colorado, the expected salary range for this position is between $700,000 and $800,000. This position is also eligible for annual bonuses.
The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.
Jackson Lewis offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Flexible Spending & Health Savings Account
Firm-paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
Employee assistance program and other firm benefits.
This job will be posted on 5/18/2026 and we anticipate it will remain open for at least 60 days.
In furtherance of our culture, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, maritalstatusor any other characteristics protected by law.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law.
Salary : $700,000 - $800,000