Job Description

Simply Put, A Great Place to Work

Benesch is a growing, multi-disciplined planning, engineering, and professional services firm. We enhance infrastructure and communities across the country - creating spaces and providing connections in ways that make a difference.

We pride ourselves on being nimble enough to remain responsive to client needs yet large enough to offer exceptional bench strength. As a member of our team, you’ll have an opportunity to draw from those resources when you need them and, likewise, contribute your expertise when you have something to share.

At Benesch, we are looking for candidates with varied backgrounds and worldviews. We are committed to offering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. If this statement resonates with you, don’t be so hard on yourself—apply for the job!

General Counsel

We have a career opportunity to hire an experienced General Counsel in our Corporate Division. This is a senior executive position in the organization focused on leading risk and safety functions, as well as directing and coordinating the organization’s professional liability, safety, compliance and legal agendas.

This individual serves as an advisor to the C-Suite leaders to control the level of risk the firm is exposed to as a result of the company’s operations. The General Counsel will provide direction on the daily operations within risk & safety, implement plans and policies to achieve overall organization objectives and ensure compliance with our mission and vision. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Location

This position will be based in our Chicago office.

The Impact You Will Have

Legal Strategy & Counsel

• Lead all legal functions of the organization, ensuring compliance, accountability, and strategic legal positioning.
• Provide legal counsel on contracts, procurement, employment law, governance, and other business-critical matters.
• Negotiate complex client and partner contracts and manage litigation strategies when necessary.
• Review of and advise on office leases and corporate governance documentation (e.g., bylaws, shareholder agreements).
• Monitor and engage in industry legislation and regulatory issues impacting the company.

Enterprise Risk Management

• Lead the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Committee and guide the firm’s overall risk mitigation strategy.
• Develop corporate risk policies and programs aligned with business goals.
• Review and assess technical project claims and coordinate with external legal partners as needed.
• Provide legal oversight on alternative delivery contracts and high-risk project engagements.

Compliance Leadership

• Ensure corporate compliance with professional practice regulations, employment law, safety, and operational standards.
• Work with executive leaders on HR compliance, hiring/termination policies, and benefits regulation.
• Collaborate with Accounting and Safety Directors to uphold legal and operational integrity across the organization.

Insurance & Claims

• Oversee review of liability insurance policies in partnership with CFO and Risk Directors.
• Direct response and resolution strategies for legal claims and project-related disputes.

Executive & Advisory Board

• Advise the CEO and Board of Directors on corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as legal representative on the Corporate Management Team and Risk Management Committee.

What We Are Looking For

• Juris Doctorate degree (JD) required.
• 15+ years of experience with emphasis in issue resolution and risk management.
• Experience in engineering/architecture consulting industry preferred.
• Knowledge of the engineering and construction industry and business fundamentals preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills with a track record for understanding and adhering to contractual requirements.

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in accordance with the State of Illinois Pay Transparency Act, Illinois Pay Transparency Law . The final agreed-upon compensation is based on numerous factors, including but not limited to individual education, qualifications, prior work experience, and geographic location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary, overtime, and bonuses.

Our benefits package is designed to take care of our employees and is compliant with the State of Illinois Paid Leave Act, Illinois Paid Leave Act . Benesch offers a generous paid time benefits plan that increases throughout your career plus several paid holidays. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision benefits. We also include company-paid life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans. Benesch offers a 401K plan and profit-sharing contributions to the 401K plan. From insurance and retirement plan to our wellness programs, we provide employee benefits that meet your wants and needs.

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Illinois Pay Range

$208,000—$249,000 USD

Explore the Benefits of Working at Benesch!

At Benesch, we prioritize the health and wellness of our employees, understanding that their well-being is crucial for both personal and professional success. We offer a range of benefits for eligible employees, including insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Our Total Rewards package is designed to support a healthy lifestyle and can be customized to meet the needs of our employees and their families. Click here to learn more about some of the benefits of working at Benesch!

Professional Development

• Opportunities for management and leadership development at all levels, including executive coaching and leadership development for Team Leaders, Group Managers, Division Managers, and Executive Leaders
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses
• Ongoing professional development through resources like Red Vector, LinkedIn Learning, technical team meetings, knowledge-sharing training sessions
• Personalized training and career development plans with your manager
• Funding for training, committee work, professional organization memberships, and licenses/certifications
• Support for active participation in professional organizations to foster leadership and community engagement

Retirement Benefits

• Access to valuable retirement planning tools, education, and individual meetings with plan advisors at no charge
• Potential for Benesch to contribute up to 9% of your gross compensation to your retirement plan (5% profit-sharing contribution to your 401(k) plan, regardless of your own contributions & 80% match on your contributions, up to a maximum company contribution of 4%)

Work/Life Balance

• Flexible work schedules and hours, including work-from-home options (dependent on the role)
• Generous Paid Time Benefits (PTB) that increase with your career
• Immediate use of annual PTB; no accrual needed with the ability to bundle time-off plans for extended vacations or life events
• Ten days of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement

Employee Engagement

• At Benesch, we encourage our team members to extend their impact beyond their core responsibilities. Join our employee resource groups and committees to enhance your work-life balance and contribute to our community-focused initiatives. We support a variety of programs including community service, student scholarships, and matching gift opportunities, reflecting our commitment to a vibrant and diverse workplace.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here .

Benesch is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants in all protected groups, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is found.

Benesch is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with a physical disability or other impairment.

If you are limited in your ability or are unable to access Benesch's Careers website due to a physical disability or other impairment, you may request a reasonable accommodation by emailing [email protected] . This option is only available to those in need of an accommodation due to a disability or other impairment. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications, as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be responded to as soon as possible on a case-by-case basis.

Recruiters or staffing agencies: Benesch is not obligated to compensate any external recruiter or search firm who presents a candidate, their resume, or profile to a Benesch employee without a recent, current, and fully executed agreement on file. Please direct all communications to the HR team at [email protected]

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Work from home, Flexible hours,

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