Director, Legal Counsel

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Date: Mar 4, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60607

Company: McDonald's Corporation

Company Description: 

McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world. 

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House Charities to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements. 

Department Overview

Are you ready to lead and encourage in a role that uniquely blends legal expertise with dedication to inclusion? McDonald's is seeking an experienced Director Legal Counsel to join our dynamic team in Chicago. This full-time position promises the chance to work on impactful projects that build the future of our inclusive environment.

Duties

As a strategic partner, you will be at the forefront of our corporate Inclusion strategy. You will:

 

  • Collaborate with multiple cross-functional teams and peers on the Global Labor and Employment Team on corporate strategic Inclusion strategy, projects and programs.
  • Serve as trusted counsel to the enterprise on all Inclusion-related matters and advises various teams withing McDonald's offering insights on strategies, risks, initiatives, reporting and more.
  • Identify legal and business trends, bringing to bear benchmarking in Inclusion to inform risk-mitigated recommendations that support our business objectives.

 

Advice, Counsel, and Influence

 

Within this role, your insights and suggestions will play a key role. You will:

 

  • Influence decision-making processes by providing expert legal advice and counsel to clients and collaborators.
  • Assess and address legal risks and opportunities related to our Inclusion strategy, reporting, and programs; and on other key labor and employment issues as assigned
  • Independently manage legal matters and projects, including leading complex workstreams and coordinating outside counsel where needed.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies, particularly those pertaining to Inclusion.
  • Advise on additional labor and employment legal issues as assigned. 

 

Relationships, Oversight and Execution

 

Your ability to build and maintain positive relationships will be key to your success. You will:

 

  • Educate and advise clients and partners on legal matters, policies, and procedures, encouraging a culture of compliance and awareness.
  • Establish and manage relationships, build credibility and trust with clients, partners, legal team members, and colleagues.
  • Coordinate the execution of legal strategies and the delivery of flawless legal services.

 

Qualifications

 

  • J.D. degree.
  • 7+ years of labor and employment legal experience required
  • Demonstrated experience with the EEOC and advising clients on labor and employment matters.
  • Deep experience counseling clients on anti-discrimination and Inclusion strategies within corporations.
  • Outstanding project management skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven ability to collaborate and build relationships.
  • Leadership experience and Inclusion practitioner experience are preferred.

 

Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this role is $195,371.00 - $244,214.00 per year
 
The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.

Additional Information: 

Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO). Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment.  

Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance. 

Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan. 

McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact mcdhrbenefits@us.mcd.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment. 


Nearest Major Market: Chicago