Sr Manager, Legal Counsel
Date: Oct 6, 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 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
The McDonald’s Employment Litigation Practice Group manages a variety of matters, including labor and employment litigation, responses to government investigations, and certain labor and employment class and collective action cases.
Duties
- Investigate and respond to charges from government agencies, including preparing position statements and responses to requests for information, communicating with government agencies, and representing the Company at mediations and/or on-site investigations as needed.
- Oversee litigation and related matters where McDonald's is a party or has an interest, including corresponding with opposing counsel, responding to subpoenas, drafting pleadings, preparing and responding to discovery, and preparing witnesses for deposition and trial testimony, with guidance from more senior attorneys as needed.
- Participate in all aspects of the litigation process, including contributing to litigation strategy, partnering with outside counsel, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with e-discovery requirements, and preparing for trial, collaborating with more senior attorneys as appropriate.
- Identify and assess legal risks and opportunities within the labor and employment litigation area and provide practical, risk-based legal advice and guidance to stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
- Manage and evaluate outside counsel.
- Build trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues.
- Travel domestically as needed (up to 25%).
Qualifications
- Licensed to practice law and in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
- 4 –6 years of labor and employment litigation experience.
- Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously, effectively prioritize competing deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to both legal and business audiences.
- Commitment to integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment when managing sensitive and confidential information.
Compensation
Bonus Eligible: Yes
Long - Term Incentive: Yes
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Salary Range
The expected salary range for this role is $167,366.00 - $209,207.00 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, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as, life insurance.
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