Sr. Counsel, Commercial Practice Group
Date: Oct 23, 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 Senior Counsel will serve as a member of the Commercial Practice Group, the 7-person legal team that advises and supports more than 20 MHQ-based Global and US business functions, including Supply Chain, Menu, Tax, Global Impact, and Global Insights. The Senior Counsel will partner closely with business stakeholders to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice on commercial transactions and other legal matters, balancing legal risk with commercial objectives and helping the business move forward effectively.
The Senior Counsel will also collaborate with colleagues across the Global Legal and Compliance Department, contribute to Team and Department initiatives, and help identify opportunities for greater efficiency, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
Duties
1. Commercial Legal Support
Provides day-to-day legal counsel to Global and US business functions, including Supply Chain, Menu, Tax, Global Impact, and Global Insights. Develops a strong understanding of business priorities and works collaboratively with colleagues across the Commercial Practice Group and Global Legal and Compliance Department to provide timely, practical legal support.
2. Business Partnership
Builds strong relationships with key business stakeholders and serves as a trusted legal advisor. Develops an understanding of the Company’s business and commercial objectives. Works collaboratively with business partners to identify solutions that advance business objectives while appropriately addressing legal risk.
3. Commercial Transactions and Counseling
Independently manages a broad range of commercial transactions, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements and advising on related legal and business issues. Partners with business stakeholders throughout the contracting process, from negotiation through execution and implementation. Identifies issues, provides clear recommendations, and appropriately escalates significant or novel legal matters.
4. Practical Approach to Risk
Identifies and assesses legal risks associated with business initiatives and commercial relationships. Provides practical, solutions-oriented advice that appropriately balances legal considerations with business objectives. Works with business partners and other legal colleagues to manage identified risks.
5. Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Collaborates with colleagues across the Commercial Practice Group and Global Legal and Compliance Department to share knowledge, promote consistency, improve processes, and identify more efficient ways of working. Participates in cross-functional and Department initiatives and contributes to a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
6. Legal Counseling and Training
Advises business stakeholders regarding applicable laws, regulations, Company policies, and contractual requirements. Monitors relevant legal and business developments and helps stakeholders understand their potential impact on business activities.
Qualifications
- JD degree and admitted to practice in the U.S.
- 5+ years of relevant work experience
Compensation
Bonus Eligible: YES
Long - Term Incentive: YES
Benefits Eligible: YES
Salary Range
The expected salary range for this role is $195,000 to $244,000 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. 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