General Counsel Jobs in Chicago, IL
General Counsel jobs in Chicago are in strong demand, concentrated in the Loop, River North, and the Fulton Market District across financial services, healthcare, and technology. Employers hiring right now include State of Illinois, Meta, and Cushman & Wakefield. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.
Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.
Sponsorship for Employment
The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Disclosure of Salary Information
In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
Job Requisition ID: 59660
Division/Section/Unit: Office of Legal Affairs / Banking/Regulatory Affairs / Senior Associate General Counsel
HR Tracking #: 38317
Position Title: Senior Public Service Administrator
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/17/2026
Agency: Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,495 - $11,495 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: FPR.Employment@illinois.gov
A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
This position serves as Senior Associate General Counsel of the Banking Program Counseling Section’s Regulatory Affairs Unit. Serves as a primary source for legal advice and counsel pertaining to banking, mortgage, student loan servicing, and other financial regulations. Supervises the legal activities of subordinate technical staff and advises subordinate technical staff regarding legal policy and regulatory affairs. Confers with numerous personnel on complex legal problems. Coordinates and/or independently researches and investigates issues germane to the industries regulated and recommends legal courses of action. Speaks on behalf of Division leadership at various functions.
State of Illinois Benefits
- Health, Life, vision, and dental insurance
- 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
- Pension Plan – Vesting at 10 years for Tier II
- Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement
- Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs
- Paid state holidays, 12-14 days annually
- 3 paid Personal Business Days annually
- 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over year to year)
- 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually (10 days in year one of employment)
- Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12 hour work schedules (as applicable)
- Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
- For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx
Essential Functions
- Subject to management approval, serves as the Senior Associate General Counsel of the Regulatory Affairs Unit for management staff of the Department.
- Serves as a primary source for legal advice and counsel pertaining to the licensing, supervision, regulation, and examination of State-chartered banks, corporate fiduciaries, pawnbrokers, non-bank mortgage companies, mortgage loan originators, student loan servicers, and other regulated persons.
- Serves as full line supervisor.
- Confers with Division of Banking and Division of Financial Institutions staff and attorneys, other Department staff and attorneys, legislators and their staff, State and federal regulatory agencies, members of agency regulated industries and their attorneys, and the public on complex legal problems.
- Coordinates and/or independently researches and investigates issues germane to the industries regulated and recommends legal courses of action.
- Speaks on behalf of the Division leadership at various functions.
- Serves as backup to Senior Associate General Counsel of the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Unit.
- Performs other related duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires law degree and possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
- Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefers at least five years of experience working in the field of regulating financial regulation institutions and activities, including the regulation of banks, insurance, lending, fiduciaries, securities, and commodities, with experience in safety and soundness regulation of FDIC-insured banks and savings associations being most preferred.
- Prefers at least three years of experience supervising a staff of two or more.
- Prefers at least three years of experience working as an attorney in the field of banking or financial institutions.
- Prefers at least eight years of experience practicing law.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires the ability to travel.
- Revolving Door Statement: Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
- Statement of Economic Interest: This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
- The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
Agency Statement
IDFPR is a regulatory licensing and enforcement agency that protects the residents of Illinois, ensures the safety and soundness of financial institutions, ensures that competent professionals are licensed to provide services to the public, and enhances commerce in the state for the benefit of all its residents.
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
Revolving Door:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.
Term Appointment:
Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s discretion.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.
Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.
Sponsorship for Employment
The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Disclosure of Salary Information
In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
Job Requisition ID: 59660
Division/Section/Unit: Office of Legal Affairs / Banking/Regulatory Affairs / Senior Associate General Counsel
HR Tracking #: 38317
Position Title: Senior Public Service Administrator
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/17/2026
Agency: Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,495 - $11,495 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: FPR.Employment@illinois.gov
A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
This position serves as Senior Associate General Counsel of the Banking Program Counseling Section’s Regulatory Affairs Unit. Serves as a primary source for legal advice and counsel pertaining to banking, mortgage, student loan servicing, and other financial regulations. Supervises the legal activities of subordinate technical staff and advises subordinate technical staff regarding legal policy and regulatory affairs. Confers with numerous personnel on complex legal problems. Coordinates and/or independently researches and investigates issues germane to the industries regulated and recommends legal courses of action. Speaks on behalf of Division leadership at various functions.
State of Illinois Benefits
- Health, Life, vision, and dental insurance
- 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
- Pension Plan – Vesting at 10 years for Tier II
- Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement
- Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs
- Paid state holidays, 12-14 days annually
- 3 paid Personal Business Days annually
- 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over year to year)
- 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually (10 days in year one of employment)
- Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12 hour work schedules (as applicable)
- Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
- For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx
Essential Functions
- Subject to management approval, serves as the Senior Associate General Counsel of the Regulatory Affairs Unit for management staff of the Department.
- Serves as a primary source for legal advice and counsel pertaining to the licensing, supervision, regulation, and examination of State-chartered banks, corporate fiduciaries, pawnbrokers, non-bank mortgage companies, mortgage loan originators, student loan servicers, and other regulated persons.
- Serves as full line supervisor.
- Confers with Division of Banking and Division of Financial Institutions staff and attorneys, other Department staff and attorneys, legislators and their staff, State and federal regulatory agencies, members of agency regulated industries and their attorneys, and the public on complex legal problems.
- Coordinates and/or independently researches and investigates issues germane to the industries regulated and recommends legal courses of action.
- Speaks on behalf of the Division leadership at various functions.
- Serves as backup to Senior Associate General Counsel of the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Unit.
- Performs other related duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires law degree and possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
- Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefers at least five years of experience working in the field of regulating financial regulation institutions and activities, including the regulation of banks, insurance, lending, fiduciaries, securities, and commodities, with experience in safety and soundness regulation of FDIC-insured banks and savings associations being most preferred.
- Prefers at least three years of experience supervising a staff of two or more.
- Prefers at least three years of experience working as an attorney in the field of banking or financial institutions.
- Prefers at least eight years of experience practicing law.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires the ability to travel.
- Revolving Door Statement: Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
- Statement of Economic Interest: This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
- The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
Agency Statement
IDFPR is a regulatory licensing and enforcement agency that protects the residents of Illinois, ensures the safety and soundness of financial institutions, ensures that competent professionals are licensed to provide services to the public, and enhances commerce in the state for the benefit of all its residents.
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
Revolving Door:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.
Term Appointment:
Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s discretion.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
See All 39 General Counsel Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find General Counsel JobsGeneral Counsel Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Construction & Real Estate
General Counsel Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a general counsel job in Chicago?
The most direct path is targeting Chicago's dense concentration of corporate headquarters in the Loop and Fulton Market, where financial services firms, health systems, and tech companies hire general counsels most actively. Candidates with M&A, regulatory, or data privacy experience stand out in this market. Building relationships through the Chicago Bar Association and local in-house counsel networks also gives a real edge over remote applicants.
Which companies hire general counsels in Chicago?
Chicago general counsel roles are posted by State of Illinois, Meta, and Cushman & Wakefield and others right now, based on current listings on MigrateАте as of November 2026. Chicago's mix of Fortune 500 headquarters, major hospital systems, and high-growth fintech and insurtech companies makes it one of the most active in-house legal markets in the Midwest.
Are there remote general counsel jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though general counsel roles are less remote-friendly than most legal positions given the cross-functional leadership and board-level responsibilities involved. About 85% of general counsel openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements more common than fully remote. Contract review, compliance oversight, and policy drafting tend to be the functions handled off-site most often.
How can I get a general counsel job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is joining a Chicago law firm or mid-size company as in-house counsel or a senior associate with a clear track toward a GC role. Chicago's large health systems, insurance carriers, and River North tech startups regularly hire junior in-house attorneys and promote from within. Focusing on a high-demand practice area like healthcare compliance, data privacy, or commercial contracts gives candidates a concrete specialty to pitch to local hiring managers.
Which industries hire the most general counsels in Chicago?
Most general counsel openings in Chicago sit in Education and Construction & Real Estate, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's role as a hub for financial exchanges, major hospital networks, and a growing technology sector creates sustained in-house legal demand that consistently outpaces most other Midwest markets.
Related Jobs in Illinois
See All 39 General Counsel Jobs in Chicago
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