Legal Director Jobs in Illinois
Legal Director jobs in Illinois are concentrated in corporate law, healthcare compliance, financial services, and government affairs, with demand anchored in Chicago's dense headquarters economy and supported by established markets in Springfield and Naperville. Major employers with a lasting presence in Illinois include United Airlines, Advocate Health Care, and Caterpillar, all of which maintain active in-house legal teams. The most sought-after specialties are regulatory compliance, commercial transactions, and employment law. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Legal Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Legal Director jobs
Job Description
Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?
Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Matter.
The Role
Mondelēz Global LLC (MDLZ) is seeking a Sr. Director – Global Law, North America and Global Professional Services Spend Area to serve as the lead lawyer for Mondelez Supply Chain, Procurement in North America (NA) and Global Procurement Professional Services Spend Area. This senior leader role leads and executes the legal strategy of NA’s Supply Chain initiatives and negotiations of commercial agreements with NA and global suppliers. Operating within a highly matrixed environment, this position collaborates directly with senior leaders to drive outcomes, manage risk and enable business objectives. Based in Chicago, IL or East Hanover, NJ, this role reports to the VP & Chief Counsel Global Law and dotted line to the SVP & Chief Counsel, North America.
Key Responsibilities
Leading a small team of lawyers, including one in Mexico, you will be responsible to:
Drive solutions and enable business objectives in a responsible, risk-calculated manner.
Ensure sound, strategic legal counsel is provided to MDLZ and its affiliates related to NA’s Supply Chain initiatives, including projects and transactions with external manufacturers and logistic suppliers, and cross-border transactions.
Set the legal strategy for negotiations of commercial agreements with NA and global suppliers, including providing strategic guidance related to contractual risk and its cross functional review and approval.
Drive a continuous improvement agenda for global contracting strategy, processes, policies, governance, ways of working and technology, identifying and executing opportunities to evolve efficiency, simplification and innovation. Deliver proactive advice on contracting related topics and evolve templates and negotiating standards and positions.
Partner with the Litigation NA lead to provide sound and strategic legal advice on negotiation strategies related to contractual claims against suppliers.
Build, inspire and empower an inclusive, high performing team that drives solutions through strong business judgment, commercial acumen and calculated risk-taking. This role requires a humble, adaptable, resilient and courageous leader who excels with strong communication skills, sound business judgment, commercial acumen, action bias, a continuous improvement mindset and high learning agility.
Required Qualifications
12+ years’ experience in a large, international law firm and multi-national corporate in-house legal department.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent legal degree from an accredited institution; ability to be licensed in the jurisdiction where employed.
Deep expertise in U.S. and international contract law and experience in successfully and strategically supporting Supply Chain initiatives and negotiations with global suppliers.
Proven ability to successfully pursue supplier-related claims.
Demonstrable experience with technologies, including CLM and AI tools, as part of a contemporary proactive and risk-based contract strategy.
Substantial management skills, business judgment and commercial acumen with a capacity to enable decisions with integrity and give risk-calibrated advice demonstrating command of overall business objectives and the risks/rewards of each situation.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; team player who collaborates well with others and can manage numerous matters concurrently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt nimbly, build trust, instill confidence and influence others to take decisions with imperfect information rather than waiting for full certainty.
Experience distilling and communicating complex legal issues for non-legal and multi-cultural audiences, including senior business and functional leaders.
Ability to oversee and effectively and efficiently manage internal and external counsel.
High degree of initiative, self‐direction, and willingness to challenge the status quo to help drive continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years of experience managing and developing teams.
Experience in driving change in a matrixed organization.
Experience in dealing with Supply Chain projects in Mexico.
Fluency in Spanish.
Salary and Benefits:
The base salary range for this position is $174,100 to $287,265; the exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education and location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results and eligibility to participate in our long-term incentive program.

In addition, Mondelez International offers the following benefits: health insurance, wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education related programs, paid holidays and vacation time. Some of these benefits have eligibility requirements. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company. No Relocation support availableBusiness Unit Summary
The United States is the largest market in the Mondelēz International family with a significant employee and manufacturing footprint. Here, weproduce our well-loved household favorites to provide our consumers with the right snack, at the right moment, made the right way. We have corporate offices, sales, manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. to ensure our iconic brands—including Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, Ritz, Wheat Thins and Triscuit crackers, and Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids confectionery products —are close at hand for our consumers across the country.
Mondelēz Global LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact 847-943-5460 for assistance.
For more information about your Federal rights, please see eeopost.pdf; EEO is the Law Poster Supplement; Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision; Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Job Type
Regular Legal Business Growth Partners and Services LegalJob Description
Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?
Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Matter.
The Role
Mondelēz Global LLC (MDLZ) is seeking a Sr. Director – Global Law, North America and Global Professional Services Spend Area to serve as the lead lawyer for Mondelez Supply Chain, Procurement in North America (NA) and Global Procurement Professional Services Spend Area. This senior leader role leads and executes the legal strategy of NA’s Supply Chain initiatives and negotiations of commercial agreements with NA and global suppliers. Operating within a highly matrixed environment, this position collaborates directly with senior leaders to drive outcomes, manage risk and enable business objectives. Based in Chicago, IL or East Hanover, NJ, this role reports to the VP & Chief Counsel Global Law and dotted line to the SVP & Chief Counsel, North America.
Key Responsibilities
Leading a small team of lawyers, including one in Mexico, you will be responsible to:
Drive solutions and enable business objectives in a responsible, risk-calculated manner.
Ensure sound, strategic legal counsel is provided to MDLZ and its affiliates related to NA’s Supply Chain initiatives, including projects and transactions with external manufacturers and logistic suppliers, and cross-border transactions.
Set the legal strategy for negotiations of commercial agreements with NA and global suppliers, including providing strategic guidance related to contractual risk and its cross functional review and approval.
Drive a continuous improvement agenda for global contracting strategy, processes, policies, governance, ways of working and technology, identifying and executing opportunities to evolve efficiency, simplification and innovation. Deliver proactive advice on contracting related topics and evolve templates and negotiating standards and positions.
Partner with the Litigation NA lead to provide sound and strategic legal advice on negotiation strategies related to contractual claims against suppliers.
Build, inspire and empower an inclusive, high performing team that drives solutions through strong business judgment, commercial acumen and calculated risk-taking. This role requires a humble, adaptable, resilient and courageous leader who excels with strong communication skills, sound business judgment, commercial acumen, action bias, a continuous improvement mindset and high learning agility.
Required Qualifications
12+ years’ experience in a large, international law firm and multi-national corporate in-house legal department.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent legal degree from an accredited institution; ability to be licensed in the jurisdiction where employed.
Deep expertise in U.S. and international contract law and experience in successfully and strategically supporting Supply Chain initiatives and negotiations with global suppliers.
Proven ability to successfully pursue supplier-related claims.
Demonstrable experience with technologies, including CLM and AI tools, as part of a contemporary proactive and risk-based contract strategy.
Substantial management skills, business judgment and commercial acumen with a capacity to enable decisions with integrity and give risk-calibrated advice demonstrating command of overall business objectives and the risks/rewards of each situation.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; team player who collaborates well with others and can manage numerous matters concurrently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt nimbly, build trust, instill confidence and influence others to take decisions with imperfect information rather than waiting for full certainty.
Experience distilling and communicating complex legal issues for non-legal and multi-cultural audiences, including senior business and functional leaders.
Ability to oversee and effectively and efficiently manage internal and external counsel.
High degree of initiative, self‐direction, and willingness to challenge the status quo to help drive continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years of experience managing and developing teams.
Experience in driving change in a matrixed organization.
Experience in dealing with Supply Chain projects in Mexico.
Fluency in Spanish.
Salary and Benefits:
The base salary range for this position is $174,100 to $287,265; the exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education and location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results and eligibility to participate in our long-term incentive program.

In addition, Mondelez International offers the following benefits: health insurance, wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education related programs, paid holidays and vacation time. Some of these benefits have eligibility requirements. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company. No Relocation support availableBusiness Unit Summary
The United States is the largest market in the Mondelēz International family with a significant employee and manufacturing footprint. Here, weproduce our well-loved household favorites to provide our consumers with the right snack, at the right moment, made the right way. We have corporate offices, sales, manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. to ensure our iconic brands—including Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, Ritz, Wheat Thins and Triscuit crackers, and Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids confectionery products —are close at hand for our consumers across the country.
Mondelēz Global LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact 847-943-5460 for assistance.
For more information about your Federal rights, please see eeopost.pdf; EEO is the Law Poster Supplement; Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision; Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Job Type
Regular Legal Business Growth Partners and Services LegalSee All 7 Legal Director Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Legal Director JobsLegal Director Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Legal Director Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Law & Legal Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in legal director jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois attorney license in good standing with the ARDC
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school required
- Minimum ten years of legal experience with at least three in a leadership role
- Demonstrated experience managing outside counsel relationships and legal budgets
- Expertise in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, or commercial contracting
- Strong written and oral communication skills with executive-level stakeholder experience
Legal Director Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a legal director in Illinois?
Becoming a legal director in Illinois requires an active law license through the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois, which means passing the Illinois Bar Exam or gaining admission on motion. Most candidates hold a Juris Doctor and have built a decade of practice in corporate, regulatory, or transactional law before moving into a director-level role. Leadership experience managing a legal team or department is typically expected before employers consider a candidate for this title.
How much do legal directors make in Illinois?
Legal directors in Illinois earn a median of about $160,800 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $82,160 for the lowest 10% to over $330,200 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire legal directors in Illinois?
Employers hiring legal directors in Illinois right now include AXIOM, Harbor, and Formerra, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters and large healthcare systems in the Chicago area means in-house legal director openings are posted more consistently here than in most other states.
Which Illinois cities have the most legal director jobs?
The cities with the most legal director openings in Illinois are Chicago, DeKalb, and Romeoville. Chicago dominates because of its dense cluster of corporate headquarters, major hospital systems, and financial institutions, while suburban markets like Naperville and Downers Grove generate openings tied to the large manufacturing and technology companies based along the I-88 corridor.
Are there remote legal director jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many senior legal roles allow. About 100% of legal director openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the desk-based and advisory nature of the work. Compliance oversight, contract review, and policy development are the functions most commonly performed remotely, while roles that require frequent board presence or government affairs work tend to be on-site.
How can I get hired as a legal director in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving up through an in-house legal team, starting as a staff attorney or senior counsel and taking on supervisory responsibility over time. Large Illinois employers such as Advocate Health Care and major Chicago-based financial institutions regularly hire associate general counsel candidates who then grow into director roles. Obtaining your Illinois bar license early and developing a specialty in a high-demand area like healthcare compliance or commercial contracting strengthens a candidacy considerably before the director title is within reach.
Where can I find and apply to legal director jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to legal director jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Illinois employers. Search the listings to find roles that match your practice area and seniority, then apply directly to the ones that fit your background.
See All 7 Legal Director Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Legal Director Jobs