General Counsel Salaries & Top Paying Companies in Chicago, IL

Position

City

Salary

How much does a General Counsel make in Chicago, IL?

The average salary for a General Counsel is $196,319 per year in Chicago, IL.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, showing an average salary of $196,319 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, showing an average salary of $16,360 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, showing an average salary of $3,775 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, showing an average salary of $94 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Chicago, Illinois, a General Counsel holds a significant role within a company, and the salary reflects this importance. On average, a General Counsel can expect to earn about $196,319 per year. This average represents a range of salaries that can vary based on experience and specific industry.

The salary distribution shows that many General Counsels earn between $111,372 and $360,000 annually. This wide range highlights that as experience grows, so does the earning potential. For those at the top of their careers, salaries can exceed $300,000, showing the high demand for top-tier legal expertise in Chicago.

Overall, the compensation for a General Counsel in Chicago is competitive and reflects the value of legal leadership in corporate environments.

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel near Chicago, IL?

General Counsel roles in the Chicago area offer high salaries, with Aurora, IL leading the way. Professionals can expect to earn an average of $237,250 annually there. Nearby, Naperville, IL and Schaumburg, IL also provide competitive salaries, making these locations attractive for those seeking top compensation. Each of these cities boasts a robust business environment that supports high-paying legal roles. Aurora, Naperville, and Schaumburg all offer not just high salaries, but also a strong quality of life. This makes them excellent choices for General Counsel looking to advance their careers.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs near Chicago, IL, highlighting Aurora, IL with the highest at $237,250 and Schaumburg, IL with the lowest at $161,721.

Aurora, IL
Average Salary: $237,250
In Aurora, legal professionals enjoy a vibrant work environment. Companies like Caterpillar and CommonSpirit Health provide dynamic opportunities. Aurora offers a blend of urban and suburban life, making it an appealing choice for those in the legal field.
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Naperville, IL
Average Salary: $163,268
Naperville stands out as a hub for legal talent. Companies such as ADT and 3M present exciting challenges. This city combines a business-friendly atmosphere with a strong community, offering a balanced professional life.
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Schaumburg, IL
Average Salary: $161,721
Working in Schaumburg means access to major corporations like United Airlines and Allstate. The city's growing business sector brings diverse opportunities for legal professionals. Schaumburg’s suburban charm creates a comfortable living environment.
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What are the best paying companies for a General Counsel in Chicago, IL?

Seeking a top-paying General Counsel role in Chicago? Google offers one of the highest salaries at $270,000 annually. Lincoln International and Brookfield Properties also provide competitive packages, with salaries above $195,000. Look into these companies for a lucrative and rewarding career opportunity.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, highlighting Google with the highest at $270,000 and State of Illinois with the lowest at $122,680.

Google
Average Salary: $270,000
Google offers exciting opportunities for General Counsel in Chicago. This tech giant operates globally, with its headquarters in California. In Chicago, Google provides a dynamic work environment where General Counsel play a crucial role in shaping legal strategies. These roles often involve managing complex legal issues and ensuring compliance.
LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL
Average Salary: $242,611
LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL offers competitive salaries for General Counsel in Chicago. This global financial services firm offers diverse opportunities. In Chicago, General Counsel work closely with various departments to provide legal guidance. The role involves handling mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate governance. Locations include downtown Chicago and other key business hubs.
Brookfield Properties
Average Salary: $195,000
Brookfield Properties provides high-paying General Counsel positions in Chicago. This real estate firm has a strong presence in the city. General Counsel at Brookfield Properties manage legal affairs and ensure compliance with local and federal laws. They work on property acquisitions, leasing, and real estate transactions. The company operates in key areas like the Loop and River North.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Average Salary: $173,850
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers attractive salaries for General Counsel in Chicago. This health insurance company values legal expertise. General Counsel at Blue Cross Blue Shield handle healthcare law, regulatory compliance, and policy development. They work in various locations across the city to support the company’s operations.
Hyatt
Average Salary: $169,458
Hyatt offers competitive General Counsel salaries in Chicago. This renowned hospitality company has many properties in the city. General Counsel at Hyatt manage legal issues related to hotel operations, employment law, and corporate governance. They work in central locations to support the company’s diverse hospitality portfolio.
Lessen
Average Salary: $142,500
Lessen provides General Counsel roles with a good salary in Chicago. This company operates in the real estate sector. General Counsel at Lessen manage legal issues related to property development and leasing. They work in downtown Chicago and other key business areas to ensure legal compliance.
Metra
Average Salary: $136,400
Metra offers General Counsel positions with a solid salary in Chicago. This public transportation company requires legal expertise. General Counsel at Metra handle contracts, compliance, and regulatory issues. They work in downtown Chicago and other important transit areas.
State of Illinois
Average Salary: $122,680
The State of Illinois offers General Counsel roles with a decent salary in Chicago. This government entity provides various legal opportunities. General Counsel work on state laws, regulations, and compliance issues. They operate in state offices located throughout the city.

What are the best paying General Counsel related jobs in Chicago, IL?

General Counsel positions can lead to high-paying careers. Risk Management Directors top the list with an average salary of $208,122 in Chicago. Real Estate Attorneys follow closely, earning around $178,634 on average. These roles offer significant earning potential for those with the right skills.

Graph displaying best paying related job salaries for General Counsel jobs near Chicago, IL, highlighting Risk Management Director with the highest at $208,122 and Defense Attorney with the lowest at $117,975.

Risk Management Director
Average Salary: $208,122
A Risk Management Director evaluates potential risks for a company. They develop plans to minimize these risks. Companies such as JPMorgan Chase and Accenture hire these directors in Chicago.
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Real Estate Attorney
Average Salary: $178,634
A Real Estate Attorney helps with property transactions. They ensure all legal aspects are handled correctly. Major firms like Jenner & Block and Seyfarth Shaw LLP seek these attorneys in Chicago.
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Counsel
Average Salary: $175,003
A Counsel provides legal advice to a company or organization. They help navigate legal challenges and ensure compliance. Firms such as Kirkland & Ellis and Sidley Austin LLP look for skilled counsel in Chicago.
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Estate Planning Attorney
Average Salary: $156,667
An Estate Planning Attorney assists clients in managing their assets. They help with wills, trusts, and other estate matters. Top firms in Chicago, like Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, hire these attorneys.
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Insurance Attorney
Average Salary: $154,234
An Insurance Attorney deals with legal issues related to insurance. They represent clients in disputes and claims. Companies such as Aon and Marsh McLennan hire these attorneys in Chicago.
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Patent Attorney
Average Salary: $146,473
A Patent Attorney helps clients secure patents for their inventions. They ensure the inventions are legally protected. Leading firms in Chicago, like Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, seek these attorneys.
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Attorney
Average Salary: $134,833
An Attorney provides legal advice and represents clients in court. They handle various legal matters. Many law firms in Chicago, such as Sidley Austin and Mayer Brown, hire attorneys.
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Compliance Officer
Average Salary: $128,550
A Compliance Officer ensures that a company follows all legal regulations. They monitor activities and report any issues. Major banks in Chicago, like Bank of America and Wells Fargo, hire these officers.
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Regulatory Affairs Manager
Average Salary: $124,765
A Regulatory Affairs Manager oversees regulatory compliance for a company. They ensure that products meet legal standards. Firms in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors in Chicago hire these managers.
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Defense Attorney
Average Salary: $117,975
A Defense Attorney represents clients in criminal cases. They work to protect the rights of their clients. Law firms in Chicago, like Altheimer & Gray and Winston & Strawn, seek skilled defense attorneys.
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General Counsel Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does a General Counsel make in Chicago, IL?

What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel near Chicago, IL?

What are the best paying companies for a General Counsel in Chicago, IL?

Currently 581 General Counsel job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a General Counsel in the US?

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