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 $197,941 per year in Chicago, IL.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, showing an average salary of $197,941 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 $16,495 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 $3,807 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 $95 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Chicago, IL, General Counsels earn an average yearly salary of $197,941. This role is a crucial part of any organization, offering both high compensation and significant responsibility. The salary range for General Counsels in Chicago varies, with the lowest earners making about $111,372 and top earners reaching up to $360,000. This broad range reflects the diverse experiences and qualifications within the field.

Factors that influence salary include the size of the company, industry sector, and years of experience. For example, General Counsels working for large corporations or in highly regulated industries often command higher salaries. With the average salary in Chicago, General Counsels can expect a rewarding career with potential for growth and advancement. This position not only requires strong legal skills but also leadership and strategic thinking, making it both challenging and fulfilling.

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

Job seekers can find good opportunities near Chicago, IL. The city of Aurora offers the highest average salary for General Counsel jobs, around $207,153 annually. Naperville and Schaumburg also provide attractive salaries, with averages of $169,223 and $158,658 respectively. These cities present excellent options for those seeking rewarding roles in this field.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for General Counsel jobs near Chicago, IL, highlighting Aurora, IL with the highest at $207,153 and Schaumburg, IL with the lowest at $158,658.

Aurora, IL
Average Salary: $207,153
Aurora offers a dynamic environment for legal professionals. The city is home to major companies like Aurora Health Care, providing opportunities in healthcare law. With its growing business sector, legal experts can find diverse roles that cater to different areas of expertise.
Find General Counsel jobs in Aurora, IL
Naperville, IL
Average Salary: $169,223
Naperville is known for its business-friendly atmosphere and strong legal community. Companies like Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Caterpillar Inc. offer robust opportunities. Professionals can expect to engage with significant legal issues, contributing to the city's economic growth.
Find General Counsel jobs in Naperville, IL
Schaumburg, IL
Average Salary: $158,658
In Schaumburg, legal experts enjoy a thriving corporate scene. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Motorola Solutions provide top-tier positions. The city's strategic focus on technology and innovation opens doors for specialists in tech law and corporate governance.
Find General Counsel jobs in Schaumburg, IL

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

Companies like PwC and Google offer top salaries for General Counsel positions in Chicago, IL. PwC leads with an average salary of $312,000, followed closely by Google at $270,000. These firms provide competitive compensation and career growth opportunities. LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL, Salesforce, and NielsenIQ also offer strong salaries, ranging from $250,313 to $198,167. Each of these companies values legal expertise and offers benefits that attract top talent. A General Counsel role here can lead to a rewarding career with great financial rewards.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL, highlighting PwC with the highest at $312,000 and Metra with the lowest at $136,400.

PwC
Average Salary: $312,000
PwC provides audit, tax, and consulting services. They have many offices worldwide, including a major one in Chicago. General Counsel roles here focus on legal compliance and risk management.
Google
Average Salary: $270,000
Google is a tech giant with its Chicago office being a hub for innovation. General Counsel here helps manage the legal side of tech projects and global operations.
LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL
Average Salary: $250,313
LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL is a financial services firm with offices in Chicago. Their General Counsel works on mergers, acquisitions, and global legal strategies.
Salesforce
Average Salary: $215,313
Salesforce, a leading CRM company, has its Chicago office at the tech forefront. General Counsel here ensures legal compliance and handles corporate governance.
NielsenIQ
Average Salary: $198,167
NielsenIQ offers market research services. Their Chicago office is busy with data compliance and privacy laws. General Counsel roles involve protecting company data and legal rights.
Brookfield Properties
Average Salary: $196,250
Brookfield Properties, a real estate firm, operates in Chicago. Their General Counsel handles property law, leases, and real estate transactions.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Average Salary: $173,850
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a health insurance company. Their Chicago office deals with healthcare regulations. General Counsel roles focus on compliance and policy.
Hyatt
Average Salary: $170,250
Hyatt is a major hotel chain. Their Chicago office oversees legal matters for their properties. General Counsel handles hospitality law and franchise agreements.
Lessen
Average Salary: $142,500
Lessen is a real estate firm. Their Chicago office is where General Counsel manage property law, tenant relations, and real estate contracts.
Metra
Average Salary: $136,400
Metra operates Chicago’s commuter rail. General Counsel here focus on transportation law, safety regulations, and commuter rights.

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

General Counsel roles in Chicago, IL, connect with some high-paying jobs in law and compliance. A Risk Management Director can expect an average salary of $208,450. Real Estate Attorneys also earn well, averaging around $179,280 a year. These positions require strong legal skills and a deep understanding of specific areas of law.

Graph displaying best paying related job salaries for General Counsel jobs near Chicago, IL, highlighting Risk Management Director with the highest at $208,450 and Regulatory Affairs Manager with the lowest at $162,628.

Risk Management Director
Average Salary: $208,450
Risk management directors assess and handle potential risks for organizations. They work closely with various departments to identify risks and develop strategies. In Chicago, companies like insurance firms and financial institutions need these experts to safeguard their interests.
Find Risk Management Director jobs in Chicago, IL
Real Estate Attorney
Average Salary: $179,280
Real estate attorneys handle property transactions, zoning issues, and disputes. They ensure clients' interests are protected during these processes. Major real estate firms and developers in Chicago rely on their expertise to navigate complex property laws.
Find Real Estate Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL
Compliance Officer
Average Salary: $177,447
Compliance officers ensure that companies adhere to laws and regulations. They create policies to prevent violations and manage risk. Healthcare and finance companies in Chicago need these professionals to maintain legal standards.
Find Compliance Officer jobs in Chicago, IL
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Average Salary: $162,628
Regulatory affairs managers ensure that companies comply with federal and state regulations. They coordinate with regulatory bodies and keep track of legal changes. Pharmaceutical and biotech firms in Chicago depend on them to navigate complex regulations.
Find Regulatory Affairs Manager jobs in Chicago, IL

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 450 General Counsel job openings, nationwide.

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

Win at hiring.