Overview
A high-growth, private equity-backed consulting and technology services firm is seeking a Deputy General Counsel (DGC) to serve as a senior legal leader and strategic business partner. This role involves building and scaling a best-in-class legal function aligned with a high-velocity commercial organization and an evolving global footprint. The DGC will partner closely with the CEO, Board, and leadership team to drive business outcomes while managing legal risk.
This is a remote position open anywhere in the United States, with a preference for candidates located in Chicago, where the corporate headquarters is based.
Responsibilities
Legal Leadership & Function Ownership
- Lead and own the global legal function, including managing the legal team, overseeing outside counsel, and managing the legal budget
- Build and scale a high-performing, data-driven legal organization with appropriate processes, workflows, tools, and KPIs
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors on legal, risk, and governance matters
- Balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution as a player-coach
Commercial Contracts & Revenue Enablement
- Provide legal support for a high-volume, sales-driven contracting environment, collaborating closely with sales leadership
- Oversee drafting, negotiation, and execution of complex commercial agreements with clients, partners, and vendors
- Design and implement scalable contracting frameworks, playbooks, and approval workflows to accelerate deal velocity
- Align legal risk tolerance with revenue objectives
Employment, Litigation & Risk Management
- Provide strategic guidance on global employment matters, including disputes, investigations, and compliance
- Manage litigation and disputes, including oversight of outside counsel
- Partner with HR and leadership on employee relations and workforce strategy
- Oversee enterprise risk management, insurance programs, and mitigation strategies
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) & Corporate Transactions
- Serve as lead in-house counsel on M&A transactions, including buy- and sell-side deals
- Lead legal aspects of due diligence, deal structure, negotiation, and integration
- Collaborate with Corporate Development, Finance, and external advisors to execute transactions aligned with strategic goals
Compliance, Governance & Board Engagement
- Support corporate governance and Board engagement, including preparation and presentation of materials
- Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements, including data privacy and cybersecurity
- Develop policies and controls appropriate for a private equity-backed, scaling organization
- Act as a board-ready advisor, translating complex legal issues into actionable business guidance
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Partner with Finance, Sales, HR, and executive leadership to align legal, operational, and commercial priorities
- Support enterprise-wide initiatives such as international expansion, operational refinement, and integration efforts
Requirements
- 15+ years of legal experience, including a mix of law firm and in-house roles
- 3–5+ years in a senior in-house leadership role (e.g., General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or SVP Legal), preferably in private equity- or late-stage venture capital-backed companies
- Demonstrated full ownership of a legal function, including team leadership and operational buildout
- Extensive experience in high-volume commercial contracting within a sales-driven organization, ideally in tech-enabled services, software, or SaaS
- Strong experience in employment law, disputes, and litigation management, including oversight of outside counsel
- Proven ability to build scalable legal infrastructure in low-process or high-growth environments
- Experience advising senior executives and presenting to Boards of Directors
- Track record as a cross-functional operator partnering effectively with Sales, Finance, HR, and executive teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in high-growth environments working closely with revenue leadership (CRO/CGO)
- M&A experience as lead in-house counsel on at least one buy- or sell-side transaction
- Background in global professional services, consulting, or tech-enabled services businesses
- Demonstrated player-coach leadership style
Education & Credentials
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar (Illinois preferred)
Compensation & Benefits
Details regarding compensation and benefits will be provided during the interview process.
Location
This is a remote position open to candidates anywhere in the United States, with a preference for those located in Chicago, Illinois.