The chief legal officer (CLO) is a company’s top lawyer: the executive who runs the legal function, reports to the CEO, and advises the board on the decisions that carry the most risk. Some companies use the title chief legal counsel for the same seat. The work is as much leadership as law: setting legal strategy, building and budgeting the department, managing outside counsel, overseeing compliance and governance, and handling crises. At public companies the CLO often serves as corporate secretary and sits on the executive team.
Browse current chief legal officer jobs and chief legal counsel jobs below, updated daily from GoInhouse.com. Many CLO searches run through executive recruiters; our legal recruiters directory lists 360+ US firms by city.
Chief Legal Officer vs. General Counsel
At most companies these are two names for the same job. The chief legal officer title is more common at larger and public companies, where it signals a seat on the executive team alongside the CFO and COO; some of those companies also have a general counsel who reports to the CLO and runs the department day to day. At smaller companies the top lawyer is usually titled general counsel and is sometimes the first and only lawyer, while many searches at established companies fill a vacancy when the sitting CLO or GC moves on or retires. If you are searching for the top legal seat, look at both: see our general counsel jobs page, and deputy general counsel jobs for the step below.
Chief Legal Officer Salary
Pay surveys report the top legal role, whether titled chief legal officer or general counsel, as one position, and salary ranges depend most on company size and ownership. Major, Lindsey & Africa based on accepted offers, reports a median base salary of $450,000 and median total cash (base plus bonus) of $739,000 for the GC or CLO at public companies, and $375,000 base and $500,000 total cash at private companies, and BarkerGilmore reports median total compensation of $2.5 million, including long-term incentives, at public companies above $5 billion in revenue. In-house pay at this level adds bonus, equity and long-term incentives on top of base, and the salary ranges shown on the job listings below vary (some figures are base salary only). See more in our In-House Counsel Salaries Guide.
Current Chief Legal Officer Jobs
Looking for chief legal officer jobs? Here are recent chief legal officer and chief legal counsel openings.
- Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Sun River Health (New York, NY) – $250K–$300K on November 5, 2026
Position Summary The Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel (CLO/GC) serves as Sun River Health’s senior legal executive and principal legal advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team. As one of the largest community health center organizations in the country, Sun River Health operates approximately 50 sites, serves approximately 240,000 patients, and employs nearly 2,500 staff. The CLO/GC will provide practical, strategic legal counsel across this complex healthcare...
- Chief Legal Officer at Lutheran Church Extension Fund (St. Louis, MO) on November 10, 2026
Who We Are Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is a trusted financial institution dedicated to starting, sustaining and strengthening Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) ministries. Since 1978, LCEF has provided financial resources, strategic guidance and innovative solutions to help congregations, schools, organizations and church workers achieve their goals. When you join our team, you’re not just building a career—you’re using your talents and applying your professional expertise to...
- Chief Legal Officer at Singing River (Pascagoula, MS + 1 more) on November 9, 2026
At Singing River Health System, caring isn’t just part of the job — it’s in our DNA. Whether we’re saving lives, supporting behind the scenes, or showing up for our community, we bring the energy, heart, and hustle every single day. With pride, passion, and commitment, we will improve health and save lives in our community every day. Shift: Days Location: Singing River Ocean Springs Hospital, Singing River Pascagoula Hospital Job Description Summary Job Description Position Overview: The Chief...
- SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR, OPT 8L (CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL) at State of Illinois (Springfield, IL) – $13K–$14K/mo on November 7, 2026
Job Requisition ID: 59187 Opening Date: 10/28/2026 Closing Date: 11/10/2026 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License Bilingual Option: None Salary: $13,333.00-$14,333.00 Monthly Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: None Merit Comp Code: Exempt under Section 4d of the Personnel Code, Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Work Hours: 8:30-5:00 Mon-Fri...
- Chief Legal Officer at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (Madison, WI) – $141K–$184K on November 5, 2026
Introduction The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin’s competitive position. Driven by a mission to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and build a business, WEDC is a purpose-driven state organization that values integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, and invests in its people so they can help invest in Wisconsin’s future....
- University Counsel/Chief Legal Officer, George Mason University at Virginia Office of the Attorney General (Tysons Corner, VA) – $250K–$310K on November 5, 2026
Title: University Counsel/Chief Legal Officer, George Mason University State Role Title: Senior Assistant Attorney General Hiring Range: $250,000-$310,000 Pay Band: UG Agency: Attorney General & Dept of Law Location: NORTHERN VIRGINIA Agency Website: https://www.oag.state.va.us/ Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties Chief Objective: This position serves as chief legal officer and agency counsel for George Mason University, Virginia’s largest and most diverse public research university...
- Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at African American Planning Commission Inc. (New York, NY) on November 4, 2026
African American Planning Commission; Inc. (AAPCI) is a New York City-based nonprofit organization committed to reducing homelessness and addressing the related issues of domestic violence, HIV/AIDS transmission, mental health disorders, substance use, shortage of affordable housing, and unemployment in the communities in which we live and serve. To be successful at this, we are building a team of professionals to service individuals and families with complex and chronic care needs to ensure...
- CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL - 79010916 at Department of Management Services - State of Florida (Tallahassee, FL) on November 2, 2026
Requisition No: 886589 Agency: Business and Professional Regulation Working Title: CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL - 79010916 Pay Plan: SES Position Number: 79010916 Salary: $2,885.35 - $4,646.89 Posting Closing Date: 11/29/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL CHIEF APPELLATE COUNSEL (CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL) – SES POSITION NUMBER: 79010916 Hiring Salary: $2,885.35 - 4,646.89 Biweekly *OPEN COMPETITIVE* *Anticipated Vacancy* Our Organization and Mission: License efficiently....
- Chief Legal Officer, EVP - State Street Investment Management at State Street (Boston, MA) – $300K–$413K on November 1, 2026
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, State Street Investment Management Role Summary The Executive Vice President and General Counsel of State Street Investment Management (SSIM) is the chief legal officer and senior legal advisor to a global asset manager with more than $6 trillion in assets. Reporting jointly to the General Counsel of State Street Corporation and the Chief Executive Officer of SSIM, the role is a member of SSIM’s Executive Management Group and helps shape...
- Chief Legal, Regulatory & Compliance Officer at New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (Plymouth, NH) – $217K–$250K on October 31, 2026
Position Summary: The Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Officer serves as the organization’s executive lead for legal affairs, government relations, regulatory strategy, public policy, and compliance across both New Hampshire Electric Cooperative and NH Broadband. Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, this position provides practical legal guidance and strategic counsel to executive leadership while helping advance organizational goals...
- Chief Legal Officer, EVP - State Street Investment Management at State Street Corporation (Boston, MA) – $300K–$413K on October 30, 2026
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, State Street Investment Management Role Summary The Executive Vice President and General Counsel of State Street Investment Management (SSIM) is the chief legal officer and senior legal advisor to a global asset manager with more than $6 trillion in assets. Reporting jointly to the General Counsel of State Street Corporation and the Chief Executive Officer of SSIM, the role is a member of SSIM’s Executive Management Group and helps shape...
- Chief Legal Officer at Incline P&C Group (Austin, TX) on October 26, 2026
Incline Insurance Group is seeking an accomplished Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to serve as the Company’s senior legal executive and a member of the executive leadership team. The CLO will advise the CEO, Board, and executive team on enterprise legal strategy, corporate governance, financing, strategic transactions, and the legal matters supporting a growing property and casualty insurance platform. This role combines strong insurance industry expertise with substantial experience advising private...
- Chief Legal Officer (CLO) at Bags.fm (New York, NY) on October 25, 2026
1. THE OPPORTUNITY Bags.fm is the development company that builds and maintains bags.fm — the leading launchpad for new projects and ideas on Solana, processing $300M+ daily volume. Last year bags.fm generated more than $500M in profit with a team of fewer than 100 people. We are a technology development company with our operational centre in New York, NY, serving hundreds of thousands of users globally — across the US, EU, Asia, and beyond. Our legal and regulatory environment is complex...
- VP & Chief Legal Counsel at Tachyra Diagnostics (Delray Beach, FL) on October 24, 2026
Tachyra Diagnostics is an early-stage company building an AI clinical decision support platform for physicians. Before a visit, it reviews a patient’s history, medications and lab trends and surfaces ranked diagnostic possibilities, medication-interaction flags and treatment comparisons. The physician reviews and approves every recommendation. Our principle: AI does the heavy lifting, trust, but verify. We are looking for a founding legal leader to build our legal and compliance function from...
- Divisional Chief Legal Officer West Florida Division at AdventHealth (Tampa, FL) – $226K–$451K on October 22, 2026
Our promise to you: Joining AdventHealth is about being part of something bigger. It’s about belonging to a community that believes in the wholeness of each person, and serves to uplift others in body, mind and spirit. AdventHealth is a place where you can thrive professionally, and grow spiritually, by Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. Where you will be valued for who you are and the unique experiences you bring to our purpose-minded team. All while understanding that together we are...
- Chief Legal Counsel at Montana (Helena, MT) on October 21, 2026
To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov . The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Office of Legal Affairs, division of Director’s Office. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), the state’s largest executive branch agency, seeks a highly accomplished and visionary legal...
- Chief Legal Officer at Total Warranty Services (Miami, FL) on October 20, 2026
CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER Total Warranty Services Boca Raton, Florida (On-Site/Flex) THE COMPANY A rare opportunity for a strategically-minded attorney and legal operating leader to be a key lever in enterprise transformation for Total Warranty Services, a closely held, founder-led enterprise operating at the center of the automotive finance and insurance product ecosystem. Through three distinct but complementary divisions, TWS serves consumers, franchised and independent dealers, and the broader...
- Chief Legal Officer at New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, MA) – $180K–$225K on October 19, 2026
Compensation: $180,000 - $225,000 per year The New England Conservatory, an independent not-for-profit institution, is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools, educating and training musicians of all ages from around the world. With approximately 750 music students representing more than 40 countries, NEC cultivates a diverse, dynamic community for students, providing them with performance opportunities and high-caliber training by 225 internationally esteemed artist-teachers...
- CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL - 60057036 at Department of Management Services - State of Florida (Miami, FL + 6 more) – $105K–$115K on October 19, 2026
Requisition No: 885207 Agency: Children and Families Working Title: CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL - 60057036 Pay Plan: SES Position Number: 60057036 Salary: $105,000 - $115,000 Posting Closing Date: 11/01/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool Chief Legal Counsel Office of General Counsel Department of Children and Families 401 N.W. 2nd Ave. Suite N-1014, Miami, FL 33128 Open Competitive Current employees will be compensated in accordance with the DCF salary policy. What you will do: • The Chief Legal...
- General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer at Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Boston, MA) on October 17, 2026
Job description: General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer The Legal Office of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), Commissioner, and DESE staff on issues of education law, policy, and administration; works with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation; and oversees the Office of Professional Practice Investigations. The Legal Office works together with all policy units to implement DESE’s Educational Vision...
- General Counsel / Chief Legal Officer at Quality Collision Group (Dallas, TX) on October 15, 2026
Quality Collision Group is a private equity-backed platform of OEM-certified automotive collision repair centers focused on delivering best-in-class repairs and customer service. The company partners with leading operators and technicians to deliver high-quality, manufacturer-certified repair services across a rapidly expanding national platform. Quality Collision Group is seeking an experienced, business-minded General Counsel to join its executive leadership team. This is a unique opportunity...
- Chief Legal Officer at Avalon Administrative Services LLC (TELECOMMUTE + 1 more) on October 15, 2026
About Avalon Healthcare Solutions: Avalon Healthcare Solutions is the nation’s leader in diagnostic intelligence, uniquely focused on transforming the role of diagnostic testing across the healthcare ecosystem. Our proprietary Diagnostic Insights Platform delivers evidence-based policies, curated lab networks, and real-time analytics that simplify complex diagnostics, accelerate innovation adoption, and optimize diagnostic investments. Supporting over 30 health plans and 100 million members...
- SVP, Chief Legal Officer at Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ (Phoenix, AZ) – $290K+ on October 14, 2026
Serves as the Company's chief legal advisor and strategic business partner to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and multiple Boards of Directors. Provides enterprise-wide leadership for all legal, compliance, governance, risk management, regulatory, litigation, employment, commercial, contract law, real estate law, trademark, M&A, and corporate matters. This executive develops and executes a legal strategy that supports growth, protects corporate assets, mitigates risk, and enables...
- Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Origence (Irvine, CA) – $272K–$340K on October 14, 2026
Shaping the Future of Lending With 30 years of fintech leadership, Origence empowers credit unions with innovative SaaS lending solutions that make lending more accessible, efficient, and competitive. We invest in our people and foster a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement. As we help shape the future of lending, we're leveraging AI to enhance the way we work and create value for our clients, and we're seeking individuals who are excited by emerging technologies and...
- Vice President / Chief Legal Officer at Balfour Beatty (Dallas, TX + 1 more) on October 14, 2026
Summary Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. (Company), a member of the Balfour Beatty group of companies in the United States, delivers complex projects that expand the nation’s transit, transportation, and water infrastructure. The Company is seeking a Vice President / Chief Legal Officer to join its Legal Department, reporting to the Senior Vice President & National Chief Legal Officer (National CLO) and the Company’s President. The Vice President / Chief Legal Officer is primarily...
- SVP Chief Legal Officer at Goodwill (Phoenix, AZ) on October 13, 2026
2626 W Beryl Ave Phoenix Arizona, 85021, Position Description: Serves as the Company's chief legal advisor and strategic business partner to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and multiple Boards of Directors. Provides enterprise-wide leadership for all legal, compliance, governance, risk management, regulatory, litigation, employment, commercial, contract law, real estate law, trademark, M&A, and corporate matters. This executive develops and executes a legal strategy that supports growth...
• Want More? These are just the latest openings: the GoInhouse.com job board has many more.
• How to Get There. Most chief legal officers come up as a deputy or associate general counsel, or move over from a law firm partnership. Read our guide to becoming a general counsel.
• Before You Sign. See our guide to negotiating an in-house job offer, and prep your resume for the top legal job.
Chief Legal Officer Jobs FAQ
Is a chief legal officer the same as a general counsel?
Usually it is the same job: the company’s top lawyer, reporting to the CEO and often to the board. Larger companies more often use the chief legal officer title, sometimes with a general counsel reporting to the CLO.
What does a chief legal officer earn?
It depends most on company size and ownership. Major, Lindsey & Africa reports median base plus bonus of $739,000 for the top lawyer at public companies and $500,000 at private companies, and BarkerGilmore reports median total compensation of $2.5 million, including long-term incentives, at public companies above $5 billion in revenue.
Is chief legal counsel the same as chief legal officer?
In most companies, yes. Chief legal counsel is a less common title for the same top legal seat, so this page lists both.
Check out our Inhouse Counsel Guides page for other articles and resources of interest.