Legal Counsel

Schedule: 37.5 hrs./week, M-F, 8.30a.m. – 4.30p.m, including occasional evening and weekend work based on seasonal business needs/position requirements.

Note: This is an exempt position. Early-morning hours may be necessary on occasion.

Reports to: Counsel

Direct reports: None

Start date: ASAP

Location: Chicago, IL, USA (hybrid)

About Us:

IES Global is a not-for-profit study abroad and internship provider dedicated to transforming the lives of nearly 10,000 students annually through unparalleled study abroad experiences. From our headquarters in Chicago, we offer 400+ programs in 85 locations worldwide, partnering with 500 colleges and universities to create authentic educational experiences that exceed expectations.

IES Global comprises a collective of brands including IES Abroad, IES Internships, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF). We champion meaningful academic and cultural education, integrate diverse perspectives, prioritize student health and safety, and strive to better the world through our Global Good Commitment.

For nearly 75 years, we have been a trusted leader in global education, committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We actively recruit underrepresented students and provide millions in scholarships each year, celebrating a diverse student body that reflects the vibrant cultures we engage with. Our commitment extends to our diverse team, fostering an inclusive, welcoming workplace where talents from various backgrounds collaborate and grow.

Join us at IES Abroad and become part of a community dedicated to creating global leaders and life-changing experiences.

Summary of Position

The Legal Counsel will provide legal guidance to internal business clients under the supervision of the General Counsel, and in collaboration with other department attorneys and staff.  The position involves interaction at all levels within the organization, domestically and internationally, and access to sensitive and confidential information necessitating considerable use of tact, diplomacy, discretion, and judgment. A significant portion of the role requires interpreting, drafting and negotiating routine to complex contracts and related documents often in an expedited manner. The role may include other areas of legal support, including but not limited to legal operations process improvement activities, intellectual property issues, marketing content review, compliance-related activities such as privacy and record retention, real estate leasing and legal research particularly relating to not-for-profit and tax-exempt status.

Essential Job Responsibilities & Duties:

• Interprets, drafts and negotiates a variety of contracts across the organization which may include vendor agreements, academic collaboration agreements, international program agreements, real estate leases, rental and venue contracts, NDA’s, SaaS agreements, and other related matters, balancing risk within agreed timelines.

• Assist in the development and maintenance of legal resources that are required for our business, such as templates, terms of use, privacy policies, and similar policies and disclosures.

• Support the management and maintenance of the organization's legal entities and affiliated organizations domestically and internationally, including the maintenance of records.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate and work well with the legal team and other internal business partners, such as College Relations and Marketing, IT, HR, Academics, and Customized Programs.

• Provide timely responses to internal clients, estimating timeframe for completion of projects. Tracks progress of project and maintains appropriate communications with internal stakeholders.

• Works with outside legal counsel as directed.

• Support the management of trademark and other intellectual property registrations, and intellectual property disputes and/or settlement agreement.

• Research and analyze federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, court decisions, legal documents, and articles for use in providing guidance to various departments across the organization.

• May respond to and meet with broad range of internal and external individuals and groups, frequently related to matters of immediate concern, and

• Other projects and duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Experience & Qualifications/Skills:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the practice of law. 

• Strong computer experience (Internet, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint - Publisher a plus);

• Ability to maintain confidential information with tact and discretion;

• Use of sound judgment while working effectively under minimal supervision;

• Exceptional interpersonal abilities and communication etiquette;

• High level organizational proficiency and proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines;

• Project, time management, and problem-solving skills including the ability to articulate progress, concerns, and recommendations in a timely & concise manner;

• Process improvement and organizational efficiency mindset;

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;

• Exceptional attention to detail;

• Ability to be flexible and highly adaptive to change;

• Ability to demonstrate values and promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti- racism;

• Ability to compose correspondence from notes, discussions, or independently from knowledge of circumstances and policy;

• Study abroad and/or experience living & working abroad helpful, but not required;

• International experience strongly preferred;

• Privacy experience strongly preferred.

• Contract management system experience a plus

• Higher Education experience a plus

Education, Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Juris Doctorate required; Must be licensed to practice law in IL or is able to successfully apply for an Illinois law license within 90 days of the employment start date.

Hiring Salary Range

$115,000- $165,000

Benefits Eligible

Yes

IES Abroad offers a wide range of benefits for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found on our website: https://www.iesabroad.org/about/careers

How to Apply:

All applicants should submit an application including cover letter, resume, and salary requirements by clicking 'Apply' at the top of this page.

Please visit  www.IESabroad.org for more information about working at IES Abroad. If you require an accommodation with the application process, please email us: IESAbroad-Careers@iesabroad.org.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

IES Abroad is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We strive to treat people with respect; fully utilizing employee's abilities and promoting workforce diversity.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, citizenship, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable laws.