Job Information
The Chicago Community Trust (Hybrid) Senior Corporate Counsel in Chicago, Illinois
Job Descriptions:
Title: Senior Corporate Counsel
Department: Executive/President’s Office
Reports to: General Counsel
Direct Reports: None
FSLA: Exempt
Salary: $105,353.46 - $135,068.54
Position Summary
The Chicago Community Trust seeks an experienced Senior Counsel to assist in managing the legal aspects of the intake and administration of donor bequests and non-cash gifts. This role is central to ensuring that donor legacy gifts—whether coming through estates, trusts, or other planned giving vehicles—are stewarded responsibly, efficiently, and in alignment with donor intent and applicable laws. This role plays a critical part in advancing a proactive, solutions-oriented legal culture that protects the Trust’s interests and supports mission-driven innovation.
Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this attorney is required to work collaboratively with the Philanthropic Services team, specifically the Director of Gift Planning, to document and facilitate bequests and other planned gifts. In addition, the Senior Counsel will advise on and prepare or review legal documentation related to the acceptance, liquidation, and transfer of complex or illiquid assets.
Development of a strong partnership with the Director of Gift Planning who sits in Philanthropic Services is central to the success of this role. The Director of Gift Planning must maintain a close relationship with donor families and professional advisors and is a key negotiator during the intake and throughout the process.
This position also offers the opportunity to be cross-trained in other corporate legal functions such as drafting and reviewing contracts, fund-related documents and grant agreements as well as providing legal guidance across departments to help teams navigate various legal and regulatory requirements and align operations with ethical standards.
Position Responsibilities
Bequests & Estate Administration
Work in strong and clear partnership with the Director of Gift Planning.
As assigned, manage the legal aspects of the intake process for donor bequests and estate gifts, from initial notification through final distribution.
Serve as the Trust’s primary legal contact with:
Trustees administering gifts from trusts
Attorneys and personal representatives settling estates
Financial institutions, custodians, and executors
As assigned, review wills, trust instruments, settlement agreements, and related estate planning documents to confirm donative intent and ensure compliance with legal and Trust requirements.
Identify and resolve legal issues related to restricted gifts, donor intent, property titles, or potential disputes.
Enter all actions and plans into our Sales Force system in compliance with accepted practices which are led by the Philanthropic Services team.
Intake & Disposition of Complex Gifts
Work in strong and clear partnership with the Director of Gift Planning, who has specific expertise in the areas of non-cash assets.
As assigned, oversee legal due diligence for gifts of non-cash assets, including but not limited to:
Real estate
Business interests (LLCs, partnerships, corporations)
Tangible personal property
Other complex assets
Advise the members of the Trust’s Gift Acceptance Committee on the assessment of potential non-cash gifts.
As assigned, draft and negotiate legal documents related to acceptance, transfer, liquidation, or disposition of non-cash gifts.
Coordinate with the Finance, Investment, and Philanthropic Services teams to ensure timely and compliant asset management and related reporting.
General Legal Support
Provide support to the General Counsel on a wide range of in-house functions.
Monitor legal, legislative and regulatory developments affecting charitable giving and community foundations.
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents.
Assist in developing and updating templates for various types of fund agreements and related internal and external guidance about related Trust policies and procedures.
Assist with governance, risk management, compliance, policy development, and training.
Serve as a resource to staff on legal and compliance questions related to charitable giving, tax-exempt organizations, and nonprofit operations.
Identify opportunities to improve internal legal workflows and oversee the development, documentation, and implementation of enhanced processes that promote efficiency and compliance.
Required Experience:
Position Qualifications
Required
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Active bar membership in good standing.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible legal experience, with a focus on estate planning.
Experience working with tax-exempt organizations.
Strong analytical, drafting, research, and communication skills, with demonstrated business and financial acumen. Proven ability to read, analyze and interpret highly complex legal documents and apply legal principles to organizational needs.
Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously and communicate effectively with external counsel, trustees, and beneficiaries.
Preferred
Background in corporate law, especially relating to business ownership structures.
Experience with real estate transactions or complex asset transfers.
Familiarity with planned giving structures such as charitable remainder trusts, lead trusts, and donor-advised funds.
Skills & Attributes
Excellent legal judgment and risk assessment capabilities.
Demonstrated success in collaborating in a team environment and ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and drive strategic initiatives.
Ability to work independently, be self-motivated.
Comfort working with donors, families, and professional advisors during sensitive transitions.
Detail-oriented, organized, and able to guide processes from intake to completion.
Commitment to the mission and values of community philanthropy.
Keyword: (Hybrid) Senior Corporate Counsel
From: The Chicago Community Trust