Overview
General Counsel Jobs in Detroit Metropolitan Area at Confidential
Title: General Counsel
Company: Confidential
Location: Detroit Metropolitan Area
Employer Type: Law Firm & affiliated Family Office
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location On-site / Hybrid (negotiable)
Experience 15+ years (combined corporate & litigation)
Reports To Chief Executive Officer
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
- Our organization encompasses a leading law firm and a closely affiliated family office managing private investments, real estate holdings, estate planning structures, and philanthropic interests. This unique dual platform requires a senior legal executive with the versatility to navigate multi-faceted legal matters.
- The General Counsel will serve as the firm's and family office's most senior in-house legal officer, providing enterprise-wide legal leadership across both entities.
ROLE SUMMARY
- The General Counsel is responsible for all legal affairs of the law firm and family office, including enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, contract oversight, litigation strategy oversight, employment matters, transactional counsel, and governance. This executive will function as a trusted strategic partner to the Managing Partner and Family Principal, offering proactive counsel that protects and advances organizational objectives across both platforms.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Law Firm — Legal & Operational Counsel
• Advise on law firm governance, partnership structure, and attorney professional responsibility
obligations
• Review, draft, and negotiate vendor agreements, co-counsel arrangements, and referral
agreements
• Oversee bar compliance, licensing, and regulatory filings across jurisdictions
• Manage and direct outside counsel on complex matters involving the firm itself
• Counsel on employment and HR matters including attorney and staff hiring, performance,
separation, and compensation disputes
• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, reputational, and operational risk across the firm
Family Office — Wealth Counsel
• Provide legal oversight for investment activities, including private equity, real estate, and
alternative investments
• Draft and negotiate purchase agreements, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and
loan documents
• Coordinate with external estate planning counsel on trust structures, entity formation, and
generational wealth strategies
• Manage legal review of philanthropic vehicles including foundation governance and grant
agreements
• Ensure compliance with applicable securities, banking, and investment regulations
Enterprise-Wide Leadership
• Develop and maintain legal policies, templates, and playbooks across both entities
• Serve as primary legal liaison to principals and senior leadership
• Lead legal due diligence on strategic investments and partnerships
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting both the law firm and family office
operations
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active bar admission in good standing; Michigan licensed
• 15+ years of legal experience spanning both corporate and litigation practice areas
• Demonstrated experience advising law firms or professional services organizations on internal
governance and risk
• Experience managing or supervising outside counsel
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, principal-led environment
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills; ability to translate complex legal issues for non-lawyer stakeholders
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Prior in-house General Counsel or Deputy GC experience
• Familiarity with multi-entity family office structures and family governance best practices
• Litigation background a plus
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Generous PTO and firm holidays
• Professional dues, bar fees, and CLE reimbursement
