General Counsel

The General Counsel is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. This position will: provide senior leadership with legally sound advice on organization issues; lead the legal function; ensure legal compliance; limit risk exposure; and hire and oversee the work of junior in-house and/or outside counsel. The General Counsel supports the strategic vision, facilitates development of business strategies, and is directly involved in complex business transactions and negotiating critical contracts. This executive position requires a values-driven, collaborative, and visionary leader with outstanding critical thinking and communications skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership, Strategy and Risk Management

• Advises the CEO and Senior Leadership Team regarding organization issues, policies, procedures, the interpretation and application of the law, and other matters.
• Advises the Board of Directors regarding governance issues and other legal questions.
• Maintains legally required and permanent records and files. Responds to subpoenas and requests for medical records.
• Negotiates matters with outside entities.
• Represents Thresholds in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Serves as a legal strategist and drives continuous improvement of standards and legal processes.

Regulatory Compliance

• Represents Thresholds with government officials.
• Participates in investigations by outside agencies and governmental entities. Reviews drafts of the organization’s written responses to investigatory entities before they are issued.
• Remains informed regarding federal, state, and local law and regulations affecting Thresholds. Researches legal issues as needed and provides updates to Senior Leadership.

Real Estate and Housing

• Advises leadership regarding legal issues affecting Thresholds’ properties. Reviews all leases and contracts. Conducts negotiations regarding such leases and contracts.
• Handles all requests for property tax exemption.
• Maintains required real estate documents.

Contracts and Outside Counsel

• Reviews contracts, agreements, license applications and memoranda of understanding.
• Leads, participates in, or advises contract negotiations.
• Hires outside counsel with approval of the CEO. Oversees and directs their performance. Evaluates the effectiveness of outside counsel.

Employment Law

• Advises Senior Leadership regarding employment issues.
• Responds to potential administrative charges and appeals.
• Reviews the Workforce Development Team’s training content for employees regarding compliance with laws and regulations.

Policies and Procedures

• Advises the Compliance Committee regarding internal investigations undertaken pursuant to administrative regulations, and other matters within the scope of their responsibilities.
• Advises the Policy Committee regarding Thresholds’ policies and procedures.

Legal Consulting and Risk Prevention

• Anticipates long-term needs of the organization and identifies potential risks.
• Recommends proactive solutions that will eliminate or mitigate risks.
• Establishes best practices on matters of organizational policies, compliance, and risk assessment and mitigation, and sets the future course on these matters for the organization.
• Alerts Leadership Team regarding internal and external issues that may create legal questions and advises on options to avoid potential risks or problems.

Mission, Human Rights and DEI

• Supports Thresholds’ Mission.
• Demonstrates a commitment to human rights; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and social change.

MARGINAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent
• Education in the areas of health care, business and/or non-profit administration will be considered an asset

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum five years of experience in the practice of one or more areas of law related to the position
• Prior experience working in a nonprofit is desirable, but not necessary. However, the General Counsel must be passionate about working in a mission-driven organization dedicated to social services, housing, and human rights.

SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS

• Currently admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois. Incumbent must remain a member of the Illinois State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
• Ability to anticipate legal issues or risks.
• Demonstrates a proactive, holistic approach.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Collaborative work style that ensures key stakeholders are consulted where appropriate.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.