Director, Legal Counsel

Overview

McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy focuses on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years.

Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House Charities to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.

The Corporate Legal team partners closely with global market legal groups, cross-functional leadership, and McDonald's Technology and Operations teams to provide strategic legal support, drive global consistency, and lead risk management efforts.

• Lead the integration of global legal guidance into market and franchise execution strategies.
• Develop and implement legal frameworks ensuring consistency across markets.
• Drive strategic conversations on risk, compliance, governance, and global legal standards.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with business initiatives.
• Support and lead governance processes, including documentation of emerging risks.
• Partner with global and regional legal teams to align risk and compliance practices.
• Lead drafting, review, and negotiation of high-impact commercial and operational agreements.
• Provide timely, practical, and strategic legal counsel to business leaders.
• Influence senior stakeholders and assist in high‑stakes decision-making.
• Build strong partnerships with TPG, global attorneys, market counsel, and internal senior leaders.
• Advise partners on applying legal guidance to complex or evolving business environments.
• Support change management by offering clear, business-aligned legal solutions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior business and legal leadership.
• Communicate complex legal concepts to non‑legal partners with clarity and influence.
• Contribute to strategic operational and business planning discussions.

• JD and Bar passage
• 6–10 years of legal experience.
• Proven experience handling complex legal matters, commercial negotiations, or governance issues.
• Strong cross‑functional leadership and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and lead strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and analytical skills.
• Experience supporting global or multi‑market organizations.
• Experience in franchising, corporate operations, technology, or regulatory environments.
• Prior in‑house experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to improve legal processes, innovate, and drive consistency across markets.

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

LTI Eligible: Yes

Salary Range: The expected salary range for this role is $ - $ per year. The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience and other job-related factors.

Benefits eligible:
This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO). Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment.

Bonus eligible:
This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.

Long term Incentive eligible:
This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term…