General counsel compensation varies widely, influenced by industry, company size, and location. Total compensation can range from low-to-mid six figures up to several million dollars, with the highest compensations typically found in leading Fortune 500 companies. At the very top of the GC compensation scale, the top-ranking general counsel in the U.S. made more than $15 million last year.
Companies should assess their legal and business needs when hiring a general counsel. The candidate should have qualifications that align with these needs, bringing strategic value to the company's legal and business operations.
E.P. Dine's extensive network is critical in successful general counsel searches, sourcing top candidates in various industries. Notable placements include general counsels for large global public companies, to startups, to more mature privately-held companies.