Chief Legal Officer

About the role

The Chief Legal Officer serves as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to WEDC’s Chief Executive Officer, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors. This executive leadership role provides oversight of WEDC’s Legal, Compliance, and Human Resources functions while guiding the organization through complex legal, governance, regulatory, and risk management matters. The Chief Legal Officer plays a critical role in advancing WEDC’s mission by ensuring sound governance, fostering organizational effectiveness, and delivering practical legal and business guidance in a dynamic public-sector environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors on legal, governance, compliance, and strategic business matters
• Lead WEDC’s corporate governance activities, including Board and committee support, bylaws, policies, and organizational oversight
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Legal, Compliance, and Human Resources divisions
• Advises on legal risk, regulatory compliance, policy development, and complex organizational initiatives
• Review, draft, and analyze legislation affecting WEDC and support engagement with policymakers and stakeholders
• Oversee outside counsel relationships and support litigation and legal proceedings as needed
• Parenth across the organization to identify risks, develop solutions, and advance key business objectives

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and active license to practice law in Wisconsin
• Seven or more years of legal experience, with ten or more years preferred
• Five or more years of leadership experience, including responsibility for managing teams and developing talent
• Experience advising executive leaders, boards of directors, or governing bodies on complex legal and business matters
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and legislative processes
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business guidance
• Experience in a quasi-governmental organization and/or both public and private sector environments preferred
• Occasional statewide travel (less than 20%)