Corporate Counsel

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers—we are storytellers, collaborators, innovators, and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people generate new ideas to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems. We come to work every day to design a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for communities and cities around the world.

Our team member-focused, “people first” culture and “one firm-firm” philosophy allow us to work seamlessly across geographies and align individual interests with career opportunities wherever they exist. Gensler’s mission is to “Create a Better World Through the Power of Design,” and we do that with a deep commitment to our clients and by fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment that enables our people to do their best work, pursue their personal passions, and realize their full professional potential.

About the Role

The Hub is a diverse team of experts, creatives, and technicians focused on delivering business operations excellence for the firm across the globe. Within the Hub, the Legal Studio serves as a practical, business-minded partner to Gensler’s practice areas, leaders, and project teams, helping the firm anticipate risk, make informed decisions, and support responsible growth. The Legal Studio works closely with colleagues across the firm to provide clear guidance, simplify complex issues, and develop tools, training, and practical solutions that support the business of design.

Gensler is seeking a Corporate Counsel to join its Legal Studio. The Corporate Counsel will report to the General Counsel and will be based onsite in our Los Angeles office. This position provides global legal support across a broad range of corporate, operational, and transactional matters. As a member of the firm's corporate legal team, you will advise on corporate governance, international market-entry initiatives, vendor and technology contracting, real estate, intellectual property, data privacy, firm architectural licensure, employment, and other strategic business operations.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a lawyer who is passionate about understanding the business of design and has a desire to work with creative leaders. This is not a conventional, back-office, black-letter legal role; at Gensler, you will be on the front line, dealing with senior firm leadership daily, and partnering with them and your Legal Studio colleagues to navigate opportunities and challenges in an ever-complex world. We are looking for a trusted business partner who enjoys working closely with firm leadership, understanding business objectives, and delivering practical, solution-oriented advice that enables the firm to grow and innovate.

Responsibilities

• Advise on corporate governance matters for domestic and international subsidiaries, branches, and affiliated entities.
• Lead legal support for international market entry and corporate growth initiatives; coordinate and manage outside counsel and business stakeholders on entity formation, licensing, regulatory, and operational requirements.
• Help to manage and protect the firm’s global intellectual property portfolio; negotiate related agreements and manage related disputes.
• Serve as lead counsel for procurement, technology, SaaS, consulting, licensing, and other vendor agreements.
• Advise on global architectural licensing, scope-of-practice, professional registration, and related regulatory compliance matters.
• Manage the firm’s data governance and privacy compliance program to ensure legal and regulatory compliance; partner with stakeholders across the firm to develop and implement data governance policies, training and awareness initiatives, incident response planning, and privacy compliance programs.
• Develop and promote compliance with policies around procurement and use of digital goods and services in the creation of digital experiences, data visualizations, and other digital client deliverables.
• Negotiate and revise leases, amendments, and renewals.

Qualifications

• Active bar admission in California.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in general corporate and commercial matters in a transactional setting (in a law firm and/or corporate legal department).
• Experience required in establishing and maintaining corporate entities, including Board and shareholder actions and meetings.
• Experience strongly preferred in real property matters including drafting and negotiating leases.
• Experience preferred in the areas of data privacy compliance (including CCPA and GDPR), data governance, and negotiating related commercial agreements.
• Experience preferred in supporting mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions, including due diligence and transaction execution.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to work across various functions and levels within an organization.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and positive team player.

Pay

The compensation range is estimated to be between $170,000–$180,000 plus bonuses and benefits, contingent on relevant experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• Wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off.
• 401k, profit sharing, and employee stock ownership.
• Twice annual bonus opportunities.
• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees.
• Tuition reimbursement for certain eligible programs or classes.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests. We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life.