McDonald’s Corporation is seeking a Senior Manager, Legal Counsel to serve as a key member of our newly established Artificial Intelligence Legal team. This role is central to supporting enterprise-wide AI initiatives, assisting in the development, governance, and implementation of safe and responsible AI systems for global deployment.
What You'll Do
- Support legal reviews for the development and deployment of AI products and systems.
- Provide analysis and advice on compliance with emerging global AI regulations and standards.
- Collaborate across Global Technology AI developers, engineers, data strategists, scientists, and various global business and legal teams to advise on applicable laws and risk-reward balance.
- Assist in drafting AI guidance, playbooks, and governance materials.
- Support AI contract reviews and risk assessments.
- Participate optimally and constructively as a team member.
- Act as a strategic partner and trusted advisor on legal and non-legal issues.
- Communicate effectively with and influence business clients at all organizational levels, including senior management.
- Establish proactive and trustworthy relationships with clients and other members of the global legal organization.
- Work independently and efficiently under time pressures and deadlines in a dynamic, demanding environment.
- Own dedicated and directed learning of AI technologies and applications.
What We're Looking For
- J.D. degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
- Active good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- Relevant years of legal experience in law firm and/or in-house counsel roles.
- Knowledge of issues affecting AI/ML, Gen AI, and agentic systems, including US and EU AI regulatory compliance obligations, consumer protection, algorithmic bias/discrimination, anti-trust, employment, intellectual property, data, and privacy.
- Proven ability to identify risks and make smart-risk recommendations while balancing reward and business imperatives.
- Sound judgment evidenced through past work.
- Ability to contribute to, influence, and frequently lead cross-functional teams.
- Comfort and effectiveness in dealing with uncertainty and change.
- Strong issue‑spotting, communication, and collaboration skills with a team-first approach.
- Intellectual curiosity and high motivation for continuous learning in AI.
Nice to Have
- Experience and familiarity with AI/ML and GenAI systems, technology, and privacy.
- A recognized AI governance professional certification.
Team & Environment
You will be a member of the newly established Artificial Intelligence Legal team, collaborating with a wide range of global functions.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $167,366.00 - $209,207.00 per year.
- Equity: Stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan.
- Health and welfare benefits.
- 401(k) plan.
- Adoption assistance program.
- Educational and tuition assistance programs.
- Flexible ways of working and work arrangements.
- Time off policies including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO.
- Sabbatical program.
McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job.
