General Counsel

The General Counsel is responsible for oversight and management of the association’s legal affairs including, providing legal counsel and advice on corporate legal matters, preparing corporate annual reports and filings, registering and maintaining trademarks, maintaining and administering the association’s insurance policies and programs, endorsement and certification of international candidates, interpretation and guidance regarding constitution, by-laws, parliamentary rules and board policy, and resolving disputes and other questions raised at any level of the organization.

Responsibilities and Duties

Responsible for the oversight and management of the association’s legal affairs, including providing legal counsel and advice on corporate legal and other association matters.
Manages attorney or senior attorney and legal administrative staff, including leading, managing and evaluating employees and division strategic planning.
Provides legal and strategic counsel and advice to the International Board of Directors regarding association constitution, by-laws, parliamentary rules and board policy; reviews governmental laws, regulations and policies that may have an effect on the operations, activities, mission and objectives of Lions Clubs International.
Serves as the Legal functional liaison to the Board of Directors through the Constitution and By-Laws committee, and prepares committee reports and resolutions.
Reviews and provides advice concerning endorsements and certification of endorsements for candidates for an international office in accordance with association constitution and by-laws.
Records and distributes the minutes and reports of the proceedings of meetings of the International Board of Directors, Executive Committee and other committees as required. Serves as custodian of association records and corporate seal.
Manages and administers association insurance policies and general liability insurance program, and maintains the risk management department budget.
Manages, maintains and registers trademarks and reviews and approves applications for use of Lions name and emblems.
Engages and coordinates efforts with outside legal representation as appropriate and represents the association in litigation matters.
Reviews and provides legal counsel and advice on association labor and employment matters.
Interprets and advises members and staff on association constitution, by-laws, parliamentary rules and board policy.
Leads, coordinates or provides advice on investigations, and dispute resolution complaints and procedures related to association constitutional and/or legal matters.
Reviews and approves various association contracts.
Administers and controls the division budget within budgetary guidelines to contribute to cost-effective operation of the association.
Provides functional input to the association’s strategic plan and executes division strategic objectives.
Oversees domestic and foreign corporate and charitable registrations, registered agent registrations, licensing.
Executes association contracts, acknowledgments, and other official association documents.
Performs other responsibilities and assignments as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

Juris Doctorate
Ten or more years experience practicing law including trademark, copyright, corporate, contract, international, property, tax, association and/or employment law.
Member of the Illinois Bar
International experience beneficial