Chief Counsel Global Litigation - Chicago, IL

Archer Daniels Midland•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Chief Counsel Global Litigation - Chicago, IL Position Summary The Chief Counsel, Global Litigation serves as the senior legal leader responsible for the strategic oversight of the Company’s global litigation and dispute resolution team and legal portfolio. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, this executive will oversee all aspects of the Company’s litigation and dispute portfolio, lead the enterprise-‑wide litigation practice and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on complex litigation and disputes. This role requires a seasoned, forward-thinking legal executive capable of shaping strategy, developing best practices, and ensuring the Company’s litigation posture aligns with business objectives and risk management goals.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law in at least one state, (and ability to become licensed in Illinois, as applicable), with 15+ years of progressively responsible litigation experience (or equivalent senior-level experience).
Demonstrated expertise managing complex litigation, high stakes disputes, and multi‑jurisdictional matters.
Exceptional advocacy, communication, and executive presentation skills, with the ability to influence outcomes at the highest levels.
Proven track record of developing strong relationships and working effectively across functions and geographies.
Ability to operate with independence, strategic judgment, and a high degree of accountability in a fast-paced‑, dynamic environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity, manage multiple priorities, and drive matters to timely resolution.
High level of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to Company values: integrity, respect, excellence, resourcefulness, teamwork, and responsibility.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a large global company, top-tier law firm, or government agency preferred, particularly involving oversight of litigation strategy, outside counsel, and risk evaluation.
Strong understanding of insurance coverage issues preferred, including reserving, reporting, and collaboration with insurers.

Responsibilities

Global Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Leadership Provide enterprise‑wide strategic oversight of the Company’s global litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution portfolio, including complex cross‑border, international, and high‑stakes matters across multiple jurisdictions.
Lead the development and execution of the Company’s global arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) strategy, including the evaluation and selection of arbitration, mediation, or litigation forums based on enforceability, cost, confidentiality, timing, reputational considerations, and overall risk profile..
Oversee award enforcement strategy and asset recovery planning, including coordination on jurisdictional, geopolitical, sanctions‑related, and sovereign‑risk considerations affecting enforceability.
Dispute Prevention & Contractual Risk Strategy Identify systemic or recurring dispute drivers and work proactively with business leaders to implement risk‑mitigation and dispute‑avoidance strategies.
Enterprise Risk, Governance & Disclosure Serve as a key enterprise leader for litigation and dispute‑related risk governance, ensuring alignment with the Company’s ERM framework, disclosure controls, and financial reporting obligations.
Oversee the assessment, escalation, and communication of material litigation and arbitration risks, including reserves, contingencies, and disclosure considerations, in partnership with Finance, Compliance, and Internal Audit.
Prepare and deliver clear, Board‑ready and Audit Committee‑ready communications on material litigation, arbitration exposure, trends, and strategic posture.
Crisis, Reputation & High‑Impact Matters Lead the Company’s legal response to bet‑the‑company disputes, crisis litigation, escalations, and reputation‑sensitive matters, coordinating closely with Communications, Compliance, Government Relations, Security, and senior management.
Provide trusted, real‑time counsel to executive leadership during emerging disputes or high‑velocity events that may pose material legal, financial, or reputational risk.
Global Consistency & Center‑of‑Excellence Oversight Establish and maintain global litigation and arbitration playbooks, escalation thresholds, and settlement authority frameworks to ensure consistency across regions while respecting local legal requirements.
Drive coordination across regional legal teams to ensure consistent strategy, positions, and messaging in global disputes.
Outside Counsel & Market Strategy Lead a best‑in‑class global outside counsel strategy for litigation and arbitration matters, including firm selection, performance management, alternative fee arrangements, and cost discipline.
Monitor global dispute and arbitration market trends (including funding, procedural developments, and forum dynamics) and adjust strategy accordingly.
Data, Analytics & Continuous Improvement Oversee the development of litigation and arbitration analytics, dashboards, and key performance indicators to improve predictability, cost management, and strategic decision‑making.
Partner with Legal Operations and Technology teams to deploy innovative tools and technology‑enabled solutions that enhance dispute management, early case assessment, and portfolio oversight.
Leadership, Talent & Succession Lead, mentor, and develop a global litigation and dispute resolution team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, sound judgment, and strategic thinking.
Build internal arbitration and dispute resolution capability and ensure succession planning for critical leadership roles within the function.

Benefits

In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional benefits include:
Paid time off including paid holidays.
Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
Tuition assistance.
Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.