Sr Manager, AI Legal Counsel

McDonald's Corporation • Chicago, IL

18d

About The Position

McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We are committed to driving responsible innovation, building technologies that serve our customers and communities, and developing future‑ready capabilities across our global system.
The AI Counsel will be a key member of McDonald’s newly established Artificial Intelligence Legal team. This role supports enterprise‑wide AI initiatives by assisting in the development, governance, and implementation of safe and responsible AI systems for deployment globally.

Requirements

• 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, 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 to comfortably make smart-risk recommendations while balancing reward and business imperatives
• Sound judgment evidenced through past work
• Ability to contribute to, influence, and frequently leads cross-functional teams
• Comfortable with and effective in dealing with uncertainty and change
• Strong issue‑spotting, communication, and collaboration skills with a team-first approach.
• Intellectual curiosity and high motivation in continuous learning of AI.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and familiarity with AI/ML, GenAI systems, technology and privacy.
• Recognized AI governance professional certification

Responsibilities

• Supports legal reviews related to the development and deployment of AI products and systems.
• Provides analysis and advice on compliance with emerging global AI regulations and standards.
• Collaborates across Global Technology AI product developers, engineers, Enterprise Data Analytics & AI strategists, data scientists, various global business and legal teams and advise on applicable laws and ways to balance risk and reward for McDonald’s.
• Assists in drafting AI guidance, playbooks and governance materials.
• Supports AI contract reviews and risk assessments.
• Participates optimally and constructively as a member of the team.
• Is a strategic partner and trusted advisor on legal and non-legal issues.
• Optimally communicates with and influence business clients at all levels of the organization, including senior management.
• Establishes proactive and trustworthy relationships with clients as well as other members of the legal organization globally.
• Works independently and efficiently under time pressures and deadlines in a dynamic, demanding environment.
• Owns dedicated and directed learning of AI.

Benefits

• This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO).
• This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.
• This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree