CDW Corporation

Dir Senior Counsel

CDW Corporation • $200K — $250K *
Chicago, IL 60629In-Person
Legal & Accounting
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • J.D. or LL.M. from accredited law school
  • 12+ years of progressive legal experience in technology services or IT consulting
  • Licensed to practice law in Illinois (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
  • Substantial experience in negotiating complex technology services agreements
  • Strong understanding of managed and cloud services delivery models
  • Knowledgeable in data privacy regulations and cybersecurity compliance
  • Demonstrated experience as a strategic advisor in a dynamic corporate environment

Responsibilities

  • Advise Services & Solutions and Sales leadership on business initiatives
  • Collaborate with stakeholders on building customer-focused service delivery
  • Lead negotiations for complex commercial and technology transactions
  • Provide pragmatic legal advice balancing risk and business agility
  • Manage legal risks in partnerships and vendor relationships
  • Support compliance with multi-jurisdiction regulations affecting services
  • Provide ongoing legal support for operational issues and disputes

Benefits

  • Opportunity for professional development and mentorship
  • Access to training and resources in commercial risk and contract management
  • Supportive legal team environment focused on agility and customer service
  • Potential for expanded leadership responsibilities as the business grows
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams for cohesive legal strategies
Full Job Description
Job Summary

The Director, Legal Counsel is a senior commercial and technology-focused legal advisor who leads complex transactional matters and provides proactive, business-aligned legal guidance across CDW's Services & Solutions and Sales organizations. Reporting to the Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, Services & Solutions, this role combines hands-on deal execution with strategic counseling, helping the company negotiate high-value technology transactions, manage legal and compliance risk, and develop scalable contracting frameworks that enable growth and operational efficiency. The Director partners closely with business units, OEM, System Integrators and distribution partners, and global legal colleagues to support high-impact initiatives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

What you will do
  • Strategic Advisory and Business Partnership
    • Serve as a trusted legal advisor to Services & Solutions and Sales leadership, providing counsel on business initiatives, market expansion, and operational decisions
    • Collaborate proactively with stakeholders to ensure CDW builds, sells, delivers, and manages new services and solutions in a manner consistent with CDW's risk profile, financial targets, strategic goals, and contractual obligations
    • Help simplify and evolve the company's operating model and delivery processes to reduce friction for customers and drive greater efficiency in execution
    • Support M&A due diligence and integration activities for Solutions & Services acquisitions and strategic partnerships as needed
  • Commercial Contracting and Negotiations
    • Lead the negotiation and structuring of complex commercial and technology transactions, including managed services agreements, professional services contracts, technology licensing arrangements, cloud solution agreements, and strategic partnership arrangements
    • Provide pragmatic, go-to-market legal advice that balances risk mitigation with business agility and competitive positioning
    • Manage legal and commercial risk in partner, vendor, and subcontractor relationships critical to services delivery
    • Handle escalated contract negotiations involving material customer relationships and significant revenue impact
    • Develop and refine standardized contract templates, playbooks, and clause libraries that support scalable and efficient commercial execution
  • Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
    • Support compliance with state, federal, and international regulations affecting services and sales across multiple jurisdictions
    • Help develop controls and strengthen governance processes that support CDW's continued transformation into a leading digital and services-led technology partner
    • Monitor evolving regulations affecting technology services, including AI governance, cybersecurity requirements, data privacy (GDPR, CCPA, sector-specific requirements), and industry-specific compliance
    • Manage IP considerations in services delivery, including customer data rights, developed solutions ownership, and third-party IP compliance
  • Operational Legal Support
    • Provide ongoing legal support for services operations, including change orders, service modifications, performance issues, and customer relationship management
    • Advise on legal aspects of services staffing models, including contractor vs. employee classifications, customer site requirements, and security clearance obligations
    • Manage and resolve commercial disputes, service delivery claims, and pre-litigation matters in coordination with the broader Legal team
    • Coordinate with other Legal team members and cross-functional partners to maximize a unified, agile, customer-friendly approach
  • Team Leadership and Development
    • While this role does not currently include direct reports, the Director will operate as a senior leader within the Legal team, mentoring and guiding junior attorneys and legal professionals on complex matters as needs arise
    • As the Solutions & Services business continues to grow, this role may evolve to include direct management of attorneys and legal support staff, with responsibility for hiring, performance management, and professional development
    • Collaborate effectively with peers across the Legal department and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent, high-quality legal support
  • Training, Coaching, and Process Improvement
    • Build capability across the organization by providing training, coaching, and practical guidance to coworkers in Sales, Services & Solutions, and other functions on commercial risk, contract management, and regulatory requirements
    • Drive continuous improvement in legal processes and champion adoption of legal technology tools to improve contract management and risk assessment


What we expect of you
  • J.D. or LL.M. from accredited law school
  • 12+ years of progressive legal experience with significant focus on technology services, IT consulting, or complex commercial transactions
  • Licensed to practice law in Illinois (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
  • Extensive experience negotiating and structuring complex technology services agreements, including MSAs, SOWs, outsourcing agreements, licensing agreements, and SaaS/cloud agreements
  • Strong understanding of managed services, professional services, and cloud services business and delivery models
  • Working knowledge of data privacy regulations, cybersecurity compliance, and industry-specific requirements across multiple jurisdictions
  • Experience with international services delivery and cross-border legal considerations, particularly in North America and Europe
  • Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic advisor in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, influencing outcomes and aligning legal strategy with business objectives
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives
  • Experience partnering with P&L-responsible business leaders and understanding the financial impact of legal decisions
  • Exceptional judgment, executive presence, and ability to manage competing priorities across multiple business stakeholders


Preferred skills, experience, and qualities needed (optional)
  • Experience at a major technology services company or in a top-tier international law firm technology practice
  • International legal experience with multi-jurisdiction teams across Americas, Europe, and other regions
  • Technology transformation leadership including AI adoption, process automation, and legal technology implementation
  • Experience developing or managing contract playbooks, template libraries, and legal process automation


Pay range: $ 200,000 - $ 250,600 depending on experience and skill set
Annual bonus target of 25% subject to terms and conditions of plan
Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/
Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials

We make technology work so people can do great things.

About CDW Corporation

CDW is a provider of IT solutions for business, government, education, and healthcare. It features dedicated account managers who help customers choose the right technology products and services to meet their needs. The company’s solution architects offer expertise in designing customized solutions, while its advanced technology engineers assist customers with the implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois, With a balanced portfolio of 250,000 small-, medium- and large-sized customers, CDW generated net sales of $10.1 billion in 2012, and employs more than 6,800 coworkers in 25 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1984 by entrepreneur Michael Krasny, CDW pioneered the business model that melds personalized business-to-business technology distribution with advanced technology services. Today, CDW is ranked No. 31 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies and No. 267 on the FORTUNE 500 list of America’s top companies.

CDW Corporation Careers

Join the vibrant team at CDW Corporation, a leading provider of technology solutions and services, where innovation, leadership, and growth are at the heart of what we do. As a powerhouse in the tech industry, CDW Corporation offers unparalleled job opportunities to both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At CDW Corporation, you’ll be part of a culture that cherishes diversity, innovation, and leadership. Our team is composed of over 10,000 strong, dedicated professionals who lead the way in technology and consulting services. We are committed to helping some of the world’s most well-known companies navigate their digital transformation journeys.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

CDW Corporation is not just a company; it's a place where you can shape your future. With a variety of career paths available, your professional growth is supported by robust training programs, diversity training, and opportunities for leadership development. We believe in fostering a culture where innovation thrives and where our employees are encouraged to develop new skills and gain valuable experiences.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with CDW Corporation’s dynamic internship programs. These opportunities allow you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios, ensuring you gain the experience and insights needed to excel. Our internships are designed to transform students into professionals by involving them in projects that promote problem-solving, networking, and professional growth.

Join Our Team

Discover the wide range of job opportunities at CDW Corporation, from technology to business management. Each position offers a chance to work on transformative technology solutions while building a career that aligns with your passions and skills.

Benefits of Working at CDW Corporation

Choosing to work at CDW Corporation means opting for a career that comes with competitive benefits designed to support you and your family. These include health, dental, and vision insurance, employee wellness programs, and generous retirement plans. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in every aspect of our corporate structure.

Inclusive Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that all candidates, regardless of background, feel valued from the initial interview through to potential employment. We look for passionate, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to drive change. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and get ready to join a team that’s at the forefront of the technology sector.

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Explore Jobs at CDW Corporation

Search open positions that match your skills and interests on our careers page. Whether you’re looking to contribute your experience or start fresh, CDW Corporation offers a path for you. [SEARCH CDW JOBS] Join CDW Corporation and be part of a team that values professionalism, opportunity, and innovation. Let’s shape the future together!
Learn more about CDW Corporation
Size
13,900 employees
Market Cap
$24.1 billion
Industry
Information Technology
Net Income
$788.4 million
Founded
1984
5 Year Trend
+8.8%
Revenue
$18.4 billion
NASDAQ
CDW
* Ladders Estimates

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