Manager Legal Counsel

Company Description 

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 continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.   

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House Charities to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.   

McDonald’s is seeking a highly capable Legal Counsel to support our operations in Mexico. This role will provide day-to-day legal advice with a strong emphasis on labor and employment law, while also supporting broader legal, compliance, and governance matters. The Legal Counsel will act as a trusted business partner, enabling informed decision-making and responsible risk management. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Labor & Employment 

Provide day-to-day legal advisory services with a strong focus on Mexican labor and employment law, including employee relations, disciplinary actions, terminations, and engagement with local labor authorities. 

Advise on HR policies, employment agreements, and other employment-related documentation, providing risk-balanced and business-oriented recommendations. 

• General Legal Support 

Support additional areas of law as needed, including corporate, commercial, data privacy, and compliance matters within Mexico. 

Manage and coordinate external counsel to ensure high-quality and cost-effective legal services. 

Oversee, track, and report on legal matters, ensuring appropriate visibility for both local and global leadership. 

• Compliance & Investigations 

Support the local compliance and whistleblowing program, including conducting or coordinating investigations in partnership with Global Compliance and Global Workplace Investigations. 

Collaborate with Global Compliance and deliver legal and compliance training to business and HR teams on topics such as anti-corruption, harassment prevention, ethical conduct, and other relevant areas. 

• Corporate Governance 

Support the management of corporate records, governance processes, and legal entity documentation to ensure ongoing compliance with local requirements. 

• Business Partnership 

Serve as a trusted advisor to site and functional leadership, providing proactive and pragmatic legal guidance that enables strategic decision-making and responsible risk management. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (Licenciatura en Derecho). 

• Active registration with the Mexican Bar Association. 

• 5–7 years of post-qualification experience, ideally within a multinational company or a reputable law firm, with a strong emphasis on labor and employment law. 

• Solid understanding of Mexican labor law, with additional exposure to corporate, commercial, and compliance matters. 

• Experience advising internal stakeholders and managing external counsel. 

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders. 

• Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken). 

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• Demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with practical business judgment.