Chief Legal Officer (CLO) / General Counsel Recruitment for Family Offices
At Cora, we specialise in recruiting Chief Legal Officers and General Counsels for family offices globally. These key legal roles are crafted to deliver expert legal oversight, manage risks and offer strategic counsel that aligns with the unique needs of Ultra-High-Net-Worth families – safeguarding their wealth and long-term legacy.
Whether working in a Single-Family Office in London or a Multi-Family Office across the UAE, the Chief Legal Office / General Counsel plays a vital role in protecting the family’s wealth, privacy and long-term goals.
Types of Family Office Legal roles we recruit for
Our family office recruitment services extend to a variety of legal leadership roles including:
- Chief Legal Officer (CLO) – Senior executive in charge of all legal aspects within a family office, including governance, risk and compliance
- General Counsel (GC) – Provides legal advice on a wide range of matters, from estate planning and investment strategies to philanthropy and litigation
- Legal Advisors – Specialised positions to handle particular legal needs, such as tax, real estate or trust and estate law
Responsibilities of a Chief Legal Officer / General Counsel in Family Offices
The Chief Legal Officer / General Counsel is responsible for a broad scope of legal functions, ensuring that the family office operates smoothly and in full compliance with local and international regulations.
Legal Strategy & Oversight
- Develop and implement comprehensive legal strategies to support the family’s wealth management, estate planning, and business interests
- Advise on complex transactions, mergers and acquisitions, investments, and new ventures
Risk Management & Compliance
- Identify, assess, and mitigate potential legal and financial risks
- Ensure compliance with tax laws, international regulations, fiduciary duties, and other legal requirements to protect family assets
Estate Planning & Succession
- Oversee the creation and execution of estate plans that ensure the smooth transfer of assets between generations
- Work with family office advisors to ensure long term financial sustainability and minimise tax liabilities
Governance & Family Business Support
- Advise on the family office’s internal governance framework, ensuring decisions align with the family’s values and legal requirements
- Provide legal counsel on the governance of family businesses, including ownership structures, voting rights, and board responsibilities
Philanthropy & Charitable Giving
- Guide on philanthropic strategies, ensuring legal and tax efficient structures are in place for charitable giving and family foundations
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Oversee or manage litigation and dispute resolution efforts to protect family interests, whether in family matters, business conflicts, or external threats
Legal Team Leadership & External Counsel Coordination
- Manage internal legal teams and coordinate with external law firms to ensure seamless and effective legal support
Why Hire a Chief Legal Officer / General Counsel for Your Family Office?
Hiring a CLO or General Counsel in a family office ensures:
- Comprehensive legal protection for your family’s wealth, businesses and personal interests
- Expert risk management strategies to mitigate legal and financial risk, and protect your reputation
- Guidance on estate and succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition of wealth across generations
- Strategic oversight of governance and legal structures, ensuring long-term family legacy and financial stability
- Tailored legal advice on business ventures, investments, and philanthropy, aligned with the family’s values
What is the salary of a Chief Legal Officer / General Counsel?
The salary of a Chief Legal Officer or General Counsel in a family office varies significantly depending on the complexity, location and size of the family office.
Generally, the salaries are as follows:
- UK: £180,000 – £450,000+ base, with additional benefits such as performance bonuses, tax planning and housing allowances for more senior roles
- US: $300,000 – $800,000+, with compensation increasing for larger family offices or more complex portfolios
- UAE: $350,000 – $1 million+, often with tax-free salary benefits, housing, and other expatriate benefits
- Europe: €200,000 – €500,000, with bonuses and additional compensation based on the office’s size and geographical location
At Cora, we offer a bespoke, confidential family office recruitment service, using our global network and understanding of the unique requirements of family offices. We ensure that the legal talent we place not only have the specialist legal expertise required but also align with your family’s values, ensuring seamless integration into your operations.