Chantal Kazay Rivera – McDonald’s

McDonald’s is the world’s largest fast-food chain, with over 42,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. While most people recognize the company’s beloved offerings, such as the Big Mac and Quarter Pounder burgers and World Famous Fries, its impact extends beyond its menu. With approximately 95 percent of its locations independently owned and operated by local franchisees, McDonald’s and its franchisees provide vital employment opportunities to over two million people around the globe.

Chantal Kazay Rivera | McDonald’s | Senior Counsel-Commercial Litigation

The company’s commitment to maintaining a strong legal and ethical foundation, safeguarding its brand, and giving back to communities is exemplified by the work of Chantal Kazay Rivera, senior counsel of commercial litigation. In her role, Kazay Rivera navigates a diverse and high-profile legal landscape, ensuring that McDonald’s legal practices are as globally integrated as its presence.

“Every meal we serve supports local economies and creates jobs. My role in safeguarding our legal and ethical standards is essential to maintaining the trust of our customers and communities,” Kazay Rivera says.

Litigating and lovin’ it

Kazay Rivera brings an unmatched depth of expertise to McDonald’s litigation landscape, handling various complex cases. She collaborates closely with outside counsel, devising strategies that protect the company’s interests while meticulously managing budgets and maintaining rigorous compliance standards. Her work involves all facets of the litigation process, from risk assessment to trial preparation and appellate strategies, ensuring that McDonald’s legal representation is robust, well-coordinated, and effective. She safeguards the McDonald’s brand from potential litigation risks and provides counsel on policies and business initiatives.

Kazay Rivera’s proactive approach to advising her colleagues and business partners helps McDonald’s minimize legal exposure, manage crises, and remain agile in a constantly changing environment. She also handles responses to inquiries and requests from third parties, including federal, state and local governmental entities.

Kazay Rivera’s role doesn’t stop with legal strategy and risk management; she is a committed champion of McDonald’s extensive pro bono and nonprofit efforts, which reflect her passion for social impact. While at Discover, Rivera chaired the pro bono group and has done many important pro bono work throughout her career.

The McDonald’s Global Legal Department has an expansive pro bono program that has impacted countless lives by providing free legal assistance to underserved communities. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the formation of McDonald’s Pro Bono Program. It is one of the reasons why Rivera wanted to join the company.

“Through partnerships with Public Interest Law Initiative, Legal Aid Chicago, National Immigrant Justice Center and Equip for Equality, among many others, McDonald’s lawyers and staff volunteer their time to support low-income families, people with disabilities, and the elderly,” she explains.

These partnerships allow McDonald’s volunteers to assist parents of children with disabilities, advocate for their rights, staff local legal clinics and offer pro bono services to those in need. Kazay Rivera has long committed to these efforts, contributing her expertise and empathy to causes close to her heart.

“I plan to continue my work in criminal justice reform, helping people with expungement and sealing of criminal records, a passion that traces back to my time in law school, when I first began teaching “Criminal Law 101/Street Law” to detained youth at the Juvenile Detention Center and conducting Know Your Rights presentations to underserved communities,” Kazay Rivera says.

Kazay Rivera volunteers monthly with Communities Partnering 4 Peace, a community-based initiative convened by Metropolitan Family Services that provides a comprehensive, long-term approach to reducing gun violence and gang activity in Chicago.

“I genuinely believe in-house counsel must give back and actively demonstrate those values daily as a role model to your in-house peers,” she says.

Flipping the legal switch

Kazay Rivera is putting her stamp within the McDonald’s legal team. She is flipping the switch on traditional corporate approaches with a spirit of collaboration and inclusivity. Her forward-thinking style brings fresh energy, inspiring others to think beyond conventional legal strategies and feel empowered in their roles. Known for creating an environment where diverse ideas are encouraged and every team member feels valued, she hopes to continue to foster a strong sense of unity within a global team of over 230 attorneys.

Kazay Rivera’s collaborative approach extends beyond daily operations; she partners closely with colleagues and managing counsel to balance ambitious team objectives with individual career development. Her commitment to adding value to a high-performing litigation group goes hand in hand with her dedication to working through McDonald’s complex systems, policies, and global practices. With a deep focus on integration, she views her initial year as an invaluable learning phase, embracing it as an opportunity to master McDonald’s unique litigation challenges. Her dedication to lifelong learning and adaptability sets a tone of resilience and responsiveness in the fast-paced corporate world.

Kazay Rivera handles various cases, from franchise disputes to environmental litigation. She models McDonald’s values of integrity, inclusion, and community impact. She encourages a balance between protecting the brand and making meaningful contributions to the communities McDonald’s serves. Her approach ensures the commercial litigation team’s strategies remain agile, creative and community-centered.

A dream job

Kazay Rivera’s journey began with inspiration from her father, a lawyer who instilled in her values of integrity and using the law to make a positive impact.

“I was raised to believe that looking out for others can only help you and improve society. That’s just something that I’ve always been taught and thought was true,” she says.

This early influence led her to New York University, where she studied speech and interpersonal communication. As a freshman, witnessing the events of 9/11 firsthand deeply affected her, solidifying her drive to serve others through law. She later earned her JD from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Kazay Rivera began her career at Liberty Mutual, gaining foundational experience in litigation. She then advanced to Aon, where she spent over six years as senior counsel handling complex corporate cases. Her path continued at Discover Financial Services, where she was Director and Senior Counsel of Litigation, managing high-stakes cases and solidifying her leadership in the field.

After years of waiting for the right opportunity at McDonald’s, Kazay Rivera joined the company in July 2024, thrilled to fulfill a dream job she’s long admired. Though new to the role, she’s eager to contribute her extensive expertise to McDonald’s litigation team.

Outside of work, Kazay Rivera cherishes the values her parents instilled in her. Her career reflects a commitment to integrity and a genuine desire to make a difference in the courtroom and beyond.