Job Title

Legal Counsel

Department

Legal

Location

New York, NY

FLSA Status

Exempt

National Women's Soccer League

 Legal Counsel

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is the top professional women's soccer league in the USA, with 14 teams and 300 of the best soccer players globally. In its 12th season, the league continues to grow exponentially. The NWSL is shattering all-time fan attendance records with 2023 season shattering attendance and viewership records. In November 2023, the NWSL made history in announcing a four-year deal as the biggest deal in women's professional sports with four new broadcast partners for the 2024 season: Amazon Prime Video, CBS, ESPN and Scripps/ION.

Position Description

Reporting to the Vice President, Legal and/or Chief Legal Officer, the Legal Counsel will provide general legal support to the NWSL with a strong focus on corporate transactional work. The ideal candidate is intelligent, hardworking and self-starting, reliable, organized, and can manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. This position is based in New York, NY.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Draft, prepare and review corporate transaction documents for majority and minority ownership transfers and maintain comprehensive understanding of ownership structures for all clubs.
• Manage compliance of league rules including assisting in developing league policies and procedures, interpreting and enforcing applicable league rules.
• Draft, prepare and review a variety of transactional documents, including sponsorships, licensing, media rights, consulting agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and other documents as assigned. 
• Conduct and coordinate research into a variety of legal issues as appropriate. 
• Support risk management efforts and management of insurance policies.
• Drive continuous improvements in policies and processes, including document templates; evaluate workflows and establish priorities.
• Perform other ad hoc projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
• Strong preference for law firm experience working on corporate transactions in the sports industry.
• Strong teamwork and relationship management skills; works effectively as a liaison between the legal department and all internal clients and external partners/stakeholders. 
• Proven ability to conduct research and manage projects and documents, including contracts. 
• Ability to be flexible and resourceful in response to changing priorities and needs.
• Demonstrated willingness to continuously acquire new competencies and accept new challenges.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and must be able to effectively manage communications and projects with a remote workforce.
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and dedication in the fulfillment of commitments.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical and critical thinking skills. 
• Ability to work nontraditional hours. 

Desired Qualifications

• Law firm experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong experience in governance, risk management, and compliance.
• Guided by strong moral and ethical principles.
• Pursues lifelong development and learning.
• Communicates in a direct, open, and honest manner.
• Accountable for actions and decisions.
• Seeks feedback.

• An incredible inclusive culture that is committed to diversity.
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Mental health benefits for employees and dependents.
• FSA for employees and dependents.
• Commuter benefits.
• Short and Long-term disability and life insurance paid by the company.
• Unlimited paid time off, sick days and end of the year office closure.
• 401k with employer match, safe harbor contributions from the company in addition to the employer match.
• Voluntary pet insurance.
• Hybrid work schedule.

Salary: 110K-130K - 10% bonus eligible based on performance.

NWSL salaries are contingent upon candidates' qualifications, functional business needs, and market financials.

NWSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.