Assistant Counsel

Named one of Sports Business Journal's Best Places to Work in Sports (2024), Front Office Sports' Most Impactful Sports Organizations (2024), and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies (2023), Athletes Unlimited owns and operates professional women’s softball, volleyball, and basketball leagues featuring world-class competition and fan experience. Athletes Unlimited stands out as an organization driven by the athletes that play in the leagues, with athlete representation on the company’s board of directors, each league led by a Player Executive Committee, and players sharing in long-term profits of the company, all while being proactive in shaping policies supporting the women that play in the league. Athletes Unlimited is the first professional sports league to be organized as a Public Benefit Corporation. For more information, visit AUProSports.com.

We provide our team of enthusiastic, collaborative innovators a next-generation workplace with unlimited PTO, competitive health insurance, professional development opportunities, and more so that we can build the future of professional sports. Are you Unlimited?

Athletes Unlimited is looking for an Assistant Counsel to support the General Counsel and provide support on a variety of legal matters, including contract management, compliance, development and enforcement of policies, intellectual property matters, and general business guidance . This position is full-time, remote and reports to the General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Contract Management – Draft, review, redline, negotiate, and manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, including (but not limited to) those related to venue leases, vendors, sponsorships and partnerships, content licenses, and distribution/broadcast agreements; assist in the development and execution of efficient processes related to contract management; manage and advise on complex interplay of contractual rights and obligations across business units. 
• Legal Research – Conduct legal research and stay updated on changes in laws and regulations that impact the business of Athletes Unlimited specifically and sports/entertainment generally, including those related to NCAA/eligibility regulations. 
• Compliance – Ensure knowledge of and compliance and/or adherence with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate policies. 
• Sports Betting/Gambling – Assist in the training of and compliance with AU’s gaming-related integrity initiatives, including efforts to train and monitor AU’s Gambling Policy; manage process to secure and maintain state licenses for AU to participate on sport betting lines. 
• Intellectual Property – Assist in the clearance, prosecution, enforcement and management of AU’s trademark and copyright portfolios and other IP assets; perform global trademark and hot market clearance: review preliminary searches, analyze search reports and provide availability opinions; assist in development of relevant templates for internal communications (updates, proper usage) and external communications (for example, C&D letters)
• Risk Management – Assist in identifying and mitigating legal risks for the organization, both through contract management and legal processes. 
• Training – Assist GC in the preparation, delivery and monitoring of training on legal and compliance issues to personnel and players. 
• Collaboration – Work effectively with internal business units on a variety of different strategic and operational initiatives. 
• Legal Advice – Deliver ongoing analysis and day-to-day legal advice in connection with a wide variety of sports- and media-related agreements as well as strategic and operational issues; Provide legal advice and guidance to business clients and departments on various legal matters. 
• Specialized Areas – Experience and interest in intellectual property and contract law essential; experience in sports and/or entertainment is a plus.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) and admission to the bar, preferably in Illinois or Tennessee
• 1-3 years experience practicing law, preferably with experience in-house or in a similar environment
• Prior experience in sports and/or entertainment preferred but not required
• Strong understanding of contract law and negotiation strategies, and management of interim issues in contract drafts
• Strong understanding of intellectual property issues as they relate to sports, and interplay between IP rights and contract law
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential; ability to manage shifting priorities each day; excellent interpersonal skills with a strong moral compass
• Experience with contract management software, as well as strong organizational and time management skills, are extremely valuable; desire to make an impact in women’s sports
• Occasional travel to game locations may be required
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

This role is full-time, remote and is compensated at a range of $115,000 to $135,000 annually. While this is the intended range, the actual compensation may vary based on several factors including but not limited to qualifications, skills, and geographic location of the position. We anticipate the highest end of the range will be reserved for those who exceed the hiring committee’s expectations on all measures of the evaluation process. In addition, Athletes Unlimited is proud to offer comprehensive benefits and perks to all of our full-time employees, including:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) plan with generous company match
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness and Development benefit
• Caregiving benefit
• Unlimited paid time off alongside company holidays

OUR DEI STATEMENT

As a company, we share a vision to change the world for the better and believe in the power of sports to tear down barriers. We will Be Unlimited in our pursuit to intentionally create an environment where every individual can be their authentic self.

Research shows that women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for a job unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications. We strongly encourage you to apply even if your background is non-traditional or you might not meet every one of the qualifications described.

Athletes Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring process based on race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, pregnancy status, parental status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.