Assistant or Associate General Counsel

Working/Functional Title

Assistant or Associate General Counsel

Position Summary

The University seeks an Assistant or Associate General Counsel to provide legal advice to the University, primarily supporting and advising the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (Athletics).  The Assistant or Associate General Counsel will play a pivotal role in drafting, managing, and negotiating contracts for Athletics, including but not limited to contracts related to sponsorships; commercial partnerships; name, image, and likeless (NIL) activities; media rights; and employee contracts.  This position is a dual report to the Office of the General Counsel and Athletics, and the Assistant or Associate General Counsel will work closely with Athletics Leadership, the Athletics Business Office, Office of Compliance Services, and department approved consultants.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, negotiation, and execution of all contracts related to Athletics.
• Ensure all contractual agreements align with Athletics's strategic goals and comply with legal and regulatory requirements, in light of recent legal decisions and revenue-sharing models with student-athletes.
• Evaluate potential risks associated with contracts and propose mitigating strategies, ensuring compliance with recent legal rulings.
• Ensure contracts comply with State and Federal laws, as well as NCAA regulations.
• Work collaboratively with coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and external parties to understand their needs and provide effective contract solutions to secure favorable terms, mitigate risks, and alignment with budgetary contraints.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all contract negotiations and final agreements.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to contract management within Athletics, considering recent legal precedents.

Working/Functional Title

Assistant or Associate General Counsel

Position Summary

The University seeks an Assistant or Associate General Counsel to provide legal advice to the University, primarily supporting and advising the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (Athletics).  The Assistant or Associate General Counsel will play a pivotal role in drafting, managing, and negotiating contracts for Athletics, including but not limited to contracts related to sponsorships; commercial partnerships; name, image, and likeless (NIL) activities; media rights; and employee contracts.  This position is a dual report to the Office of the General Counsel and Athletics, and the Assistant or Associate General Counsel will work closely with Athletics Leadership, the Athletics Business Office, Office of Compliance Services, and department approved consultants.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, negotiation, and execution of all contracts related to Athletics.
• Ensure all contractual agreements align with Athletics's strategic goals and comply with legal and regulatory requirements, in light of recent legal decisions and revenue-sharing models with student-athletes.
• Evaluate potential risks associated with contracts and propose mitigating strategies, ensuring compliance with recent legal rulings.
• Ensure contracts comply with State and Federal laws, as well as NCAA regulations.
• Work collaboratively with coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and external parties to understand their needs and provide effective contract solutions to secure favorable terms, mitigate risks, and alignment with budgetary contraints.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all contract negotiations and final agreements.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to contract management within Athletics, considering recent legal precedents.
• Provide training and guidance to internal Athletics staff on contract-related matters, best practices, and the implications of recent legal decisions.
• Work with the Office of the General Counsel to address and resolve any contract-related disputes in a timely and effective manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Juris Doctorate (JD) granted by an ABA accredited law school

Minimum Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD) granted by an ABA accredited law school;
• Admission to or eligibility for admission to the State Bar of Michigan within 6 months of position start date; and
• At least five years of experience in drafting and negotiating contracts.

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent writing ability and advocacy skills;
• Experience working and negotiating with sports agents or advisors;
• Understanding collegiate and/or professional sports landscape;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and compliance issues, particularly related to revenue sharing with student-athletes; and
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae.

Special Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume addressed to Brian Quinn, Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, by applying to Posting 1004934 at https://careers.msu.edu by December 20, 2024.  Late submissions will be considered if a suitable candidate pool has not been identified by the deadline.  The successful candidate will be required to complete a criminal background check.  

Review of Applications Begins On

12/20/2024

Website

https://ogc.msu.edu; https://msuspartans.com

Department Statement

The Office of the General Counsel represents the University with respect to all litigation and supervises all outside legal services provided to the University to assure they meet the highest standards.  Our services include advice and counsel on all matters that have legal significance for the University, including contract review, advice regarding state and federal laws, legal workshops, and educational programs.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.