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Senior Counsel

Allen Park, MI 48101

The Senior Counsel is an essential member of the legal team at Ford Field & Detroit Lions, working closely with senior management and across organizational departments. This professional should be solutions-oriented, people-forward, flexible, and agile, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex legal matters while maintaining a collaborative and inclusive approach. Additionally, they must be intellectually curious, consistently staying informed on legal developments, exploring innovative approaches to challenges, and proactively contributing to the strategic goals of the organization. Between the Detroit Lions and Ford Field, the myriad of issues are diverse and so a hands-on, big-picture focus is essential. The work of Senior Counsel happens through important documents that create clear expectations and appropriate terms, advising on important matters and by way of partnership that exists inside and outside the walls of our facilities.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Facilitate thoughtful and appropriate Commercial Agreements:  Steady stream of daily transactional work and risk management matters, including preparing, reviewing, and independently negotiating a variety of operational contracts, including sponsorship, events, content, vendor, confidentiality agreements, and vendor agreements.
  • Standard-bearer of Industry Trends & Best Practices:  Update and maintain form templates, including standard contracts, terms and conditions, waivers, and other standard operating documents to comport with the latest legal developments and ensure efficient legal department operations. Help establish and refine legal team policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
  • Execute consistent Legal Analysis:  Perform self-directed research and analysis in support of the various functions of the organization, provide clear and succinct legal analysis for legal staff, and educate non-legal staff of various legal requirements and considerations.
  • Collaborate on high level Legal Strategy:  Ensure contracts are legally sound, protect the organization’s rights, comply with the organization’s contractual and National Football League (NFL) obligations, and align with the organization’s commercial and strategic objectives.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally: Work closely with individual departments to anticipate, identify and manage operational needs, including new requests and renewals.
  • Perform other projects / duties as assigned by the CLO.
  • Provide additional support and growth in specific areas of personal expertise: commercial transactions; corporate transactions; real estate and stadium use; trademark, copyright and advertising law; or NFL compliance.
  • This job description is a general summary of responsibilities and requirements and is not intended to be all-inclusive of the responsibilities and requirements of this position.

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Concrete understanding of contract law and business transactional principles.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; effective and collaborative communication in a team-oriented environment
  • High level of personal integrity, professional ethics, and discretion; commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
  • Strong attention to detail and organization.
  • Sharp and succinct research, writing, and analytical skills.
  • Excellent judgment and skill in balancing legal risks, strategic goals, practical considerations in providing assessment and advice.
  • Capable of identifying and prioritizing issues and providing alternative solutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work through a diverse array of legal issues, ability to mange time and prioritize effectively
  • Excellent project and time-management skills and ability to manage and prioritize changing workloads to meet deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Juris doctor required
  • 5+  years legal experience required
  • Admitted or eligible for admission to the Michigan bar 
  • Available to work a flexible schedule, including some nights, weekends, and overtime
  • Requires work at Ford Field (Detroit). May require work at Meijer Performance Center (Allen Park) and other locations throughout the Detroit metro area, as well as limited travel. 
  • Experience in commercial or corporate transactions, commercial or corporate litigation, real estate, IP licensing, or NFL compliance is beneficial
  • Experience in sports operations is advantageous

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