Senior Counsel, Business Affairs

Major League Soccer•New York, NY

10d•$190,000 - $210,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will primarily support the League’s business initiatives and work closely with the media, production and content distribution teams within Major League Soccer and its member clubs as well as with Soccer United Marketing, MLS’s commercial arm.

Requirements

6+ years of experience at a leading law firm and/or corporate legal department
Bachelor’s Degree and JD
Admission to the NY State Bar
Ability to make timely, nuanced recommendations for business decisions based on reasoned legal analysis and the strategic objectives of the organization
Commercial approach to advising business teams
Outstanding written and oral business communication skills
Strong drafting and negotiating skills, including experience with media, production and licensing transactions
Superior organization, project management skills and attention to detail, necessary to support and advise business units and ensure projects are completed in a timely and effective manner
High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment

Nice To Haves

Spanish and/or French language skills (business proficiency)
Knowledge and interest in the sport of soccer

Responsibilities

Lead the drafting and negotiation of media rights, production and broadcast talent agreements for MLS’s distribution of live matches, studio shows, tournaments and other events
Lead the drafting and negotiation of content licensing and distribution agreements for MLS’s licensing of match footage, highlights and other content, including premium documentary features
Support MLS clubs in review and approval of local media rights agreements, ancillary programming opportunities, and the use of content in connection with MLS and tournament official sponsors and third parties
Support legal review of MLS’ artificial intelligence platforms and implementation of artificial intelligence policy
Draft and negotiate commercial agreements, including services agreements, and other MLS vendor agreements in
Prepare, manage, interpret, and enforce league commercial policies and create and deliver trainings on policy updates and new policy initiatives
Work cross-functionally to identify risks and provide strategic, practical and creative legal guidance
Perform special projects and other assignments as requested