Senior Legal Counsel

PGA of America•Frisco, TX

About The Position

Join a team of proud, passionate, and caring people that together share their diverse talents and backgrounds to serve our members and grow the game of golf. Being at the PGA of America means you are supported, respected, and appreciated for your contributions. The Senior Counsel is responsible for drafting, negotiating, and interpreting complex commercial contracts and assisting the PGA’s General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel with day-to-day operations of the Legal Department, including, but not limited to, managing outside counsel, dispute resolution, and the development and implementation of the Legal Department’s budget, PGA policies and procedures, and PGA governance matters.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree: (B.A.) and Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
Texas Bar admission preferred or ability to become admitted to Texas Bar (no separate in-house certification required).
Six to eight years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Strong background in transactional, corporate, or commercial law, M&A, or general corporate experience preferred.
Must have knowledge of drafting and revising complex legal documents while applying sound business acumen to provide high-level guidance to business unit leaders.
Must have knowledge of cross-functional collaboration and interpersonal dynamics to operate with humility and effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Must have knowledge of strategic communication techniques to deliver persuasive presentations on controversial topics to the Board of Directors and respond to sensitive inquiries with professional judgment.
Must have knowledge of analytical interpretation and regulatory compliance to evaluate complex documentation and maintain all necessary professional certifications.
Working knowledge of Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, and Google Docs.
Basic fluency in artificial intelligence (AI) tools and concepts. This includes using AI to enhance business operations and drive innovation, enabling us to better serve our Members and stakeholders.
Ability to travel up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

Both law firm and in-house legal experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Draft, negotiate, review, analyze and interpret contracts and legal documents of all types and provide clarification on legal language and specifications to PGA stakeholders.
Render legal advice to the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel, and other members of PGA’s leadership/management group on a variety of legal matters, including, but not limited to, recommended courses of action and legal risks.
Collaborate with PGA management to analyze and evaluate risk tolerance comforts and devise efficient and effective techniques to align legal documents and policies to PGA’s risk mitigation strategies.
Participate in the development of corporate policy positions and regulatory submissions; advise business areas on the legal and public policy implications of business activities; represent PGA before regulatory agencies and other outside parties in connection with legislative and regulatory matters.
Work closely with the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on all PGA Governance matters, inclusive of, but not limited to, developing, interpreting and administering all governance policies and documents.
Manage intellectual property matters, including, but not limited to, preparation and filing of all domestic and international trademark forms in a timely manner to ensure marks are current.
Prepare and execute “cease and desist” letters to trademark violators.
Educate staff members on the use of trademarks.
Advise PGA Sections about Code of Ethics violations hearing procedures and PGA Constitution interpretation.
Advise PGA members about Code of Ethics questions.
Respond to subpoenas received by PGA.
Guide PGA Sections regarding use of outside counsel.
Assist with management of litigation matters.
Provide support to General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on legally complex and sensitive issues and take a leadership role on projects and corporate initiatives upon direction of General Counsel and/or Deputy General Counsel.
Work with the People Team and provide guidance on employment law and employment policy related issues.
Manage outside counsel and coordinate internal requirements in connection with outside counsel projects.
Act as a strategic advisor to internal teams across the organization.
Build credibility and trust with non-legal stakeholders, helping mature the organization’s understanding of the legal function.
Work with CFO and Treasurer to analyze, evaluate and recommend risk mitigation strategies, including, but not limited to, analysis of insurance policies and limits secured for PGA.
Keep abreast of applicable laws, regulations, risk factors and legal best practices that impact the business and provide counseling and training to ensure compliance.
Provide other legal advice and counsel as requested.
Identify potential legal issues associated with present and perspective business processes and initiatives.
Assist with preparation of PGA Legal Team’s budget.