VP, Counsel

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment•Newark, NJ

7d•$200,000 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

HBSE is currently seeking a VP, Counsel to serve in its in-house legal department and will mainly provide support for the Prudential Center and New Jersey Devils, although certain tasks related to other properties (including the Philadelphia 76ers) may be assigned from time-to-time. The ideal candidate will have experience providing arena operations and event-related legal support and will be able to manage complex projects while maintaining high standards of legal and business ethics and professional responsibility. The position reports to our SVP, General Counsel of the New Jersey Devils and will be based at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Requirements

At least 5-8 years of legal experience with demonstrated success advising clients.
Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school.
Eligible to practice law in New Jersey as a member of the bar or eligible to become a Registered In-House Counsel in New Jersey.
Business contract drafting and negotiation skills.
Understanding of contracts and legal terminology and concepts.
Excellent proofreading ability and very strong attention to detail.
Working understanding of the business litigation process and business transactional principles.
Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of contacts, including outside attorneys, senior management and business associates, and ability to explain legal issues to non-legal staff.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
Strong research, analytical, and investigative skills; ability to document and communicate findings in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
Well-organized, positive attitude, and a desire to continually learn new concepts.
Ability to work independently, but comfortable working in a collaborative environment.
Must be able to work a flexible and dynamic work schedule that accommodates the needs and demands of the stakeholders in regard to project requests.
Ability to handle multiple assignments and deadlines with accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
Must be able to work with a broad range of individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests, building positive working relationships and trust with clients and colleagues at all levels within the organization.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
Flexible and adaptable to changing business conditions.
High level of personal integrity and professional ethics.

Nice To Haves

Combination of law firm and/or in-house experience strongly preferred.
Superior drafting and negotiating skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and highly team oriented.
Superior work ethic, well organized and able to manage numerous projects simultaneously.
Work experience in sports and/or entertainment industries preferred.

Responsibilities

Draft and review agreements of all types, including promoter, event license, ticketing platform, hospitality, facility use, software, technology infrastructure, security services, facility operations, building maintenance, mechanical and infrastructure, construction, architectural, engineering and various other vendor or service agreements.
Transactional tasks will be a primary focus but also will provide legal advice to organization on a wide variety of other issues, including real estate, government affairs, litigation/dispute resolution and intellectual property.
Participate in legal structuring and compliance for affiliated charitable foundations.
Assist in developing and maintaining business guidelines/policies, including arena standard-operating procedures and risk management policies.
Contribute to business strategy development and implementation.
Anticipate and mitigate potential legal issues and develop strategies to avoid litigation and reduce potential areas of risk.
Drive continuous improvements in policies and processes, including document templates; evaluate workflows and establish priorities.
Conduct a wide variety of legal research and interpretation.