Assistant General Counsel

The Big Ten Conference is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant General Counsel. This position will manage various functions within the Conference’s legal department, including contract review, legal analysis and research, outside counsel coordination, and policy development. The Assistant General Counsel provides crucial support to the Conference’s General Counsel as the Conference navigates the evolving legal landscape of collegiate athletics.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Oversee the negotiation, review and execution of contracts and other legal documents related to event support, corporate structures and governance, licensing, marketing, sponsorships, and more
Assist with the development of processes/protocols and legal policies within the Conference office and externally with peer conferences and the Conference’s member institutions
Conduct research and analysis on emerging legal and business topics relevant to the Conference’s strategic positioning
Collaborate with other departments to provide necessary legal guidance and support related to handbooks, manuals, and departmental procedures
Assist with litigation management, including oversight of ancillary litigation
Manage coordination with outside counsel, including document collection, litigation hold coordination, and discovery support
Oversee intellectual property management and enforcement
Assist General Counsel with negotiation and execution of strategic rights agreements (e.g. media, sponsorship etc.)
Foster a culture of inclusion to support a diverse environment
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions and other duties as assigned.
 
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree is required
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school is required
Admission to IL state bar with good standing or ability to be admitted within reasonable time frame is required
4+ years of legal experience within a law firm or in-house at a similar organization is preferred
Experience as a legal generalist with multifaceted experience is preferred
Demonstrated experience in independent project management and executing on project goals
A keen interest and knowledge of legal issues and key topics affecting collegiate athletics
Problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
The ability to maintain punctual attendance and timely correspondence
Commitment to travel, work evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours
 
The Big Ten Conference is one of the strongest, most historic brands in all of sports. We offer a unique and dynamic workplace, along with a robust benefits package (employer-paid insurance coverages, generous retirement contribution, and much more). This position is based out of the Conference's Rosemont, IL headquarters. 
 
The Big Ten Conference is a proud equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status or civil partnership/union status, veteran status, citizenship, pregnancy, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.