Corporate - Contract Law Attorney in East Lansing, MI

Academic

East Lansing, MI

Corporate - Contract Law Attorney in East Lansing, MI

Attorney

Min 5 yrs required

No

Reputed Firm Seeking Assistant or Associate General Counsel for Major Administrative Unit
Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing, MI
Department: General Counsel
Employment Type: Full Time (90-100%)
Category: Administrative/Business/Professional, Athletics/Recreation, Education/Training, Advising/Counseling, Executive Management, Non-Union

Position Summary:

Reputed firm seeks an Assistant or Associate General Counsel to provide legal advice to the University, with a focus on supporting the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. This individual will play a crucial role in drafting, managing, and negotiating contracts for Athletics, including sponsorships, commercial partnerships, name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities, media rights, and employee contracts. This position reports to both the Office of the General Counsel and Athletics and works closely with Athletics Leadership, the Athletics Business Office, Office of Compliance Services, and approved consultants.

Key Responsibilities:

- Oversee the development, negotiation, and execution of all contracts related to Athletics.
- Ensure contracts align with Athletics' strategic goals and comply with legal and regulatory requirements, considering recent legal decisions and revenue-sharing models with student-athletes.
- Evaluate potential risks associated with contracts and propose mitigating strategies, ensuring compliance with recent legal rulings.
- Ensure contracts comply with State and Federal laws, as well as NCAA regulations.
- Collaborate with coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and external parties to understand their needs and provide effective contract solutions that secure favorable terms, mitigate risks, and align with budgetary constraints.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all contract negotiations and final agreements.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for contract management within Athletics, taking into account recent legal precedents.
- Provide training and guidance to internal Athletics staff on contract-related matters, best practices, and the implications of recent legal decisions.
- Work with the Office of the General Counsel to address and resolve any contract-related disputes in a timely and effective manner.
- Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

- Juris Doctorate (JD) granted by an ABA accredited law school.
- Admission to or eligibility for admission to the State Bar of Michigan within 6 months of position start date.
- At least five years of experience in drafting and negotiating contracts.

Desired Qualifications:

- Excellent writing ability and advocacy skills.
- Experience working and negotiating with sports agents or advisors.
- Understanding of the collegiate and/or professional sports landscape.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of NCAA regulations and compliance issues, particularly related to revenue sharing with student-athletes.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Required Application Materials:

- Cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae.

Special Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume addressed to Brian Quinn, Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, by applying to Posting 1004934 at by December 20, 2024. Late submissions will be considered if a suitable candidate pool has not been identified by the deadline. The successful candidate will be required to complete a criminal background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

About the Department:

The Office of the General Counsel represents the University with respect to all litigation and supervises all outside legal services provided to the University to ensure they meet the highest standards. Services include advice and counsel on all matters with legal significance for the University, including contract review, advice on state and federal laws, legal workshops, and educational programs.

About **Members Only**:

**Members Only** has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. As one of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges. Through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges, MSU provides life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

Apply today to join our team and make a difference at **Members Only**.

Advertised: November 20, 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: November 20, 2026 Eastern Standard Time