Associate Counsel

WHO WE ARE:

Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) includes in its portfolio the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils, leading venue Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the Delaware Blue Coats, and the Utica Comets. Led by some of the best and brightest minds across a diverse spectrum of industries, HBSE positions itself as one of the most pioneering, innovative global sports and entertainment businesses to date. HBSE also strives to positively impact the local communities in which it operates through the powerful platform of sports.

HBSE offers an energetic work environment built on collaboration, growth, and a quest to excel in everything we do. Prudential Center in downtown Newark, N.J. hosts more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events annually and is the fourth-ranked sports and entertainment venue in the U.S. by Pollstar and Billboard. It is home to the New Jersey Devils, a renowned NHL franchise with three Stanley Cup championships and a proud, passionate fan base.

The Philadelphia 76ers organization is one of the most storied franchises in American sports, winning three championships led by some of the most iconic athletes in NBA history. The 76ers have attracted the industry’s top leadership talent from the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, UFC and NCAA, resulting in one of the most exciting, rewarding, and dynamic work environments within the sports industry. The 76ers offer a best-in-class workplace culture built on collaboration, growth, and a quest to excel in everything we do.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

At HBSE, we engage, represent and reflect diverse voices of employees, players fans and communities. We are dedicated to hiring the best talent from the communities where we live, work and play - across all groups and levels; supporting and developing every employee to reach their potential; and creating an inclusive environment that allows team members to bring their true authentic selves to work.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

HBSE is currently seeking an Associate Counsel to serve in its in-house legal department and provide support for all of its properties, including the New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center and Philadelphia 76ers. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly qualified legal professional to support two professional sports teams and a world-class arena. The ideal candidate will manage complex projects and drive day to day functionality while maintaining high standards of legal and business ethics and professional responsibility. The position reports to our SVP, Deputy General Counsel and will be based at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Draft and review agreements of all types, including event, sponsorship, ticketing, premium seating licenses and 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 labor and employment, real estate, intellectual property, marketing, league rules/policies, government affairs and litigation/dispute resolution.
• Participate in legal structuring and compliance for affiliated charitable foundations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining business guidelines/policies, including employment policies and risk management.
• 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.
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• At least 3-5 years of legal experience with demonstrated success advising clients.
  
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Business contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Understanding of contract 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 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 regards 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.
  
  
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand, sit, stoop, kneel or crouch. This job requires many hours of standing and walking during events and on game day. The visual requirements include: the ability to adjust focus, peripheral vision, and close vision. Requirements may vary depending on position.
• Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some travel will be required as well as working on weekends and evenings, particularly during games and events.
  
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

OUR BENEFITS:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pretax Transportation Benefit
• Generous parental leave policies
• 401K (100% up to 5% is matched, after 1 year of service)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• 13+ Paid Holidays
• ½ Day Summer Fridays
• Complimentary or Discounted Sports & Concert Tickets
• On Site Fitness Rooms
• Other League & Partner Discounts
  
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.