United Soccer League
Job Title: Associate General Counsel
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Tampa, FL (USL Headquarters)
Overview of the United Soccer League (USL)
The United Soccer League (USL) is shaping the future of American soccer through the largest connected soccer ecosystem in the United States. With a presence in more than 200 communities nationwide, the USL unites every level of the game -- from youth development to Division One professional competition — across both men’s and women’s pathways.
Rooted in community and driven by a bold vision, the USL is turning local passion into nationwide momentum by giving every fan a home, every player a pathway, and every community a place in American soccer’s exciting next chapter.
United for Soccer.
Position Purpose
The Associate General Counsel plays an essential role in mitigating risk and providing legal counsel across this fast-paced and rapidly growing organization, including across all of its leagues and properties. The ideal candidate will be ready to hit the ground running, assisting in all aspects of the legal function, including transactional, regulatory, compliance and advising, and occasional oversight of outside counsel for litigation matters.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Draft and negotiate franchise agreements across USL leagues.
- Assist with franchise regulation compliance, including by filing Franchise Disclosure Documents and communicating with state regulators.
- Handle complex commercial and media transactions, including multi-year broadcast and production contracts, commercial product licensing agreements, and sponsorship agreements.
- Regularly provide best practices and advice to USL and to USL’s clubs on a wide array of legal issues.
- Handle employment law issues as they arise and assist clubs with best practices regarding the same.
- Conduct due diligence of ownership groups, including by vetting operating agreements and financial statements.
- Assist collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the USL Players Association for applicable leagues.
- With the assistance of outside counsel, counsel the league office and provide best practices to clubs regarding labor law issues, particularly as they relate to the sports industry.
- Facilitate annual USSF application, which requires the collection and analysis of a variety of information from each professional club to determine compliance with the USSF’s Professional League Standards.
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Law degree and bar admission required.
- 5+ years of corporate/transactional law firm or in-house experience.
- Sports law, franchise law and labor law experience highly preferred.
- Franchise and sports industry experience highly preferred but not required.
- Excellent written and oral business communication skills.
- Strong contract drafting, negotiating and issue-spotting skills.
- Ability to make timely, nuanced recommendations for business decisions based on reasoned legal analysis and the strategic objectives of the organization.
- Ability to work on multiple projects and engage with multiple stakeholders in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- High level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics and integrity with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
- Ability to work independently in a multi-faceted, fast, fluid, and deadline-driven environment.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic a must.
- Ability to work as business needs require which may include long days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel if / when necessary.
- Must have U.S. work authorization.
Work Environment
Based in Tampa, FL, USL Headquarters provides a vibrant and open working environment designed to promote collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and knowledge sharing. We believe in fostering a culture that encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork.
Currently, USL HQ operates on a hybrid work model. From Monday to Thursday, team members gather in person to harness the power of face-to-face collaboration. This not only strengthens the bonds within the team but also enhances communication and innovation. On Fridays, we transition to a remote work setup, providing our team with the flexibility to manage their tasks in an environment of their choosing.
Typical USL HQ hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm ET. Evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel may be necessary based on business demands.
We have great Perks - Comprehensive Benefits Package • Medical, Dental, Vision • Health HSA and FSA • 401k w/ up to 6% company match • Paid Parental Leave • Free On-Site Parking at USL HQ • Pet Insurance • Corporate Discounts • Paid Vacation, Holiday & Sick Days • Business Casual Dress • Optional Remote Work Fridays • And More!
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.
