Associate Counsel

National Football League (NFL); New York (NY); On-site; USD 210,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Football League (NFL) seeks an Associate Counsel to lead development, negotiation and administration of the NFL-NFLPA CBA. You will represent the league in grievances, arbitrations and related litigation, and supervise outside counsel.

Applicants should have a J.D. and 4–6+ years of litigation experience, with strong investigative and advocacy skills and the ability to work with club counsel and NFLPA representatives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree with 4–6+ years of litigation experience at top firm or agency.
• Experience managing a docket and conducting internal investigations.
• Experience appearing in court, interviewing senior executives, drafting findings.
• Experience deposing and cross-examining witnesses.
• Experience presenting to large groups of senior executives.
• Familiarity with NFL and other sports’ labor relations.

Responsibilities

• Acquire and demonstrate mastery of the CBA and league policies.
• Litigate grievances under the CBA with NFLPA.
• Advise on rights and obligations under the CBA, Salary Cap, Player Personnel rules.
• Assist in investigation and enforcement of potential violations.
• Draft and review policy directives for NFL players and clubs.
• Interact with outside law firms and consultants involved in CBA administration.
• Assist in negotiations with the NFL Players Association.
• Prepare legal memoranda for clubs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with club counsel and NFLPA representatives.

Skills

Litigation experience

Docket management

Interviews with executives

Deposing witnesses

Presentations to executives

Legal research & advocacy

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Associate Counsel will report to the Senior Vice President, Labor Relations and be responsible for development, negotiation and administration of the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including representing the league and clubs in litigation under the CBA. The holder of this position will represent the league in grievance hearings and arbitrations brought by or against the NFL and supervise outside counsel in the litigation of such matters. This critical role will require strong investigative and advocacy skills, and the ability to spot and solve issues related to league policies.

Responsibilities

• Acquire and demonstrate substantive mastery of the CBA and league policies regulating the conduct of clubs and players.
• Litigate grievances on behalf of the league and member clubs under the collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association.
• Provide counsel to the league and clubs regarding rights and obligations under the CBA, the Salary Cap system, Player Personnel rules, and other collectively bargained league rules.
• Assist in the investigation and enforcement of potential violations of the CBA and related policies regulating player and club conduct.
• Draft and review policy directives for NFL players and Clubs.
• Interact with outside law firms, consultants and others involved in the administration of the CBA, policies and/or litigation.
• Assist in negotiations with the NFL Players Association.
• Prepare legal memoranda for clubs regarding policy obligations.
• Independently develop and maintain working relationships with club counsel and NFLPA representatives.

Required Qualifications

• Law Degree (J.D.); 4 to 6+ years of litigation experience at a top law firm or federal government agency.
• Experience conducting and maintaining a docket of litigation matters and internal investigations.
• Experience appearing in court or similar settings, interviewing senior executives and drafting investigatory findings.
• Experience deposing and cross-examining witnesses.
• Experience making presentations to large groups of senior executives.
• Familiarity with NFL and other sports’ labor relations.

Terms / Expected Hours of Work

• NFL employees are required to work 40 hours in‑office per week.

Salary / Pay Range

This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that the NFL believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job in the location(s) specified. The NFL expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would the NFL consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.

Salary

$210,000—$245,000 USD

At the NFL, in‑person work at our offices is a top priority because it allows us to collaborate more effectively, build stronger connections, and maintain the culture that drives our success. This role requires onsite presence at an NFL office or stadium location, and remote and/or hybrid working options are not offered.

NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED.

The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Who We Are

NFL Core Values:

• Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions, honor hard work, and value every contribution.
• Integrity: We do what's right, even when it's tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through.
• Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game, and every action impacts others.
• Resiliency: We set high standards, overcome adversity, and adapt to challenges, always striving for excellence.

NFL Leadership Attributes

• Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential, empowering individuals to grow and succeed.
• Execute: We take action with precision, delivering results that drive our goals forward.
• Inspire: We motivate others through vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence.
• Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action.
• Know the Business: We stay informed, understand our industry, and make decisions that strengthen our position.
• Think Big: We challenge the status quo, envision bold possibilities, and strive for transformative impact

Who You Are

Talent Attributes: What we expect for our employees:

• Embody an enthusiastic, proactive can‑do attitude
• Embrace grit, free from ego or entitlement
• Excel as a relationship builder, with the ability to influence
• Eager learner, driven by passion rather than just ambition
• Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset