VP, Counsel

Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment; Evesham Township (NJ); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Transportation benefits

Parental leave

401K with company match

Generous paid time off

13 paid holidays

Tickets to sports & concerts

On-site fitness room

League discounts

Job summary

Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment seeks a VP, Counsel to join its in-house legal team, primarily supporting the Prudential Center and New Jersey Devils, with potential duties for other properties including the Philadelphia 76ers. Based in Newark, NJ, you will handle arena operations and event-related legal matters in a fast-paced sports environment.

The role requires a JD, NJ bar eligibility, and 5–8 years of relevant experience, with strong contract drafting and cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Eligible to practice law in New Jersey or become Registered In-House Counsel in New Jersey.
• 5-8 years of legal experience advising clients.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review agreements of all types including promoter, event license, ticketing platform, hospitality, facility use and vendor/service agreements.
• Provide legal advice on real estate, government affairs, litigation/dispute resolution and intellectual property.
• Assist in legal structuring and compliance for affiliated charitable foundations.
• Develop and maintain business guidelines/policies, arena SOPs and risk management policies.
• Contribute to business strategy development and implementation.

Skills

Legal experience

Contract drafting

Risk management

Interpersonal skills

Research & analysis

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

HBSE is currently seeking a VP, Counsel to serve in its in-house legal department and will mainly provide support for the Prudential Center and New Jersey Devils, although certain tasks related to other properties (including the Philadelphia 76ers) may be assigned from time-to-time. The ideal candidate will have experience providing arena operations and event-related legal support and will be able to manage complex projects while maintaining high standards of legal and business ethics and professional responsibility. The position reports to our SVP, General Counsel of the New Jersey Devils and will be based at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Draft and review agreements of all types, including promoter, event license, ticketing platform, hospitality, facility use, software, technology infrastructure, security services, facility operations, building maintenance, mechanical and infrastructure, construction, architectural, engineering and various other vendor or 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 real estate, government affairs, litigation/dispute resolution and intellectual property.
• Participate in legal structuring and compliance for affiliated charitable foundations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining business guidelines/policies, including arena standard-operating procedures and risk management policies.
• 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:

• At least 5-8 years of legal experience with demonstrated success advising clients.
• 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Business contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Understanding of contracts 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 the 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 regard 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 accommodation 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. This position generally requires that work primarily be performed from the New Jersey Devils office in Newark, NJ, and can require attendance at events taking place at the arena during nights and weekends.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $200,000 and $240,000 / year. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The total compensation package for this position will also include other elements, including eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus.

This position will be an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The benefits package for the position may include the following, subject to the terms of the then-in-effect Company policies, plan documents and other eligibility criteria:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pretax Transportation Benefit
• Generous Parental Leave policies
• 401K (with a company match after 1 year of service)
• Generous Paid Time Off policies
• 13 Paid Holidays
• ½ Day Summer Fridays
• Complimentary or Discounted Sports & Concert Tickets
• On Site Fitness Rooms
• Other League & Partner Discounts

Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

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.

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