Legal Counsel

The Utah Royals FC (URFC), Real Salt Lake (RSL), and RSL Training Academy are dedicated to the growth and success of soccer in Utah. The Utah Royals FC is committed to empowerment, while RSL represents the state with pride and fosters a winning culture. The RSL Training Academy nurtures young athletes and instills values of discipline and teamwork. Together, they are committed to inspiring the soccer culture of Utah and creating lasting impressions one winning experience at a time.                 

SUMMARY

Real Salt Lake is seeking a dynamic and collaborative Legal Counsel to join our small but impactful legal team. As our second legal team member, you will play a crucial role in supporting all facets of our organization, from soccer operations to marketing, sponsorships, ticketing, and beyond. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of sports law and organizational growth, contributing to legal functions that drive our club's success and social impact initiatives. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

• Draft, negotiate, and administer legal aspects of sponsorship agreements, intellectual property licenses, contest terms and conditions, and independent contractor and service provider agreements. 
• Support efforts to bring world-class entertainment and sporting events to America First Field and Zions Bank Stadium. 
• Review marketing and promotional materials to ensure legal compliance. 
• Manage contract management systems and maintain organized internal records. 
• Provide strategic legal advice on various matters, including employment practices, MLS and NWSL league compliance, and local, federal, and state law. 
• Collaborate on compliance activities related to employment, league regulations, and public benefits. 
• Assist in the development and enforcement of organizational policies and procedures. 
• Manage and advise on intellectual property issues, including content and music licensing, trademark and copyright matters. 
• Interface with government agencies and authorities to manage public benefits and social impact efforts. 
• Participate in league-level legal meetings, training, and conference calls as needed. 
• Support risk management and insurance policy management. 
• Identify and implement improvements in legal processes, workflows, and document templates. 
• Provide training on various organizational policies, including youth protection policies and litigation hold policies. 
• Engage in continuous learning to stay updated on industry trends and legal developments. 
• Other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.    

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school. 
• Admitted to and in good standing with the Utah State Bar, or ability to become admitted. 
• 3+ years of relevant experience in corporate transactional law, especially contracts.
• Advanced negotiating and writing skills, with a strong ability to draft and review legal documents, analyze complex issues, and provide practical, business-oriented solutions. 
• Proven track record in managing complex legal matters, including litigation, transactions, and compliance. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with contract management systems. 
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to manage multiple tasks and subject matters efficiently. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and effectively. 
• Flexibility to handle non-traditional hours and high-energy work environments. 
• Must be a team player who is able to work well with others in a fast-paced environment. 
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, match nights, holidays, and outside events as needed. 
• Able to successfully pass a background check and become SafeSport Certified.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Preference will be given to candidates who are Spanish bilingual 
• Experience in sports law and sponsorships is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The job requires regularly lifting/pushing up to 5 pounds and occasionally lifting/pushing more than 5 pounds or exerting heavy force, in a wide disparity or environmental conditions. The job involves standing, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing, typing, etc.

Real Salt Lake provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.

Note: The need may arise to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description, and Real Salt Lake reserves the right to do so at any time. Employees shall be required to meet the qualifications and perform the duties of any revised job description.