Background: 

In 2000, the Grizzlies made the move from Vancouver to Memphis and forged a new identity with the city. The “grit and grind” Grizzlies of the 2010s, featured feverous crowds as well as a team that played a physical and relentless style of basketball, that still carries on today. The Grizzlies present roster is loaded with talent and one of the youngest in the NBA. They are currently sitting near the top of the standings in the Western Conference and are one of the most entertaining brands in basketball.   

In 2012, current ownership acquired the team and has invested in and developed a vibrant, sustainable and competitive organization, which also includes the Memphis Hustle (G League), Grind City Media, Grizz Gaming (2K League), and the operations of FedEx Forum. 

The team has played an integral role in the community of Memphis and its leadership plays an active role in representing the team and giving back to the city.  The Grizzlies, its foundation, and its partners are committed to building a community that is healthy, active, educated, and service oriented.  

https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/careers  

Position Summary: 

The General Counsel (“GC”) will act as a trusted advisor to the President and executive leadership team, providing proactive, business-focused legal solutions to support the needs of the Memphis Grizzlies, FedExForum, Grind City Media, and the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League affiliated with the Memphis Grizzlies). 

The GC will be instrumental in driving legal strategies that attain business objectives, mitigate risk, and support a culture of legal and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal professional with a strong background in corporate law, with experience in professional sports, entertainment, or similar industries desirable. This role demands exceptional stewardship, strategic and operational foresight, and the ability to balance legal imperatives with the dynamic needs of a growing and fast-paced organization. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide comprehensive legal oversight, partnering with senior leadership across the organization to deliver actionable legal counsel that supports the company’s strategic initiatives; 

• Work closely with key internal stakeholders to provide timely, pragmatic, and solution-oriented legal advice; 

• Advise the President and executive leadership team on corporate governance matters, ensuring alignment with internal policies and legal requirements to support effective decision-making and organizational objectives; 

• Draft, prepare, and review corporate transaction documents at the ownership and operational entity levels; 

• Manage legal processes related to the arena lease, arena construction, and interaction with local government and municipal entities; 

• Draft, prepare, and review a variety of transactional documents, including agreements with third-party partners and providers, media-related agreements, arena operations agreements, event agreements (e.g., concerts), sponsorship agreements, licensing agreements, ticketing agreements, marketing/promotional agreements, vendor agreements, employment agreements, and other documents as assigned; 

• Manage pending and open litigation matters and other claims; 

• Identify and proactively address legal risks inherent in an evolving business environment; ensure continued development and implementation of risk management strategies that adhere to legal requirements and best practices; 

• Maintain contract and governance document repository and implement document retention policy; 

• Continuously assess and enhance efficiencies, optimize workflows, and drive operational improvements to support company goals and increasing volume across all legal functions; identify, implement, and leverage technology to streamline legal processes; 

• Develop and lead internal corporate compliance programs, including compliance with terms of existing contracts with rights holders, sponsors, vendors, and other interested parties, as well as compliance with applicable NBA policies, local, state, and federal laws and regulations; 

• In partnership with the VP, External Affairs & Business Operations, support the organization in their existing public and private relationships with local government and state government affairs matters that impact the business as needed; 

• Advise on insurance-related issues, including annual insurance application updates (e.g., general liability, worker’s compensation, business interruption, etc.), third-party and contractor indemnification, and other insurance requirements; 

• Stay abreast of evolving legal and regulatory frameworks that could impact the organization; lead compliance initiatives and implement strategies to ensure legal compliance; 

• Build and maintain strong relationships where appropriate with external legal counsel, external stakeholders, including the NBA League Office and industry associations to stay ahead of legal developments and advocate on behalf of the company’s interest; 

• Manage other matters and duties as they present in the day-to-day operations of the Team. 

Qualifications, Skills and Education Requirements: 

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing, with requirement of obtaining in-house counsel certification in the state of Tennessee within six months of employment; 

• Five (5)-plus years of corporate law experience at a top tier law firm; law firm or in-house experience with sports, entertainment, or similar industries desirable but not mandatory; 

• Minimum of five (5) years of broad, direct experience with a variety of legal matters, including contracts, licensing, and corporate governance; 

• Demonstrated experience in a role that oversees diverse legal functions and advises senior leadership on complex legal matters; 

• Strong teamwork and relationship management skills; proven ability to work effectively as a liaison between the legal department and all internal and external stakeholders; 

• Ability to make timely, nuanced recommendations for business decisions based on reasoned legal analysis and the strategic objectives of the organization; 

• Superior organizational/project management skills and attention to detail necessary to support and advise business units/departments and ensure projects are completed in a timely and effective manner; 

• Strong business acumen, with the ability to align legal strategies with broader business goals; 

• Superior communication and interpersonal skills; ability to articulate legal concepts in clear terms to a variety of stakeholders; 

• High level of commitment to quality work and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance.