Associate Legal Counsel

Overview

The U.S. Center for Safe Sport is a non-profit organization focused on ending all forms of abuse in sport. We endeavor to make athlete well-being the centerpiece of the nation’s sports culture through abuse prevention, education, and accountability.

The Associate Legal Counsel (ALC) represents the Center’s interests both internally and externally while providing legal advice, guidance, and support to Center staff. The ALC reviews investigative materials, drafts neutral legal decisions, and represents the Center at arbitration hearings.

• PRIMARY JOB
  
  RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
  
  
  • Investigation Report (IR) Review:
    Reviews Investigation Reports (IRs) in a timely manner, identifying areas requiring additional work, analysis, or follow-up, including concerns that an investigation has not been conducted in a neutral manner, that conclusions are not supported by the evidence, or that information gathered meets/does not meet the Center’s burden of proof.
  • Notice of Decision (NOD) Drafting:
    Draft neutral, concise, and well-researched Notices of Decision while identifying proper policy application (the Code, National Governing Body (NGB) policy, community standards). Present the Center’s determination re: factual findings and legal outcomes to the Case Resolution Committee.
  • Technical Legal Research and Writing:
    Proficient in legal writing and analysis, issue spotting in various fact patterns, and understanding/applying local, state, federal, and international laws.
  • Litigation:
    Represent the Center at hearings and arbitrations, including Merits Arbitrations and Temporary Measures hearings. Duties include reviewing case files, drafting and filing briefs, coordinating with investigators, claimants, opposing counsel or respondents, witnesses, and making oral arguments to the arbitrator.
  • Teamwork:
    Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within the Legal team and with Investigators and department leaders.
  • Law Enforcement Reviews:
    Review case files and documentation requested by law enforcement to ensure compliance and to avoid sharing information without written release/permission (HIPAA, etc.).
  • Statute Requests:
    Assist the Response & Resolution team (R&R) in locating statutes relevant to investigations.
  • Code Revisions:
    Participate in the Code Revision process, attend meetings, review materials in advance, discuss proposed changes respectfully, prepare materials for distribution to NGBs, and communicate Code Revision feedback.
  • Training:
    Organize and implement trainings for R&R staff regarding investigative issues identified during IR review and NOD drafting processes.
  • Interdepartmental Support:
    Provide assistance to other departments; review materials to ensure consistent and accurate messaging related to the Code.
  • Communication:
    Communicate with law enforcement, NGBs, government entities, and other attorneys as needed on behalf of the Center.
  • Legal Research:
    Conduct research on unique issues (e.g., international law) and draft Legal Memoranda with analysis and recommendations.
  • Temporary Restrictions/Suspension:
    Assist Intake in assessing the appropriateness of Temporary Restrictions and/or Temporary Suspension.
  • Quarterly Audit:
    Audit administrative closures from Intake and Investigations.
  • Interdepartmental Working Groups:
    Participate to create internal/external resources and brainstorm process improvements.
  • Review of Monthly NGB Newsletter.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

• Experience & Qualifications
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school required
• Licensed to practice or advise on legal matters in the United States
• Member in good standing of a State Bar Association
• Minimum two years of legal experience in a law firm, as a government attorney, or other relevant legal experience
• Experience in conducting or supervising investigations, particularly into child abuse or sex crimes
• Experience handling hearings, arbitrations, or trials as first chair
• Experience as a judicial clerk or staff attorney strongly preferred
• Ability to work independently while contributing to cross-functional teams
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of contacts,…