Senior Legal Counsel

Overview

Join a team of proud, passionate, and caring people that together share their diverse talents and backgrounds to serve our members and grow the game of golf. Being at the PGA of America means you are supported, respected, and appreciated for your contributions.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, review, analyze and interpret contracts and legal documents of all types and provide clarification on legal language and specifications to PGA stakeholders.
• Render legal advice to the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel, and other members of PGA’s leadership/management group on a variety of legal matters, including recommended courses of action and legal risks.
• Collaborate with PGA management to analyze and evaluate risk tolerance comforts and devise efficient and effective techniques to align legal documents and policies to PGA’s risk mitigation strategies.
• Participate in the development of corporate policy positions and regulatory submissions; advise business areas on the legal and public policy implications of business activities; represent PGA before regulatory agencies and other outside parties in connection with legislative and regulatory matters.
• Work closely with the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on all PGA Governance matters, inclusive of, but not limited to, developing, interpreting and administering all governance policies and documents.
• Manage intellectual property matters, including preparation and filing of all domestic and international trademark forms timely, preparation and execution of “cease and desist” letters to trademark violators, and educating staff on trademark use.
• Advise PGA Sections about Code of Ethics violations hearing procedures and PGA Constitution interpretation; advise PGA members about Code of Ethics questions.
• Respond to subpoenas received by PGA.
• Guide PGA Sections regarding use of outside counsel.
• Assist with management of litigation matters.
• Provide support to General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on legally complex and sensitive issues and take a leadership role on projects and corporate initiatives upon direction of General Counsel and/or Deputy General Counsel.
• Work with the People Team and provide guidance on employment law and employment policy related issues.
• Manage outside counsel and coordinate internal requirements in connection with outside counsel projects.
• Act as a strategic advisor to internal teams across the organization. Build credibility and trust with non-legal stakeholders, helping mature the organization’s understanding of the legal function.
• Work with CFO and Treasurer to analyze, evaluate and recommend risk mitigation strategies, including analysis of insurance policies and limits secured for PGA.
• Keep abreast of applicable laws, regulations, risk factors and legal best practices that impact the business and provide counseling and training to ensure compliance.
• Provide other legal advice and counsel as requested.
• Identify potential legal issues associated with present and perspective business processes and initiatives.
• Assist with preparation of PGA Legal Team’s budget.

Inclusion

Employees are expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive team environment by welcoming and respecting others’ beliefs, backgrounds, identities, abilities, and individuality to help ensure a supportive and engaging experience for Association Members, partners, customers, and guests. PGA of America respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive.

Shared Values

Embody the organization’s shared values and help ensure the organization’s values-based culture thrives by proactively identifying and addressing any shared values, challenges and opportunities you are experiencing.

Supervision

No supervisory responsibilities.

Financial Responsibility

Assist with the development of the annual budget.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) and Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Texas Bar admission preferred or ability to become admitted to Texas Bar.

Six to eight years of experience as a practicing attorney. Strong background in transactional, corporate, or commercial law, M&A, or general corporate experience preferred.

Both law firm and in‑house legal experience preferred.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Must have knowledge of drafting and revising complex legal documents while applying sound business acumen to provide high‑level guidance to business unit leaders. Must have knowledge of cross‑functional collaboration and interpersonal dynamics to operate with humility and effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Must have knowledge of strategic communication techniques to deliver persuasive presentations on controversial topics to the Board of Directors and respond to sensitive inquiries with professional judgment. Must have knowledge of analytical interpretation and regulatory compliance to evaluate complex documentation and maintain all necessary professional certifications. Working knowledge of Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, and Google Docs. Basic fluency in artificial intelligence (AI) tools and concepts. This includes using AI to enhance business operations and drive innovation.

Ability to travel up to 10%.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The PGA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

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