Senior Legal Counsel

Overview

Join a team of proud, passionate, and caring people that together share 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.

The Senior Counsel is responsible for drafting, negotiating, and interpreting complex commercial contracts and assisting the PGA’s General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel with day‑to‑day operations of the Legal Department, including managing outside counsel, dispute resolution, and the development and implementation of the Legal Department’s budget, PGA policies and procedures, and PGA governance matters.

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 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 legal and public policy implications; 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, including developing, interpreting and administering all governance policies and documents.
• Manage intellectual property matters, including preparation and filing of domestic and international trademark forms; prepare cease and desist letters; educate staff on trademarks.
• Advise PGA Sections on Code of Ethics violations hearing procedures and PGA Constitution interpretation; answer Code of Ethics questions from members.
• 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 lead projects and corporate initiatives.
• Work with the People Team to provide guidance on employment law and employment policy issues.
• Manage outside counsel and coordinate internal requirements for outside counsel projects.
• Act as a strategic advisor to internal teams, building credibility and trust with non‑legal stakeholders.
• Work with CFO and Treasurer to analyze, evaluate and recommend risk mitigation strategies, including insurance policies and limits.
• Keep abreast of applicable laws, regulations, risk factors and legal best practices; provide counseling and training to ensure compliance.
• Provide other legal advice and counsel as requested.
• Identify potential legal issues associated with present and prospective 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.

Shared Values

Embody the organization’s shared values and help ensure a values‑based culture thrives by proactively identifying and addressing any shared values, challenges, and opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) and Juris Doctorate (J.D.).
• Preferred Texas Bar admission or ability to become admitted.
• 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

• Knowledge of drafting and revising complex legal documents; ability to apply business acumen.
• Cross‑functional collaboration and interpersonal dynamics.
• Strategic communication techniques to deliver persuasive presentations and respond to sensitive inquiries.
• Analytical interpretation and regulatory compliance skills.
• Working knowledge of Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, and Google Docs.
• Basic fluency in artificial intelligence (AI) tools and concepts.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

EEO Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 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. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

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