As a member of CLC’s Legal Department, the Associate Counsel will be responsible for managing CLC’s agency relationships with many of its collegiate partners. This responsibility includes overseeing trademark infringement and other enforcement efforts for collegiate institutions and Greek letter organizations, managing online enforcement and social media take downs, and issuing cease and desist letters to third-party infringers. Additionally, there is a significant transactional aspect to this role, which involves structuring, reviewing, drafting, and negotiating agreements with collegiate partners, licensees, and vendors. The ideal candidate is highly self-motivated and adept at spotting and analyzing complex legal and business issues on a deal-by-deal basis, protecting our clients with appropriate legal terms and conditions, as well as delivering high-quality legal services and advice to the business.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic counseling to university and Greek life partners on trademark protection, enforcement, and portfolio strategy
- Draft and negotiate domestic trademark license agreements and agency agreements for collegiate brands and Greek letter organizations
- Draft and send cease and desist letters for trademark enforcement program. Promptly follow up with infringers to drive matters to completion
- Ensure that appropriate legal protections are contained in agreements consistent with NCAA, university, and regulatory requirements
- Collaborate with all pertinent internal departments and teams to ensure all decisions are well-informed with all relevant stakeholder input
- Foster positive long-term internal business client and external customer relationships
- Contribute to the development and refinement of legal templates, processes, and risk management policies
Minimum Qualifications:
- JD from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active admission to any U.S. State Bar in good standing
- 2+ years of trademark and brand protection experience
- Proven ability to independently draft and negotiate intellectual property agreements
- Strong ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines with speed and precision
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills
- 1 year of transactional legal experience
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels
- Practical business judgment and creative problem-solving skills
- Highly organized with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset and positive attitude
- Position is Hybrid In office 4 days per week (Mon – Thur)
Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k) + Match, and Short/Long Term Disability. Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Health Families and Workplaces Act.
