Legal Counsel - Commercial

Purpose

• The key purpose of this role is to support the Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Senior Legal Counsel in managing Rugby AU’s in-house legal function with a focus on commercial matters, including sponsorship, government, intellectual property, information technology, insurance, digital media, marketing, licensing and major events. 
• This role involves providing dedicated legal business partner support for all aspects of Rugby AU and its group companies’ commercial operations including in relation to Rugby World Cups, Sevens World Series, Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Wallabies, Wallaroos, Super Rugby Pacific, Super Rugby Women’s and other elite national programs.  This includes broad responsibilities for transactional legal work, revenue generating and other commercial contracts, player contracting, disputes and litigation, IP protection, corporate governance and the management of external Legal Counsel. 

Key Accountabilities
Drafting, negotiation, research, provision of advice, correspondence, interaction with various stakeholders and representation of Rugby AU’s interests in relation to:

• Commercial Contracts: A range of commercial agreements including sponsorship, licensing, venue hire, international event participation, government funding agreements, insurance, media rights, marketing, agency relationships, hospitality, ticketing, IT platforms and social media.
• Intellectual Property Management: Registration, protection and development of intellectual property rights; advice on IP strategy and execution.
• Player Contracting: Preparation and negotiation of player contracts, providing advice in relation to collective bargaining agreement compliance, and providing support as required to the National Head of Team Contracting, General Counsel and/or Chief Legal Officer in relation to these matters.   
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Managing disputes and litigation across all business functions and providing support as required to the Chief Legal Officer and/or General Counsel in relation to such matters.   
• Corporate Governance: Supporting the Chief Legal Officer and/or General Counsel with obligations and procedures relating to corporate governance of Rugby AU and its group companies, including corporate reporting (such as preparation of agendas, board papers and minutes), conduct of meetings, conflicts of interest, legal advice on matters such as the Rugby AU Constitution, compliance with the Corporations Act and/or directors’ duties and other board-related and/or corporate governance matters.
• World Rugby & Other National Unions: Agreements, obligations and relationships with World Rugby, SANZAAR & other National Unions, including World Rugby Laws, Regulations and Codes, Participation Agreements, Tour Agreements and Tournament Rules.
• Member Unions, Super Rugby Clubs & RUPA: Maintaining strong working relationships with and providing support to Rugby AU’s Member Unions, Super Rugby Clubs and RUPA, including with respect to the Wallabies, Wallaroos, Super Rugby Pacific, Super Rugby Women’s, Sevens Rugby and other elite national programs.

Capabilities, Experience & Qualification Requirements

Capabilities
Required

• Ability to interpret policies, laws and regulations and apply them to a given factual scenario.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others and provide clear legal guidance to non-legal stakeholders.
• An ability to work autonomously as part of a small in-house legal team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills.
• An ability to communicate clearly and succinctly.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to learn. 
• Ability to maintain the appropriate level of confidentiality when dealing with a wide range of issues and stakeholders.
• Experience with any or all of IT, IP, insurance, marketing and licensing contracts.

Desired

• Experience with privacy and/or employment matters.
• Experience in company secretarial and/or corporate governance.

Experience

Required

• 2-4 years PQE, with a combination of law firm and in-house experience preferred.

Desired

• Experience in the sports/entertainment industry.
• Interest in Rugby or the sporting industry generally.

Qualification Requirements

Required

• Law Degree from a leading Australian university showing strong academic performance.

Please apply by emailing your cover letter and CV to ***************@rugby.com.au by Thursday, June 27, 2024.