Legal Counsel

Company Background

The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), Houston Dynamo 2, a development academy, Houston Dynamo Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park.

The organization has a rich history, relocating to Houston from San Jose in December 2005 and securing MLS Cup championships (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018, 2023) and Dash (2020). Looking ahead, HDFC is committed to bringing home more titles, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

We are seeking a proactive and dedicated individual to join our in-house legal team. As a member of the department, this individual will advise, support and collaborate with other business units on all legal matters across the organization. This role will report directly to the General Counsel. Title is commensurate with experience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Assist with day-to-day legal and compliance matters, including those relating to sales, marketing, and promotions; broadcasting; facility operations; soccer operations; public relations; litigation; insurance and workers’ compensation; intellectual property; and employment
• Draft, prepare, and review a variety of transactional documents, including sponsorships, licensing, consulting agreements, services agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and other documents as assigned
• Manage document retention policy and maintain a comprehensive record of internal documents, ensuring contracts are organized, accessible, and properly stored
• Assist with managing intellectual property portfolio, including interacting with outside counsel regarding filing of trademark applications, gathering specimens for applications, and drafting and reviewing cease and desist letters
• Facilitate internal departmental engagement and legal education refreshers
• Assist in developing company policies and procedures
• Interpret applicable league rules and correspond with league personnel to ensure compliance
• Assist in coordinating the immigration and visa processes
• Support risk management efforts and the management of outside counsel and consultants
• Drive continuous improvements in policies and workflow processes
• Conduct routine legal research
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

• Bar admission in Texas
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• 2+ years of relevant experience in a law firm or corporate legal department
• Advanced negotiating and writing skills, with a strong ability to draft and review legal documents, analyze complex issues, and provide practical, business-oriented solutions
• Experience in identifying and prioritizing assignments based on content, urgency, and organizational sensitivity
• Experience in governance, risk management, and compliance
• Strong teamwork and relationship management skills with the ability to work effectively as a liaison between the legal department and all internal clients and external stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to effectively manage communications and projects with a dynamic workforce
• Ability to remain professional, flexible and resourceful in response to the changing priorities and needs of a fast-paced, high growth organization
• Demonstrated willingness to continuously acquire new competencies and accept new challenges
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple assignments and deadlines with accuracy and keen attention to detail
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and dedication in the fulfillment of commitments
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Proven ability to create, manage, and improve workflow processes
• Excellent organizational skills
• Pursues lifelong development and learning
• Communicates in a direct, open, and honest manner
• Seeks and accepts feedback
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, as needed
• Maintains Organizational Core Competencies
  
  

ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES

• Accountable – Holds themselves (and when appropriate others) accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
• Collaborative – Works collaboratively with others to achieve organizational outcomes.
• Progressive – Open minded, accepting, creative, and innovative in approach.
• Values Driven – Being ethical in decision making and operating with professional integrity.
• Agile – Achieves personal and organizational success within a changing, dynamic and complex environment. Ability to handle ambiguity.
  
  

Other Information

Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are welcome, and the Club seeks individuals passionate about sport, inspiring the city and devoted to the organization's growth. While duties and responsibilities vary across positions, we are seeking individuals who are accountable, collaborative, progressive, agile and ethical/values driven.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.