Associate General Counsel – Athletics

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Associate General Counsel providing legal advice to Vanderbilt University Athletics Department, focusing on various legal and regulatory matters in collegiate athletics.

Posted 5/30/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide legal advice to Vanderbilt University Athletics Department.
Review, draft, and negotiate agreements related to competitions, sponsorships, and employment.
Advise on university policy, NCAA, and SEC rules.
Counsel on student-athlete related issues, including NIL activities.
Manage an active litigation docket and supervise outside counsel.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A juris doctorate is required, and the Associate General Counsel must be licensed in the State of Tennessee or eligible for licensure within twelve months of hire.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law and a demonstrated ability to function independently in relevant subject matters.
Ability to identify, analyze, and explain legal issues in a clear, timely, and thorough way to senior university administrators.
Experience with collegiate or professional athletics is strongly preferred, including a working knowledge of the financial and operational goals of a D1 collegiate athletics program.
Prior experience working with sports agents/managers.
Advanced oral and written communications skills and the ability to work rapidly and collaboratively while providing exceptional service to campus partners.
Willingness to learn new areas of law, or to apply prior legal practice to a higher education environment.
Experience in regulatory analysis, and a strong understanding of NCAA regulations and compliance requirements.
Demonstrated ability to navigate a large, complex organization, including excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Strong critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and strategic ability.
Proficiency with common technology for document creation and management.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

juris doctoratelegal advicedrafting agreementsnegotiating agreementslitigation managementregulatory analysisNCAA regulationscompliance requirementsstudent-athlete counselingNIL activities

Soft Skills

independent functioningclear communicationcollaborationcritical thinkingsound judgmentstrategic abilityinterpersonal skillsability to analyze legal issuesability to work rapidlyexceptional service

Certifications

licensed in the State of Tennessee