Associate Counsel, Player Health

WORK OPTION: Hybrid

The NBA is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. To safeguard our employees and their families, our visitors, and the broader community from COVID-19, and in consideration of recommendations from health authorities and the NBA's own advisors, any individual working onsite in our New York and New Jersey offices must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

Position Summary:

This position will assist with and manage operational and legal aspects of player health matters. In addition to primarily focusing on matters related to player participation, player health initiatives may include issues related to electronic medical records and injury tracking systems, health research programs, sports science and wearable initiatives, data governance, injury reduction initiatives, cardiac, emergency preparedness, and concussion programs, and youth basketball development efforts.

Major Responsibilities:

• Monitor, and support several initiatives related to, player participation by NBA players, including:
  • Conducting league investigations pursuant to the Player Participation Policy, including supervising the collection and review of medical records, coordinating with and overseeing consulting team physicians and athletic trainer, interviewing team personnel and/or players, and recommending case resolution;
  • Regularly interacting with team health and performance personnel (physicians, athletic trainers, other health and performance staff) and front office personnel, regarding league rules and related matters;
  • Regularly coordinating with Basketball and League Operations, Basketball Strategy and Analytics, and other NBA colleagues;
  • Drafting memos to teams regarding player participation rules and related guidance;
  • Creating presentations describing policy details for team and league meetings;
  • Supporting ongoing implementation of the Player Participation Policy day-to-day operations;
  • Assisting in overall management and administration of NBA player health systems, including data systems that contribute to NBA player participation and injury reporting and analyses; and
  • Providing analysis and advice on relevant league rules, including injury, illness, and other game status reporting rules and related injury reporting workstreams.
• Support management of various player health-related programs and processes, including league health advisory committees (cardiac, emergency preparedness, concussion, sports science, etc.).
• Interact regularly with team player health staff, the National Basketball Players Association, and team counsel regarding player health rules and other matters.
• Draft memos to teams regarding player health and performance matters.
• Support creation and implementation of training programs and documents related to electronic medical records and injury surveillance and prevention efforts.
• Draft and negotiate agreements with health-related partners and vendors.
• Conduct legal research and provide analysis and advice on player health matters.
• Provide support for key events involving the player health function (e.g., Draft Combine, NBA Summer League), including policy development, legal agreements, training and other documentation, and coordination with other NBA departments, teams, and health vendors and partners.
• Perform special projects and other responsibilities relating to collective bargaining, league operations, and league governance.

Required Education/Professional Experience:

• Admission to practice in the State of New York.
• Juris Doctor
• 3-6 years of experience at a law firm.

Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes:

• Excellent record of academic and professional achievement.
• Outstanding written and oral presentation skills.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced work environment with competing demands.
• Ability to work well within a team environment and on broad multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance.
• Prior investigations experience preferred.
• Exposure to health or privacy law is a plus (but not required).

Salary Range: 190,000-215,000

We Consider Applicants For All Positions On The Basis Of Merit, Qualifications And Business Needs, And Without Regard To Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Gender Identity, Age, Disability, Alienage Or Citizenship Status, Ancestry, Marital Status, Creed, Genetic Predisposition Or Carrier Status, Sexual Orientation, Veteran Status, Familial Status, Status As A Victim Of Domestic Violence Or Any Other Status Or Characteristic Protected By Applicable Federal, State, Or Local Law.