Our client, Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE) is seeking a highly motivated and commercially minded lawyer to join its Legal team as Legal Counsel, reporting to the Chief Legal Officer. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of sports, entertainment and business, providing practical legal advice on the broad range of matters that arise in the day-to-day operations of the Vancouver Canucks (NHL), Abbotsford Canucks (AHL), Vancouver Warriors (NLL), Vancouver Surge (eSports), Rogers Arena and Rogers Forum, as well as related businesses including hospitality. CSE offers a strong, supportive and small legal team, a fast-paced, high-energy environment in the community-focused sports and entertainment industry, and the opportunity to grow a strategic business-legal skill set exponentially in an in-house setting.
Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, Legal Counsel will provide clear, sound, practical and strategic business-legal advice to internal stakeholders and will review, negotiate and structure contracts on a timely basis. The role manages multiple priorities and provides legal support across commercial and business operations, intellectual property and branding, privacy, regulatory and risk, legal operations and governance, and dispute analysis and resolution. Legal Counsel will also advise on sports law matters, including NHL, AHL and NLL league rules, league policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements, and will support the Club in maintaining compliance with applicable requirements. The position further supports the legal and business teams on strategic initiatives, special projects and other matters affecting the Club's business operations.
The successful candidate will hold a J.D., LL.B. or LL.L. from an accredited law school, be a member in good standing of a relevant provincial or state bar or law society, and bring 1–3 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in commercial, corporate, technology, entertainment, sports or general business law. Strong contract drafting, review and negotiation skills are essential, along with strong attention to detail, solid research skills and sound judgment.
The ideal candidate approaches legal issues with a practical, solutions-oriented and business-minded perspective, demonstrates discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information, manages multiple priorities with sound judgment, and thrives in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment. This role is particularly well suited to an early-career lawyer eager to build broad, hands-on in-house experience across many areas of a sophisticated sports and entertainment business. CSE is looking for someone curious, adaptable and eager to learn, with a strong appetite for mentorship, practical experience and professional growth, who is comfortable learning on the go, takes initiative and is excited to work alongside experienced legal and business professionals on a wide range of matters.
Vancouver is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and Canucks Sports & Entertainment strives to build a workforce that is inclusive, equitable and representative of its community. CSE values unique perspectives, ideas and creativity that support a diverse, inclusive, respectful, collaborative and fun work environment, and is committed to building and supporting a diverse team.
This is an exclusive search.
For more information, or to apply for this role, please contact Warren Smith at warren@smithlegalsearch.com or Kyla Sabatino at kyla@smithlegalsearch.com.
