Sr Legal Counsel Contracts - IT

Overview

At Academy Sports + Outdoors, our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We’re a passionate, purpose‑driven team that’s as committed to each other as we are to our customers. We’ve spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. Our belief in the power of fun fuels us. Here, you won’t just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you’ll launch one of your own. Whether you’re starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can’t lose!

Education

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and admission to at least one State Bar

Work Experiences

• 5+ years of focused information technology and omnichannel legal experience with a major law firm or an in‑house legal department
• Experience with a retail company in a corporate environment preferred
• Significant experience drafting and negotiating complex IT and omnichannel contracts, including software and services
• Demonstrated knowledge of privacy and security laws, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
• Significant experience with relevant IT industry concerns and practices
• Significant experience providing timely, accurate, and practical legal advice balancing legal risk with business objectives
• Integral part of transaction and compliance process where business judgment is as important as legal guidance

Skills

• Strong legal and contract drafting skills
• High level of professionalism, good judgment, and initiative
• Ability to analyze complex matters and propose creative and practical solutions, even in ambiguous situations
• Ability to remain organized, pay attention to detail, and meet critical deadlines
• Ability to work well under pressure while consistently meeting deadlines
• Excellent client service skills
• Ability to work well independently and efficiently, and to effectively contribute to a team environment
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and commercial negotiation skills, including creative conflict resolution
• Ability to manage a team and outside counsel as required
• Supervisory, coaching, and training skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to interface effectively with individuals at various levels
• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel to business clients, primarily including the IT and Omnichannel departments, on a wide array of business, compliance, governance, privacy, security, and contractual issues, while coordinating with other legal team members and stakeholders
• Identify and resolve problems promptly, gather and analyze information skillfully, and maintain confidentiality
• Draft, review, negotiate, and work closely with business partners on various agreements in support of IT and Omnichannel initiatives, including software licenses, service agreements and SOWs, cloud/hosting agreements, and other technology‑related agreements
• Develop effective partnerships with other corporate departments, distribution centers, stores, and their vendors
• Represent the company in negotiations and other forums
• Represent multiple Academy departments and locations on enterprise‑level issues both internally and externally
• Develop a thorough understanding of the Academy’s policies, procedures, and safety rules
• Implement standardized policies, processes, and procedures for IT governance, IT and Omnichannel‑related agreements, and commercial relationships generally
• Manage legal staff and outside counsel as required
• Operate within the financial budget for assigned practice area(s)
• Identify and assist in implementing process improvements
• Duties may change; team members may be required to perform other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements & Attendance

• Regular in‑office attendance required
• Up to 5% travel, as needed
• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties
• Adhere to company work hours, policies, procedures, and rules governing professional staff behavior

Equal Employment Opportunity

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.