The Counsel, Dominican Republic Office is a critical role within MLB's Baseball Operations Department in the Dominican Republic (DR).  The role will support the Baseball Operations team in its oversight of the Dominican office and implementation of the Dominican Summer League and the International Amateur Talent System, which governs the entry of players residing outside of the U.S. and Canada into professional baseball.  As in-house counsel for the DR office of MLB, this role also works on internal investigative matters, including age and identity, and with lawyers across MLB to advise on and responds to industry issues affecting both MLB and its 30 Clubs within the Dominican Republic and other countries.

Responsibilities

Legislative, Judicial, and Regulatory Activity

• Monitor legislative, judicial, and regulatory activity and identify issues of strategic and operational importance to MLB and its 30 Clubs
• Develop and maintain subject matter expertise on all issues affecting the baseball industry in the DR and internationally

Legal Support

• Assist MLB and individual MLB Clubs with litigation and other legal matters in the DR and internationally that affect them, as directed by senior leadership

Compliance and Policy Issues

• Support MLB and MLB Clubs in policy considerations and provide counsel on compliance with league rules and applicable laws

Government Relations

• Develop and help communicate MLB’s position on legislation, regulations, and other proposals to DR lawmakers, regulators, and other government officials
• Independently draft or otherwise assist in drafting documents, talking points, briefing materials, and advocacy pieces or related presentations

Qualifications & Skills:

Documentation to practice law

• Law degree, exequatur to practice law in the Dominican Republic, and membership in the Dominican Bar Association required

Professional Experience

• The Counsel, Dominican Republic Office must be organized, and detail-oriented, and maintain a professional demeanor
• The position requires an ability to manage deliverables with time-sensitive deadlines, while maintaining confidentiality
• A prior understanding of the international baseball landscape is preferred
• At least ten years of legal experience, including five years at a law firm, are strongly preferred

Language Skills

• Fluency in English and Spanish (oral and written) is required due to the international nature of the league’s operations

Communication

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism is required        

Technical Skills

• A working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required

Work Environment:  This is an in-office position requiring attendance five (5) days a week at the Santo Domingo, DR office with occasional off-hours and weekend work, as needed. 

DR Residency: This position is based in Santo Domingo, DR and may require occasional travel abroad. The Counsel, Dominican Republic Office must be a resident of the Dominican Republic, with the legal ability to work in the DR