Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Become a Sports Attorney?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

The process to become a sports attorney is different in each country. A combination of education and experience is necessary to develop a career in this niche area of the law. A sports attorney can work for a professional sports team, athlete or management company. Responsibilities vary, but sports attorneys typically focus on contract and business law.

In the United States, a sports attorney is often a member of the administrative or management team for a professional athlete. An athlete would contact the attorney to review employment and endorsement contracts, purchasing contacts and other business activities. Many athletes enter into negotiations with businesses or provide investment funds for other businesses.

Earning a law degree can be the first step toward becoming a sports attorney.
Earning a law degree can be the first step toward becoming a sports attorney.

The first step required to become a sports attorney is to obtain a law degree and be certified to work as a lawyer. The requirements in each country are different, but a minimum undergraduate degree from a recognized university is expected. In addition, most countries also have licensing requirements that might include writing exams or gaining a certain amount of legal experience.

Experience is a prerequisite for becoming a sports attorney.
Experience is a prerequisite for becoming a sports attorney.

The sports industry is very complex, and most people who want to become a sports attorney will need to gain some experience in this sector. Experience can be gained through positions in the administration of a sports team or sporting organization. A solid understanding of the sport itself, the athlete's profile, and the benefits and risks of the sport is essential information that informs decisions and advice that the lawyer can provide to his or her clients.

A sports attorney must have excellent negotiation skills.
A sports attorney must have excellent negotiation skills.

Attorneys are expected to attract and retain their own clients. Building contacts in this industry is essential to become a sports attorney. Many people build these contacts over a period of years, attending sporting and fundraising events or even volunteering. Relationships with coaches, athletes, agents and talent management companies are all part the responsibilities of a sports attorney.

Upon graduation from law school and completion of the bar exam, look for a position in a law firm that has a niche area dedicated to sports law. Working closely with experienced lawyers will provide an opportunity to learn how this type of law is performed, along with its risks and the benefits. Business negotiations and contract law are quite broad topics, and the actual techniques used are quite specific to each industry.

Additional courses in contract negotiations, the intricacies of endorsement contracts and how to protect the client's business interests are all provided by the local law school or society. These courses can be focused on issues in the sports industry or address widespread issues and concerns. Once you become a sports attorney, it is important to keep your skills up to date.

Discussion Comments

Terrificli

@Logicfest -- If you go to a law school that does not offer sports law classes, all is not lost if you want to become a sports lawyer.

For one thing, sports agency is primarily a contracts law specialty in that negotiations, forming contracts and those types of things are important. Take as many contracts classes as you can and you may come out fine.

For another, a lot of colleges do offer courses featuring guest lecturers. It may just be that a class on sports law will be one of those courses. Take that class even if you have to go to summer school to do it.

Logicfest

@Melonlity -- Here is something else. Attend a law school that is both in a city large enough to have a bunch of firms full of sports lawyers and offers sports law classes. Yes, there are some sports law classes offered but those are few and far between. Make sure you wind up at a college that offers some of those if you want to actually become a sports attorney.

Melonlity

How do you become a sports attorney? You can start that process in law school by clerking for a firm that represents a lot of athletes. That setup will take some advanced planning, of course.

For one thing, you will need to attend a law school in a city large enough to have firms full of attorneys who serve as agents for athletes. Second, you will need to impress the people at that firm enough that they will want to hire you as a clerk (good grades and a knowledge of sports are your best friends here).

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Earning a law degree can be the first step toward becoming a sports attorney.
      By: -Marcus-
      Earning a law degree can be the first step toward becoming a sports attorney.
    • Experience is a prerequisite for becoming a sports attorney.
      By: michaeljung
      Experience is a prerequisite for becoming a sports attorney.
    • A sports attorney must have excellent negotiation skills.
      By: Scott Griessel
      A sports attorney must have excellent negotiation skills.