Rutgers Athletics and Rutgers Law School are joining forces in a groundbreaking new initiative that's set to reshape how future sports lawyers get their start. The two institutions have launched an externship program that will place law students directly into the trenches of college athletics, working alongside department leadership on the most pressing legal and compliance issues facing the game today.
This isn't just another internship—it's a front-row seat to the rapidly evolving world of college sports law. Students will dive deep into Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, NCAA compliance, contract negotiations, and institutional governance. Think of it as a legal playbook for the modern era of athletics, where the rules are changing faster than a fast break.
"This exciting new partnership will help further the Rutgers Law School mission of expanding access to legal education, fostering academic excellence, and empowering students," said Rutgers Law Dean Johanna Bond. "This externship opportunity builds on the strong training at RLS that has produced many attorneys in sports law and professional team management."
Under the supervision of Senior Associate Athletic Director of Revenue and Contract Management Chris Chung, externs will get their hands dirty with real-world projects. Their to-do list reads like a sports law boot camp: researching NCAA regulations and conference rules, analyzing state NIL laws, reviewing contracts and sponsorship agreements, and assisting with compliance efforts and policy development. They'll also tackle legal documents like employment agreements and scholarship papers, while contributing to broader governance and risk management strategies.
"This externship creates a unique opportunity for law students to engage directly with the evolving legal landscape of intercollegiate athletics," said Chung. "From contracts and policy development, students will gain meaningful, hands-on experience while contributing to the day-to-day legal operations of our department. We're excited to mentor the next generation of attorneys while giving them meaningful, practical exposure to the intersection of law, governance, and athletics."
The program is slated to launch in fall 2026, giving aspiring sports lawyers plenty of time to get their game faces ready. For fans who follow the business side of sports, this is a fascinating glimpse into how the next wave of legal minds will navigate the complex world of college athletics—from NIL deals to compliance headaches and everything in between.