Throughout the year, students within Miami Law’s Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law LL.M. Program dedicate time to networking and interviewing with established attorneys within the sports industry, seeking summer internships. These niche opportunities, working under top industry executives, translate into unparalleled experiences within highly sought-after companies where students become immersed and integrated into the intersection between these industries and the law. Whether it be working on real agreements that the business will use or receiving mentorship and guidance from their managers and mentors, these students are getting a unique opportunity to begin their careers under the supervision of industry leaders.
Here's a look at how students from Miami Law's Entertainment, Arts, and Sports LL.M. Law Program spent their summer, described in their own words:
Jesse Stein, Legal Intern for the NFL Management Council
I learned how the governing body of the NFL operates. Working for the impressive group of lawyers taught me a lot and reinforced my interest in the sports law world. Some of the projects included Reviewing and Approving Contracts, where I provided the Commissioner’s stamp of approval to all clubs’ non-player contracts (487 contracts stamped). I assisted with Injury Grievances. I drafted responses for the NFLPA, created deposition outlines, wrote cross-examinations for neutral physicians, and researched past grievance decisions. Finally, I conducted Legal Research, where I compared Collective Bargaining Agreements from other leagues to the NFL’s, researched the history of international players, and reviewed players' social media for potential criminal background insights.
I chose to attend Miami Law primarily for the EASL degree. I wanted to combine a legal education and an opportunity to strengthen my sports and law skills. My first day on the Miami Law campus was at the 2023 Global Entertainment and Sports Law + Industry Conference. Being exposed to many industry leaders and getting the opportunity to connect with them has proven very valuable.
Aaron Glas, Legal Intern at InterMiami CF
Substantively, I reviewed and drafted different types of agreements, including facility use agreements, medical waivers, and player contract amendments. I also completed research projects regarding ideas that the business team had to ensure they were legally feasible and what steps needed to be taken to be buttoned up on the legal side. These projects included subject matter ranging from non-profit law to soliciting charitable donations. Finally, my big overarching project for the summer was overhauling the employee handbook, which I completed by the end of my internship and will live on by being circulated to all employees.
On a high level, seeing what in-house counsel work looks like was a great experience. I learned that In-house lawyers are expected to do more than simply give legal advice or ensure contracts look good. They are also expected to opine on business decisions and are thus valued for their intelligence. Truly illuminating moments included when I got to sit in on calls with potential sponsors and see what points the lawyers were willing to push back on versus which they were willing to concede in a negotiation. Being privy to those talks/calls was the best part of the internship.
I chose Miami Law in large part due to the EASL program. I was a competitive swimmer for fifteen years, and I have always loved sports. I felt that the EASL degree was a great way to break into sports while getting a great education. Miami, as a city, is also growing and becoming an international business hub. It is an exciting time to be in the city, and that played a role in deciding to move here.
Lauren Skidmore, Legal Intern at the New York Red Bulls
The EASL program provided me with the connections and resources necessary to land this opportunity. Early in my first year of law school, I connected with my mentor, Ally Levy (a recent EASL graduate). In March, while searching, Ally recommended me for an internship with the Red Bulls. Ally forwarded my resume, and I was invited to interview. Although I didn’t secure the position at that time, I was informed by the hiring attorney that while they were looking for a second-year student for the role, they were impressed with my interview and encouraged me to stay in touch. I kept that connection, and during my second year, they reached out again. I interviewed once more, and this time, they offered me the position! This experience underscored the value of networking and maintaining professional relationships throughout my career.
During my internship with the New York Red Bulls, I assisted in drafting and reviewing player loan agreements and transfer contracts, sponsorship agreements, software as a service agreement, and broadcasting agreements, among other legal research assignments, gaining hands-on experience in sports law and team operations. My work also involved coordinating with various departments to support the team’s strategic initiatives and enhance operational efficiency. This internship provided me with valuable insights into the intersection of sports, law, and business, further fueling my passion for the legal aspects of the sports industry.
I chose to attend law school because I discovered a unique intersection of passion and profession that aligns seamlessly with my skills and interests. The legal profession offers constant intellectual challenges that demand deep analysis, strategic thinking, and innovative solutions, and pursuing the EASL degree allows engaging in sectors that genuinely inspire me. The possibility of pursuing a dual degree in Entertainment, Sports, and Arts law confirmed my ability to merge my professional skills with personal interests, rendering my work both fulfilling and engaging.
Erica Hamilton, Legal Intern at the PGA Tour
This summer, I worked in a transactional role, gaining invaluable contract drafting experience by working on international media rights agreements, presenting sponsor agreements, privacy policies, etc. I also had the opportunity to redline (make suggested edits for) various contracts, including data processing agreements. Lastly, I conducted legal research on topics that supported the TOUR team in making strategic and informed business decisions.
The EASL Program connected me with Lizzy Stewart, a fellow Miami Law student and former legal intern from two summers ago. She put in a good word for me with the team. Her support, along with my credentials through the EASL program, helped me be a strong candidate for the role. I chose to attend Miami Law because of the EASL program, knowing it would be instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of working at the intersection of sports, business, and law. Since starting at Miami Law, the EASL program has exceeded my expectations, and I am so grateful to be part of such an incredible community.
Carmen Ferrante, Legal & Business Affairs Intern for the Washington Commanders
I had tremendous support from Greg Levy and Alana Berman, my Office of Career and Professional Development advisor, throughout the internship-search process. Greg did whatever he could to connect me with individuals in the Sports industry to network and explore summer opportunities, and it eventually worked out with the Commanders. Alana provided me with resources throughout the year to explore all my options to try and set myself up as best as possible for the summer.
This summer, I learned valuable transactional skills from the in-house counsel of a professional football team. For instance, I helped draft and review agreements, including those involving suite licenses, vendors, sponsorships, player health & medical services, hotels, events, and DJ/gameday performers. Additionally, I researched appropriate nondisclosure agreements and stadium accessibility language for these contracts.
I chose to attend Miami Law and pursue the EASL degree because the program’s leaders strive to maximize the potential of their students. The opportunity to network, gain relevant work experience, and contribute to the program’s success are all things I am excited about. Coming to Miami and pursuing the EASL degree was a no-brainer.
Sophia Magill, Legal Intern for the Atlanta Braves
During my internship with the Atlanta Braves organization, I was able to see the various interfaces that an in-house lawyer for a sports team encounter. I drafted sponsorship, lease, and talent agreements. I also assisted in preparing standard operating procedures and extension agreements. I researched laws and legislative proposals that impact the team including data privacy and premise liability laws. Most of my work is confidential so I cannot share specifics, but last week, my first sponsorship deal was signed!
When I began to consider the law schools I wanted to apply to, I made a list of the qualities that I was seeking in a program. First and foremost, having the option to study law with a concentration in sports. University of Miami School of Law exceeded this criterion. I decided the Entertainment, Arts, and Sports LLM program would give me all the resources to expand on my intention of going into sports law. While attending the University of Miami School of Law I decided to apply to the EASL program because of the opportunities and connections it would provide me. The various short courses on niche topics drew me to the program as well due to my particular interest in working with professional athletes. Ultimately, I decided the EASL program would be the best way to further my education and get me one step closer to my dream of working in the sports industry.
Samantha Bly, Legal Extern for the Dallas Stars
Working directly with the Dallas Stars outside counsel, Sixth Man Sports, I have worked on Venue Naming Rights Agreements, Sponsorship Agreements, and various other agreements across all the Dallas Stars affiliated entities. My day-to-day is filled with redlining contracts and speaking with the Dallas Stars business team. This summer was such an amazing, successful experience that Sixth Man Sports offered me a position to stay on their team this fall! I will have the opportunity to work with their other clients, in addition to the Dallas Stars.
Mikey Shahinian, Legal Intern at CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football)
I heard about this opportunity through the EASL program, and Greg helped me work out the logistics once Concacaf selected me for the role. During my time with Concacaf, I have worked on many different tasks, including reviewing contracts relating to the 2024 Copa America tournament and data input for Concacaf's new contract life management system. Getting to see my work directly help and translate into the live soccer tournament was a full circle, fulfilling moment, especially as an intern at the intersection of law and sports.
I've always had an interest in working in the sports industry. When I was first applying to Miami Law, I wasn't aware that the EASL degree existed. However, once I learned about it, the degree and program felt like a natural fit and progression from my undergraduate degree in Sports Administration.
Jacob Lefton, Legal Intern at PrizePicks
The EASL program at Miami Law taught me the importance of networking and making connections with industry leaders, and the value of maximizing opportunities as a law student, which led me to my summer internship at PrizePicks. Thus far, I’ve had the privilege of helping draft various types of contracts, including partnership agreements and nondisclosure agreements. I’ve also assisted with auditing employee exemption statuses, preparing licensing and compliance applications for state and federal regulators, and researching, analyzing, and changing PrizePick’s website to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If it were not for Miami Law’s EASL Program, I would not be here today. This program truly pushes and advances you toward your ideal career path from early on. EASL events are centered around learning about these fast-paced industries while connecting with established industry leaders. I look forward to continuing to take advantage of this during my time at Miami Law!
Read more about Miami Law’s Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law LL.M. Program.
Learn more about Miami Law’s Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law area of study.
