A person who wants to become a sports lawyer must usually commit to many years of education. To prepare for this career, an individual must first complete high school or earn a credential that would be equivalent to a high school diploma. He must then attend college followed by law school. Finally, a person in this field usually has to pass an exam that allows him to begin practicing law.
Before making the decision to become a sports lawyer, a person should take the time to learn what the job entails. Although it may seem similar to the sports agent title, it is not the same thing. A sports lawyer handles legal matters for clients in sports-related professions, including contract negotiations, disputes, lawsuits, and even criminal matters. Sports agents represent many of the same types of clients, focusing on promoting them and ensuring they remain in demand. Some sports lawyers are sports agents as well, but the careers are not the same.
Interestingly, a sports lawyer may take on clients who are not involved in sports. These lawyers often work for those who are in other entertainment-related careers as well. For example, a sports lawyer may have football and hockey players on his client list as well as singers and actors.
In order to become a sports lawyer, a person typically attends high school and then goes on to earn a bachelor’s degree in college. An individual who wants to become a sports lawyer doesn’t have to earn his degree in a law-related major, however. Instead, he can take just about any major in preparation for law school. It is, however, a good idea to take some writing courses, as writing can be a major part of a law career. Business courses can also help the aspiring lawyer to prepare for his career, as he’ll need a good understanding of how things work in the business world.
After graduating from college, a person who wants to become a sports lawyer attends law school and then goes on to take the exams necessary for licensing in his jurisdiction. In law school, his studies will usually include a number of general courses, but he should also take courses in sports and entertainment law. Business tax law, liability, and intellectual property law courses may prove helpful as well. Once a lawyer has completed the education and licensing required to practice law, he typically applies for a position with a law firm or other organization. If he wants to go into private practice, he may find it easier to do so after he has gained some experience.
