Scoring a Position in Sports & Media Law: Application Tips

Mar 12, 2024

Written By Lewis Ogg

Sports and media law are highly specialised subsections of commercial legal practice that deal with the unique legal challenges that can arise in the sports and entertainment industries. With the growing commercialisation of sports and new mediums being opened in entertainment, there has never been more demand for capable lawyers in these fields. Within these industries, there is a diverse range of career opportunities available to aspiring solicitors. Because of the appeal of working in sports or entertainment, combined with the appealing work prospects, this is a deeply competitive trainee market. This article will provide strategic application tips to help guide your applications towards success.

Understanding Sports & Media Law Careers

Sports & media law practice has a considerable overlap with other practice areas, with employment and compliance the most obvious examples. Other sub-sections include contract negotiation, intellectual property rights, athlete representation, media licensing, and defamation.

Combined with this considerable range of possible areas are a host of potential clients, with solicitors having to advise clients such as athletes, sports organisations, media companies, entertainment agencies, and content creators.

There are numerous routes that aspiring solicitors can take to specialise within one of these sectors. Traditionally, working within a law firm with a dedicated sports or media practice area would have been the clearest option; however, with the increasing growth of in-house legal teams, there are now potential opportunities within sports leagues, media companies, entertainment studies, or talent agencies.

It must also be remembered that there are many adjacent industries that offer roles for trainees, such as regulatory bodies or industry associations.

Crafting Your Application

Due to the competitiveness of the job market, it is vital that your application is specifically tailored to the role you are applying for.

Your CV should highlight relevant experiences, skills, and qualifications related to sports and media law. If you have any specific legal experience in sports or media law, try to provide extra details and your levels of involvement, regardless of whether this was simply in the form of coursework, industry events, or extracurricular activities.

When writing a cover letter, especially for organisations focused on one of these specific industries, it is integral that you use this chance to demonstrate your passion for the subject and understanding of the key legal issues in the field.

By the end of the letter, it should be clear to a recruiter what your unique motivations for pursuing the position are, and what qualifications you have to evidence your interest.

Showcasing Your Skills and Experience

Successful applicants not only understand what skills are relevant to the role but also how they can evidence the possession of these skills in their application.

For example, skills such as contract drafting and negotiation, intellectual property law, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance are key parts of sports and media law. Consider how you may have developed these skills through coursework, internships, or practical experiences, giving practical examples whenever possible.

Perhaps even more important than when applying to other areas of the law is demonstrating your depth of industry knowledge. Because of the rapidly evolving nature of sports and media, it is crucial that you stay up to date with emerging trends and how these manifest in legal issues.

A good way to demonstrate this industry familiarity is to reference any relevant research, writing, or industry-related projects you have undertaken that can highlight a level of expertise to potential employers.

Demonstrating Interest and Commitment

There is a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities that aspiring solicitors can participate in to demonstrate their commitment to pursuing sports and media law.

Activities such as sports law clinics, media law moot court competitions, or entertainment law societies all offer different potential commitments and types of involvement. Having participated, consider what you developed from your engagement, especially if you had a leadership position.

Part of demonstrating your commitment to the industry is remaining open to continuing education and professional development. Whether through formal education, professional development opportunities, seminars, or industry conferences, continuing to grow is an important aspect of a successful solicitor.

If you are interested in more industry-centred opportunities, consider enrolling in specialised courses, obtaining certifications, or joining professional associations related to sports and media law to enhance your credentials and network with industry professionals.

Networking and Building Relationships

There is huge value for aspiring lawyers to network with a range of professionals working in these industries, whether that be lawyers, executives, agents, or athletes. Useful occasions to attend include industry events, conferences, and networking mixers that allow you to connect with experienced professionals and potential employers or mentors.

While in-person mixers are effective, do not rule out opportunities offered online. Platforms such as LinkedIn offer a fantastic way of creating a diverse and long-lasting professional network if you are prepared to get involved in active spaces.

Start by joining relevant groups, following key influencers, and participating in online discussions or forums to demonstrate your subject interest and connect with potential employers.

Leveraging Internships and Externships

While it is great to connect with experienced professionals and attend industry events, there can be no substitute for gaining practical experience, whether that be through internships or externships with law firms, in-house legal departments, sports agencies, media companies, or entertainment studios.

When participating in these schemes, involve yourself as much as possible in real-world legal matters such as contract negotiations, intellectual property issues, or regulatory compliance.

Such schemes also offer the opportunity to seek out mentorship opportunities with experienced sports and media lawyers who can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career path.

Try reaching out to alumni, industry contacts, or legal professionals for informational interviews or mentorship relationships that can offer valuable insights and networking connections.

Conclusion

Sports and media law is a specialised subset of legal practice, which offers a diverse and engaging career path to those who are prepared to remain updated on industry trends, seek mentoring and networking opportunities, and pursue personal development.

These dynamic and ever-evolving industries offer the potential for aspiring lawyers to make significant contributions throughout their legal career working on unique and engaging cases that often appear in the media.

For those prepared to put in the requisite time and effort to better their application, following the tips and strategies provided in this article will allow you to produce a robust, well-rounded CV that can demonstrate your capability and passion for sports or media law.

Selection & Assessment