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Sports Law is a broad term that is used to describe many different sections of law that affect both professional and recreational athletes. The issues may be related to Olympic athletes, professional athletes, or youth and amateur athletes. Contract law, personal injury law, trademark, criminal law, and athletic administration are all different types of law that can affect the sports industry. 

Sports are an intrinsic part of our society. For someone with both an interest in law and a passion for sports, it could be a career path that’s both exciting and fulfilling. The job outlook for this field is also promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, lawyers can expect to see an 8 percent employment growth between 2016 and 2026. Lawyers who have specialized skills, such as sports lawyers, will likely have even greater career opportunities. The key is earning the right education and taking steps to set yourself apart and break into the field. 

Education

A person with the hope of becoming a lawyer must first earn a bachelor’s degree, go to law school, then pass the bar. The most successful lawyers take their education very seriously. Your GPA says a lot about your work ethic in the legal profession. Someone with a specific interest in sports law should start learning about the subject early in their college career. For example, take classes that pertain to the sports industry, or earn a minor if possible. It may also help if you learn a second language. This can be especially helpful for an aspiring lawyer interested in professional sports that recruit talent worldwide. 

Networking

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” We all hate this saying, but that might be because it’s so true. Being great at what you do isn’t helpful if no one knows how great you are. Start building connections with sports lawyers on social sites like LinkedIn and join professional organizations where you can interact with others in the field. You’ll find that it’s sometimes easier to secure a job through connections than it is to mindlessly pour through job boards. While you’re still in school, search for internships at a firm you may want to work for. If you’re lucky, they may hire you in the future. 

Passion

Above all, don’t be afraid to show how much you love what you do. The best lawyers in any industry are the ones who are thirsty for knowledge because they genuinely enjoy their jobs. If you want to showcase your expertise to potential clients and employers, consider starting a podcast or blog that shares information on sports law. A few hours a month can go a long way in helping to boost your reputation as a credible professional in the field.