Aspiring Sports Agent Going to Law School Forum

[rad lulz]

d

[Balthy]

Rad lulz, you're actually quite pathetic.

Is this your first time on the internet? You're getting good advice, why not appreciate the 180s too. 2 golden posts on one page is impressive. Meta 180.

[PDaddy]

Rad lulz, you're actually quite pathetic.

If you found your wrench, screwdriver and drill digging through the tool-bag was worth it.

I have to go, but PM me if you want to discuss further.

[PDaddy]

Rad lulz, you're actually quite pathetic.

Is this your first time on the internet? You're getting good advice, why not appreciate the 180s too. 2 golden posts on one page is impressive. Meta 180.

I agree that he should just laugh, and there is some merit to the posts. OP doesn't have to go to law school - or even attend a prestigious one - to accomplish his goals, but IMO the best course of action is to go to law school (if he is set on doing it anyways) and shoot for big law and the most useful courses, clinics, societies, and internships possible.

All things held equal, the CEO of a sports management company will probably take the JD every time. That's just one fewer outside lawyer he has to call when a high-profile athlete gets arrested.

[rad lulz]

d

[omzster67]

This is pathetic. Will someone please explain how pursuing a career in sports law is any different from going into environmental law, educational reform or public advocacy? People like OP (and me, for that matter) are searching for a career path that is the intersection between what we are GOOD at and what we are PASSIONATE about. Find me any successful person in ANY field who doesn't both possess the skills required of their position and the passion/desire/love for what they do each and every day? Why waste what we're good at on something that we are semi interested in? Why not go for the gold?

For those who think aspiring sports agents or sports lawyers shouldn't go to law school..let's look at the facts:
Adam Silver - current NBA commissioner is a UChicago law grad
David Stern - former NBA commissioner is an NYU law grad
Gary Bettman - NHL commissioner - NYU law grad

for those who are wondering, the NFL commissioner went to business school I believe and the MLB commissioner got the position via his ownership of the Milwaukee Brewers which he acquired through attaining wealth in his automotive business I think.

Of sports illustrated's 15 most influential agents, ONE did not get his JD.

People think pursuing a career in sports as a non athlete is a joke. It gets no respect just because it is a niche market and his hard to get into. Some of you TLSers honestly make me sick with your self-righteousness and your thinking that you know everything. Most of you are 0L's who either speak out your ass or base everything on what you read on the internet. Speak to any sports agent (which I have) and they will tell you a JD is essential, and definitely adds to the prestige when signing clients. To whoever mentioned their friend is married to an athlete..you're pointing out one case as a basis for your whole argument...maybe YOU shouldn't go to law school! Just to add, knowing from my personal connections in the sports business/law world, which are quite abundant thankfully, many professional teams are transitioning to in-house counsel rather than working with "sports lawyer" at traditional big law firms.

OP has the luxury of his parents paying for his education. He has gotten into T14 schools. He will be okay. When I groom my kid to be the next Bo Jackson I'll be looking for OP to representing my son.

[FedFan123]

This is pathetic. Will someone please explain how pursuing a career in sports law is any different from going into environmental law, educational reform or public advocacy? People like OP (and me, for that matter) are searching for a career path that is the intersection between what we are GOOD at and what we are PASSIONATE about. Find me any successful person in ANY field who doesn't both possess the skills required of their position and the passion/desire/love for what they do each and every day? Why waste what we're good at on something that we are semi interested in? Why not go for the gold?

For those who think aspiring sports agents or sports lawyers shouldn't go to law school..let's look at the facts:
Adam Silver - current NBA commissioner is a UChicago law grad
David Stern - former NBA commissioner is an NYU law grad
Gary Bettman - NHL commissioner - NYU law grad

for those who are wondering, the NFL commissioner went to business school I believe and the MLB commissioner got the position via his ownership of the Milwaukee Brewers which he acquired through attaining wealth in his automotive business I think.

Of sports illustrated's 15 most influential agents, ONE did not get his JD.

People think pursuing a career in sports as a non athlete is a joke. It gets no respect just because it is a niche market and his hard to get into. Some of you TLSers honestly make me sick with your self-righteousness and your thinking that you know everything. Most of you are 0L's who either speak out your ass or base everything on what you read on the internet. Speak to any sports agent (which I have) and they will tell you a JD is essential, and definitely adds to the prestige when signing clients. To whoever mentioned their friend is married to an athlete..you're pointing out one case as a basis for your whole argument...maybe YOU shouldn't go to law school! Just to add, knowing from my personal connections in the sports business/law world, which are quite abundant thankfully, many professional teams are transitioning to in-house counsel rather than working with "sports lawyer" at traditional big law firms.

OP has the luxury of his parents paying for his education. He has gotten into T14 schools. He will be okay. When I groom my kid to be the next Bo Jackson I'll be looking for OP to representing my son.

Thank you so much omz, I was honestly floored by the responses I got to my question (except for PDaddy). I just don't understand what the purpose of this forum is if it isn't for people to help each other? It seems like it's a bunch of pretentious douche bags who love to mock others. I guess this forum is representative of why people hate lawyers and why when I tell people that I'm going to law school, the universal response is: Does the world really need another lawyer? Well the answer is no, if these are the future lawyers. But it's nice to see that there are at least a few decent human beings on this website, and I would be happy to represent your kid in the future omz! Cheers

[rickgrimes69]

This is pathetic. Will someone please explain how pursuing a career in sports law is any different from going into environmental law, educational reform or public advocacy?

It's not, all of those are flames unicorn careers. OP's chances at becoming a sports agent are realistically nil regardless of whether and where he goes to law school.

[bound]

I may just be a 0L and I'm sure that everyone on this forum can offer more sound advice than I can but here's my .02....


My uncle is a sports agent in the MLB and has been since 1980. He also works for a sports agency and deals with other agents on a daily basis. I firmly believe, based on the conversations we've had, that it's more about who you know in the field of sports law rather than where you go. It's the people with the connections and who make a name for themselves who succeed in it. Knowing attorney's and being the son/daughter of two attorneys won't make you a sports agent nor help you get there.

So while I won't make a joke of your situation like others, they do have a point in that it is basically next to impossible to break into. I do wish you luck though. And if you do have agent connections, you're in a much better position.

[omzster67]

This is pathetic. Will someone please explain how pursuing a career in sports law is any different from going into environmental law, educational reform or public advocacy? People like OP (and me, for that matter) are searching for a career path that is the intersection between what we are GOOD at and what we are PASSIONATE about. Find me any successful person in ANY field who doesn't both possess the skills required of their position and the passion/desire/love for what they do each and every day? Why waste what we're good at on something that we are semi interested in? Why not go for the gold?

For those who think aspiring sports agents or sports lawyers shouldn't go to law school..let's look at the facts:
Adam Silver - current NBA commissioner is a UChicago law grad
David Stern - former NBA commissioner is an NYU law grad
Gary Bettman - NHL commissioner - NYU law grad

for those who are wondering, the NFL commissioner went to business school I believe and the MLB commissioner got the position via his ownership of the Milwaukee Brewers which he acquired through attaining wealth in his automotive business I think.

Of sports illustrated's 15 most influential agents, ONE did not get his JD.

People think pursuing a career in sports as a non athlete is a joke. It gets no respect just because it is a niche market and his hard to get into. Some of you TLSers honestly make me sick with your self-righteousness and your thinking that you know everything. Most of you are 0L's who either speak out your ass or base everything on what you read on the internet. Speak to any sports agent (which I have) and they will tell you a JD is essential, and definitely adds to the prestige when signing clients. To whoever mentioned their friend is married to an athlete..you're pointing out one case as a basis for your whole argument...maybe YOU shouldn't go to law school! Just to add, knowing from my personal connections in the sports business/law world, which are quite abundant thankfully, many professional teams are transitioning to in-house counsel rather than working with "sports lawyer" at traditional big law firms.

OP has the luxury of his parents paying for his education. He has gotten into T14 schools. He will be okay. When I groom my kid to be the next Bo Jackson I'll be looking for OP to representing my son.

Thank you so much omz, I was honestly floored by the responses I got to my question (except for PDaddy). I just don't understand what the purpose of this forum is if it isn't for people to help each other? It seems like it's a bunch of pretentious douche bags who love to mock others. I guess this forum is representative of why people hate lawyers and why when I tell people that I'm going to law school, the universal response is: Does the world really need another lawyer? Well the answer is no, if these are the future lawyers. But it's nice to see that there are at least a few decent human beings on this website, and I would be happy to represent your kid in the future omz! Cheers

I was so happy to find out at the Michigan ASW that most people did not even know about TLS. This website had me worried about what's in store for the next few years.

To all you douchebags on here...you do realize that success in law doesn't stem from your LSAT score or your ability to perform well on tests? It's all about being personable and respectful. Get it together or you'll be the ones who will be questioning whether you should've made this investment in yourselves.

[omzster67]

This is pathetic. Will someone please explain how pursuing a career in sports law is any different from going into environmental law, educational reform or public advocacy?

It's not, all of those are flames unicorn careers. OP's chances at becoming a sports agent are realistically nil regardless of whether and where he goes to law school.

Do you want to show me your proof that it is next to impossible? Do you have statistics? In pure number terms, the money flowing in for sports agents is increasing, not decreasing as is the case for other legal professions. It is a more than stable industry and will be growing GREATLY if the Northwestern union case ends up in favor of the players.

Coming from someone who just has been in contact with the legal departments at two professional teams and 4 of NYC's top 20 sports lawyers and another former agent (who went to law school) it certainly doesn't seem like it is impossible to become an agent.

[FedFan123]

That's exactly right omz, it's a growing industry, not a declining industry like many other areas of the legal industry. I actually did my senior thesis on the rise of sports agents in the legal industry, so I know what I am talking about with that. Yes I know it is exceedingly difficult to break into, but why should that stop me from trying? Don't any of you want more than just what is easily attained? Everyone's dreams are different and most things worthwhile in life aren't that easy to obtain. I'm willing to put in the hard work and effort to achieve my goals and like I said before I believe that I have the right qualities for this career.

[omzster67]

That's exactly right omz, it's a growing industry, not a declining industry like many other areas of the legal industry. I actually did my senior thesis on the rise of sports agents in the legal industry, so I know what I am talking about with that. Yes I know it is exceedingly difficult to break into, but why should that stop me from trying? Don't any of you want more than just what is easily attained? Everyone's dreams are different and most things worthwhile in life aren't that easy to obtain. I'm willing to put in the hard work and effort to achieve my goals and like I said before I believe that I have the right qualities for this career.

Use this thread as a chip on your shoulder. A la Randy Moss vs Dallas Cowboys, Thanksgiving 1998.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y7D0O6fSAk

[Mal Reynolds]

A Day in the Life of a Sports Lawyer:

8:30: Wake up in king-size bed to full view of Miami skyline. Soak in outdoor Jacuzzi while reviewing client’s latest endorsement deal on your iPad.

9:30: Call pasty lawyer for the sports drink company. Talk about how much client enjoys Powerade. Throw out a seven-figure number. Lawyer meekly assents.

10:00: Roll through town in brand-new Gallardo (a gift from an NASCAR driver who shall not be named). Take a call from the distraught parents of a first-round draft pick. In flyover country twang, they explain their son’s in a little trouble with the police.

10:15: Arrive at your downtown office. There’s white marble and a two-story fountain in the lobby. Ask cute, perky assistant with dirty blonde hair to get you the name of a local judge. Assistant wonders why you’re asking her to get local judge’s number, since in 2017 everyone has the numbers in their GoogleGlass.

11:00: Call with local judge who happens to be a season ticket holder. After you explain the situation, he signs an order for your client’s release as long as you keep him away from farm animals.

12:30: Lunch with Rival Sports Lawyer where you discuss competing views on the profession. He thinks clients are just meat to be grinded out. You think each client is a special snowflake.

2:00: Check fantasy sports league. You’re number one. Fondly reminisce how being champ of your fantasy football league in college and leading your team to victory at the UVA softball tournament B division (two years in a row!) first brought you to the attention of Big Time Sports Law Firm.

3:45: Trip to Dolphins training camp to negotiate new contract. Although you switched to soccer in elementary school because your Mom said “tackle football” was too dangerous, you can tell just from watching a few minutes of practice that your client’s an integral part of the team’s offensive scheme. This and a withering barrage of statistics wring another $3 million out of the GM.

5:00: Call with frantic GMs from three different MLB teams. There’s a six player trade they need done before the trade deadline at midnight. You think this rush of adrenaline must be what it’s like to pitch game 7 on three days of rest. You do a line of coke because Miami.

9:30: Deal of the century is done. Everyone calls you with congrats. Sexy blonde ESPN correspondent calls you to do a private interview.

10:00: Arrive at South Beach club wearing sharp suit with open collar. Walk past stunned club goers. Table in the VIP section with various professional athletes. They express admiration at what you do.

11:35: Spot a former Heat dancer who you helped secure a modeling contract at favorable terms. She glides over to you, looks deeply into your eyes, and whispers seductively “take advantage of three year federal deferment programs by calling us at 1-800-SHW-MUNY.”

8:45 AM: Wake up in a cold sweat with an unpaid student loan bill stuck to your forehead. You have an hour to get to Pinecrest to cover a $350 home closing. Before leaving, you check your fantasy sports standings. You’re third, behind a junior DA and the guy who picks players based on how many endorsement deals they have.

Thank you for this. I haven't seen it in a while.

[FedFan123]

I certainly will omz, it will only serve as motivation to prove all of these people wrong. Astonishing really that people continue to quote the same thing over and over again on my thread to tell them how funny it is. Send them a private message if you must, good lord. At least I don't have people babbling on about me retaking.

[rad lulz]

I like how the original poster thanks Paul Campos is just some random dude when Paul Campos is actually a law professor

[Cellar-door]

So to take this kinda seriously:

Do you want to work for an agency?

If so which one?

What connections do you have in either college athletics or agencies?

Which sport(s) are you planning to have clients in?

Do you know anyone working in that sport?



If the answer to these are no or none, make a backup plan because you are way behind the eight ball.

After that, pick the best school in the market of your connections, since you'll have to network to get a job.

Also take into account that most NFL certified agents don't even have multiple clients in the league.

Lastly start putting together bribe money.

[yost]

For lawyers, law students, and future law students, you people don't read very well. OP already said he wouldn't mind BigLaw. So if his albeit unlikely dream doesn't come to fruition, he still has that and no debt. Pretty good outcome if you ask me.

OP: Go to NYU for sure.

[goldeneye]

I spoke to a sports agent one time...

He said a few things about those who wanted to become agents:

1) Do you know athletes, currently, who are going to be high draft picks? If no, your life as an agent is not going to happen.

2) It would be a better use of three years to network on college campuses rather than get a useless law degree because you do not need a law degree whatsoever.

3) Don't go to law school, he said. It's a waste of time and money and if anything, get an MBA. But really, life as a sports agent sucks, because unless you work for CAA, Excel, IMG, etc. (you won't), then you are going to be the personal assistant to college players hoping one might succeed as a third rounder

[FedFan123]

For lawyers, law students, and future law students, you people don't read very well. OP already said he wouldn't mind BigLaw. So if his albeit unlikely dream doesn't come to fruition, he still has that and no debt. Pretty good outcome if you ask me.

OP: Go to NYU for sure.

Haha I was thinking the exact same thing Yost, thanks for the advice. Are you voting NYU simply because of the BigLaw prospects or for my career as a sports agent as well?

[PepperJack]

I don't think law school is a bad plan, Fed because you've gotten into solid top 10s. Wanting to be a sports agent isn't that different from wanting to be in congress or argue before the Supreme Court or practice international law. It's not going to happen out of law school, but big law may and once there you might be able to have a subpractice in something related to baseball. Howie Kuhn started off at Wilkie before becoming MLB Commissioner. You could probably place with a biglaw firm, and then go from there. Honestly, being able to talk about sports intelligently can be valuable when trying to get a job because people hire those they like to talk to, and many people like to talk about sports.

Generally, think about it from an athlete's point of view. No proven player is going to use you unless you marry his sister, and then still probably not. Now pretend you're a young player. You grew up in a poor home, aren't that good at the books and hauled ass to have 1 shot (statistically likely to be your only shot). Are you gonna hire a 1st year attorney or someone proven to represent you? You're talking about guys who get one 100k deal. If you can go big law with a long term eye on agency fine, and be fine if it doesn't happen then go. If not then it's a mistake.

I think how much you want to be a lawyer has to factor into the analysis. You can talk about wanting to prove people wrong, but you're talking under 10% odds here. Also, there's no LRAP even if you do get such a job. Even legal counsel to these agencies isn't touching close to six figures year one living in six figure markets so with the debt it's quasi-insane (source: considered this myself but the legal training, salary, etc. isn't comparable).

[BigZuck]

Leigh Steinberg came to my school and talked for a couple hours. Was really interesting, he's a pretty fascinating guy.

The main takeaway I got from him was that you need to be brilliant, have a super human work ethic, know the right people, be in the right place at the right time, and lucky. I think having a law degree was very low on the list.

If you're cool with defaulting into big law (lulz, I know) then just go to the best school you can. By all means try to become an agent, but it almost certainly ain't happening.

[FedFan123]

I spoke to a sports agent one time...

He said a few things about those who wanted to become agents:

1) Do you know athletes, currently, who are going to be high draft picks? If no, your life as an agent is not going to happen.

2) It would be a better use of three years to network on college campuses rather than get a useless law degree because you do not need a law degree whatsoever.

3) Don't go to law school, he said. It's a waste of time and money and if anything, get an MBA. But really, life as a sports agent sucks, because unless you work for CAA, Excel, IMG, etc. (you won't), then you are going to be the personal assistant to college players hoping one might succeed as a third rounder

Is it really necessary to try shooting my dreams down? Like seriously? I'm not telling you that you can't do BigLaw or that life in BigLaw sucks, or whatever else you want to do. Why do you feel the need to try to belittle me? Not a single one of you knows me as a person. You know nothing about me other than the information provided in the opening paragraph. News flash: top sports agents are exceedingly wealthy. Just ask the agent who took 5% from Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh's 200 million dollar contracts when they signed with the Miami Heat. I'm not even in this for the money anyways, it is the career that sounds the most intriguing to me. All I want advice on is which law school would help me best achieve my goal, not whether or not I am going to end up penniless and homeless after a failed stint as a sports agent.

[retaking23]

Alright OP, here's my take:

Go to best law school you get into since money has been made a non-factor thanks to your parents. Don't try to over-think and bother gauging which school is better suited for your goals (unless you want academia) because your level of success as a sports agent will driven far more by your own talent at smooth-talking/ negotiation than by the prestige of your school.

[goldeneye]

I spoke to a sports agent one time...

He said a few things about those who wanted to become agents:

1) Do you know athletes, currently, who are going to be high draft picks? If no, your life as an agent is not going to happen.

2) It would be a better use of three years to network on college campuses rather than get a useless law degree because you do not need a law degree whatsoever.

3) Don't go to law school, he said. It's a waste of time and money and if anything, get an MBA. But really, life as a sports agent sucks, because unless you work for CAA, Excel, IMG, etc. (you won't), then you are going to be the personal assistant to college players hoping one might succeed as a third rounder

Is it really necessary to try shooting my dreams down? Like seriously? I'm not telling you that you can't do BigLaw or that life in BigLaw sucks, or whatever else you want to do. Why do you feel the need to try to belittle me? Not a single one of you knows me as a person. You know nothing about me other than the information provided in the opening paragraph. News flash: top sports agents are exceedingly wealthy. Just ask the agent who took 5% from Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh's 200 million dollar contracts when they signed with the Miami Heat. I'm not even in this for the money anyways, it is the career that sounds the most intriguing to me. All I want advice on is which law school would help me best achieve my goal, not whether or not I am going to end up penniless and homeless after a failed stint as a sports agent.

Haha come on, man. The same agents represent all the big NBA guys. No law school will help you achieve the goal of being an agent. That's what everybody is saying. It's unnecessary to go to law school.