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The Blue Chips Program

The Blue Chips Program

The Sports Law Institute (SLI) invites applications to the Blue Chips Program.  This innovative program, which will commence at the start of the 2012-13 academic year, is designed to provide students who demonstrate a talent and passion for sports law with (1) core skills in the practice of sports law; (2) hands-on assistance in pursuing jobs, SIPs and other experiences in sports law; and (3) opportunities for research and discussion of contemporary sports law issues.

Students accepted into the program will become Blue Chips.  They will be expected to participate in the following activities:

Workshops on contract drafting, including drafting of employment contracts, endorsement contracts, licensing contracts and stadium/concession contracts.  These workshops will particularly benefit students who are interested in becoming sports agents, attorneys for teams, or attorneys for companies which negotiate contracts with leagues, teams or players.

Workshops on NCAA regulations and application of regulations to real-world situations.  These workshops will particularly benefit students who are interested in becoming NCAA compliance officers at colleges and universities, and those who would like to get on the track to becoming an athletic director.

Workshops on sports litigation, arbitration and mediation.  These workshops will particularly benefit students who are interested in becoming litigators, arbitrators or mediators and whose practice involves sports.

Workshops on obtaining a job or experiential learning opportunity in sports law.  These workshops will center on strategies for applying for a position as an agent, team or league attorney, private practice attorney, NCAA compliance officer and many other entry-level positions in the industry.

Round-table discussions on contemporary and breaking sports law issues, such as labor disputes, restrictions on athletes' use of social media, proposed changes to NCAA policies, conference realignment and many other topics in the news.

Panel discussions with industry leaders, including members of SLI's distinguished Board of Advisers. 

Research and writing assignment opportunities related to SLI projects and projects of SLI faculty (Professors Michael McCann, Brian Porto and Jason Okai).

At least for the 2012-13 academic year, Blue Chips will not receive pay or academic credit.  Students interested in the program should pursue it to learn real-world skills and professional training for the sports industry.  

Eligibility

VLS Students expecting to graduate in 2013 or 2014 may apply to become Blue Chips.  Applicants must be in compliance with all VLS academic requirements and standards.  In addition, applicants must submit, by e-mail only, the following materials:

 A one-page resume.  The resume should indicate class rank at VLS and any educational or professional experiences relevant to sports business or sports law.

 A statement, of no more than 500 words, expressing reasons for interest in becoming a Blue Chip.  Reasons could include a desire to become a sports lawyer or general interest in sports law issues.

Two letters of recommendations.  At least one should be from a VLS professor.

Applications, which should include the above mentioned materials in one e-mail, are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012.  They must be in electronic form and must be emailed to Professor Michael McCann at mmccann@vermontlaw.edu.  No paper copies of any materials will be considered.