2026 Legal Summer Intern (NY)

2026 Legal Summer Intern (NY) 

OVERVIEW: 

NFL Summer Internship Program participants have the opportunity to contribute to the organization's success while receiving an unmatched, behind-the-scenes learning experience. Though interns work within specific departments, they will explore all aspects of the business of professional football through challenging project assignments, weekly speaker presentations, mentoring relationships, and networking opportunities. 

This is a 10-week summer internship program, from June 8 - August 14, 2026. Interns will be required to work five (5) full days (approximately 40 hours) per week and will be paid an hourly rate for their work. Additionally, there is no remote or hybrid schedule. The NFL is committed to being back in person only. This will allow interns to get a better sense of the NFL as an organization and promote stronger networking opportunities. 

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, December 22 at 11:59 PM PST. No exceptions will be made for those who miss the application deadline. 

Due to the high volume of applicants, only those selected for interviews will be contacted by early January. If you are not selected, you will receive an email notification. Please do not contact the NFL regarding the status of your application. 

EDUCATION:  

• Currently enrolled as a J.D. candidate at an accredited law school 

• Preference for 1L students (expected graduation May 2028), but 2L students (expected graduation May 2027) will also be considered 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Prior internship/work experience is preferred 

• Required experience in Word, PowerPoint, Excel 

• Interest in the Sports, Entertainment and/or Media industries is a plus 

• Strong organizational skills 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Eagerness to learn 

• Applicants must be legally permitted to work in the United States and international students must have all visas and employment authorizations before the start of the internship 

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTIONS: 

LEGAL – CORPORATE & LITIGATION:  

The Corporate & Litigation division of the NFL’s Legal Department manages the NFL's transactional and litigation matters and oversees corporate governance and policy functions across the organization.  

Responsibilities: 

• Assist attorneys with legal matters across a variety of practice areas, including Events, Sponsorship, Consumer Products/Gaming, Business Affairs, Commercial Policy and Litigation 

• Research and analyze issues facing the commercial operations of the NFL and its Member Clubs  

• Assist with drafting contracts, licensing agreements and other legal documents 

• Review industry standards and recent market developments to provide input on NFL transactions and policies  

• Support the NFL’s intellectual property enforcement division by helping to identify fraud and counterfeit merchandise 

• Perform any other assigned duties, as needed   

Qualifications:  

• Strong organizational, research and writing skills  

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously   

• Strong interpersonal and time management skills  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and legal research tools (Westlaw, Lexis)  

• A demonstrated interest in the commercial legal issues facing professional sports leagues  

• Relevant prior professional experience (e.g., prior employment, paralegal, internship, volunteer) is strongly preferred 

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL: 

The NFL Management Council is the division of the NFL legal department that negotiates and advises NFL clubs regarding the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement and represents the NFL and clubs in all disputes between players and clubs.  The team enforces the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement and related rules against clubs, players, and other club personnel.     

Responsibilities: 

• Assist attorneys in drafting post-hearing briefs which involves analyzing and interpreting hearings, depositions, past decisions, and the CBA.   

• Prepare attorney for grievance and policy hearings.  

• Legal research involving labor disputes.  

• Review and analyze coaches and non-player personnel contracts.  

Qualifications:  

• Candidates should have prior experience, demonstrated classwork, or an interest in Sports Law, Labor and Employment Law, Collective Bargaining, and Litigation  

• Strong understanding of Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint 

• Very strong organizational skills with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects    

• Demonstrated interest in working in professional sports and/or sports law 

• Preferred coursework: Evidence, Labor Law 

*Please note: While the NFL does not offer relocation assistance, select summer internship candidates may be eligible for a housing stipend based on eligibility criteria.  Eligibility will be reviewed with candidates under consideration for an offer.