TITLE: Legal Externship (Spring 2027)
CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC & Seattle Reign FC
DEPARTMENT: Legal
REPORTS TO: Associate General Counsel
REQUIRED: 2L/3L students; Eligible for academic credit via an accredited law school
LOCATION: Hybrid- minimum 3 days in office (Renton, WA HQ + Remote Work)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by October 2, 2026
SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are united as one soccer family, driven by a shared commitment to excellence, growth, and impact on and off the pitch. Each club has independently forged a rich history of performance while connecting deeply with the community. Our clubs are continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible while fostering an inclusive culture- championing causes and building community connections to expand our reach and impact. Each match is an opportunity to bring together our community, celebrating our resilience, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence. United in professional dedication- we are two clubs with one shared vision of progress and greatness.
Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Legal Extern to join our Legal Department for Spring 2027. This externship provides law students with the opportunity to work alongside the in-house legal counsel for both clubs, gain hands-on experience in a professional sports environment, and develop practical skills in sports law.
This position is an academic externship; candidates must be enrolled in a legal program and eligible to receive academic credit through their institution.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Legal Research & Writing: Conduct research on a variety of legal topics, including labor and employment, intellectual property, data privacy and security compliance, and league regulations.
- Contract Review & Drafting: Assist in drafting, reviewing, and analyzing agreements related to sponsorships, vendors, operations, and marketing.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Support counsel in ensuring compliance with applicable laws, league rules, and organizational policies.
- Policy & Procedure Support: Help prepare internal policies, presentations, and resources for club staff on legal and compliance matters.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work with various departments (e.g., Corporate Partnerships, Marketing, Business Strategy and Analytics, and Human Resources) to understand and support legal needs in a sports organization.
- Learning & Observation: Shadow counsel during meetings, negotiations, and strategy discussions to gain exposure to the legal considerations of running a professional sports club.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current enrollment in an accredited law school program. (2L or 3L preferred)
- Must be able to receive academic credit for participation in the externship. This is an unpaid internship.
- Affiliation agreement (or similar) must be executed between University and Seattle Sounders prior to start.
- Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Willingness to pitch in to support team tasks.
- Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- A team player with a collaborative mindset and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
- Interest in sports law, business law, or in-house practice
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This role requires regular on-site presence at our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton, WA, as part of a hybrid work arrangement.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
- Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
- Responsibilities may include work outdoors and require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 20 pounds.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
PRIVACY POLICY
By clicking Submit Application, you agree to the terms of the MLS Privacy Policy.
Skills Required
- Current enrollment in an accredited law school program
- Eligibility to receive academic credit through an accredited law school
- 2L or 3L standing
- Affiliation agreement or similar agreement executed between the university and Seattle Sounders before the start date
- Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability and willingness to support team tasks
- Ability to handle confidential information professionally and discreetly
- Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment
- Interest in sports law, business law, or in-house practice
- Availability for regular on-site work in Renton, Washington, within a hybrid schedule
- Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Residence in Washington state upon hire
- Ability to facilitate local travel independently
- Ability to work outdoors, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 20 pounds
What We Do
Seattle Sounders FC is a professional soccer club based in Seattle, Washington, that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Established in November 2007 as an MLS expansion team, the club is recognized for its passionate fan culture and competes in the league's Western Conference.
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