Rutgers Athletics and Law School Launch Externship Aimed at Providing Insight on NIL, NCAA Compliance, Contracts, and Institutional Governance

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 18: The Rutgers Scarlet Knights mascot looks on during the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Oregon Ducks at SHI Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Rutgers Athletics and Rutgers Law School have teamed up to create an externship program that will allow law students to work closely with the athletics department leadership on a range of legal, compliance, and policy-related matters. This experience will give students insight into the world of college sports law, covering topics like NIL, NCAA compliance, contracts, and institutional governance.

“This exciting new partnership will help further the Rutgers Law School mission of expanding access to legal education, fostering academic excellence, and empowering students. This externship opportunity builds on the strong training at RLS that has produced many attorneys in sports law and professional team management,” said Rutgers Law Dean Johanna Bond.

According to the press release from the university, Externs participating in the program will assist with different projects under the supervision of Senior Associate Athletic Director of Revenue and Contract Management Chris Chung. Their work will include researching NCAA regulations, conference rules, and state NIL laws, analyzing contracts and sponsorship agreements, and assisting with compliance efforts and policy development while also contributing to legal matters such as drafting and reviewing employment documents, assisting with scholarship agreements, and supporting broader policy, governance, and risk management.

“This externship creates a unique opportunity for law students to engage directly with the evolving legal landscape of intercollegiate athletics. From contracts and policy development, students will gain meaningful, hands-on experience while contributing to the day-to-day legal operations of our department. We’re excited to mentor the next generation of attorneys while giving them meaningful, practical exposure to the intersection of law, governance, and athletics,” said Chung.