Rutgers Athletics and Rutgers Law School have partnered to launch a hands-on externship program starting in Fall 2026, aimed at providing law students with practical experience in the legal and regulatory aspects of intercollegiate athletics. Selected students will work closely with athletics department leadership on issues such as Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), NCAA compliance, contracts, and institutional governance. Under the supervision of Senior Associate Athletic Director Chris Chung, externs will engage in legal research, contract analysis, policy development, and support various administrative and compliance efforts within the athletics department.

This program is designed to bridge academic learning with real-world application, preparing law students for careers in sports law and athletics administration. It offers opportunities to develop core legal skills while contributing to the day-to-day legal operations of Rutgers Athletics, which oversees 24 varsity sports and is a member of the Big Ten Conference. The partnership reflects Rutgers’ commitment to expanding access to legal education and supporting student-athletes, with externs gaining valuable exposure to the evolving legal landscape of collegiate sports.