Legal Externship (Spring 2027)

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 2026. 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.