Was sports law something you went to law school to do — or did you discover that interest later? 

Sports law was always my goal. I was very strategic when applying to law schools to make sure I put myself in the best position to break into the industry. A big reason I picked Minnesota Law was because of its location in a city and its proximity to five major professional sports teams. 

How did you get your job with the Buccaneers? 

My internship with the Minnesota Vikings was the best thing that could have happened for my career. The connections I made, along with the work experience I got, helped me land my job with the LPGA and the Buccaneers. My advice is to give an internship your best and create meaningful relationships that last. 

What’s a typical day on the job? 

For better or worse, there is no typical day. The majority of my job consists of contracts, whether drafting, negotiating, or reviewing. At the end of the day, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a business, so our job is managing risk for the company as a whole. This comes with many different hats. 

What’s something that people might find surprising about working for a sports team? 

Legal departments for sports teams are typically very small. I am one of just two lawyers at the Buccaneers, which is fairly standard around the NFL and other major leagues. Some teams don’t even have an in-house attorney. 

What advice would you have to a law student or a newer lawyer looking to work in the sports industry? 

The good thing about breaking into the sports industry is that there isn’t a standard path. Being a sports lawyer means working with so many different sides of the law that no experience is bad or disadvantageous for a career in sports. And just like anything, a lot of it is who you know. While in law school I met so many sports and entertainment professionals through the Sports Law Society who I’m still in touch with today. Always keep networking! 

What are a couple of your favorite memories of your time at the Law School? 

Sticking with the sports theme, some of my favorite moments were during campus intramurals. Our section would have a team each semester (volleyball, basketball, kickball) and it was such a great time to blow off some steam with your classmates. 

Minnesota Law is a place known for putting an emphasis on leadership. What does being a good leader mean to you? 

I think the most important characteristic of a good leader is credibility. Good leaders gain credibility through doing their job well, holding them- selves accountable, and treating people with respect under all circumstances. When a leader lacks that credibility, I think trust becomes an issue, which can hurt retention and the organization’s culture. 

Do you have any interesting decoration or item on your desk or in your office that you would like to share? 

Of course I have my University of Minnesota Law degree hanging up proudly in my office. Right next to that is framed a Super Bowl LV ticket with some of the confetti from the post-game celebration. (I keep my Super Bowl ring at home!) 

What do you like to do with your free time? 

Now that I live in Florida, I spend a lot of my time on the beach and the water. I still participate in club sports with some co-workers and I love to read. Reading for fun did not exist in law school and now it feels like such a luxury! 

Anything else that you would like to share? 

I spent a lot of time trying to find the right law school fit for me. Minnesota just checked all the boxes: located in a big city, top rankings, national reach, Big 10 conference, professional sports teams, Fortune 500 businesses, and lastly genuinely good people who cared about your future, from professors to career counselors. I would not have landed my dream job in the NFL without going to Minnesota Law.