[NHL] Legal Clerk

Founded in 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL®) is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.  

With more than 1500 employees across the US and Canada, the NHL is a global sports and entertainment organization committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey.  At the NHL, we are looking for dynamic, energetic and impactful individuals who are committed to doing the same by sharing in our philosophy that Hockey is for Everyone.

ABOUT

The National Hockey League seeks recent law school graduates (i.e., class of 2025 or 2026) for a two-year legal clerkship program, which aims to provide early in-house opportunities. The clerkship program would begin in September 2026.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate as a member of the League's internal legal team with exposure to a broad range of matters, including business transactions, labor and employment law, intellectual property, licensing transactions, event contracts, financing matters, corporate governance and compliance, and other matters.  

Responsibilities may include:  

  • Working collaboratively with outside counsel; 

  • Participating in drafting and negotiating sessions for various corporate documents; 

  • Reviewing and participating in policy and training development on corporate compliance matters; 

  • Participating in meetings with League management and Club personnel to provide legal and business advice;  

  • Assisting with labor matters such as grievance hearings and other matters arising under the Collective Bargaining Agreement; 

  • Assisting with employment matters, including handbooks, compliance with multi-state requirements and other HR support as needed; 

  • Providing support on intellectual property matters, including clearances, drafting licenses and related agreements, trademark matters, and conducting legal research; 

  • Providing support on internal employment and human resources matters; and  

  • Performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned.  

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High level of commitment to quality work product

  • Ability to reason through complex legal documents and arguments

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication (both written and oral) skills 

  • Recent (i.e., class of 2025 or 2026) graduate of an accredited Law School 

  • Ability to distill relevant information and summarize in a clear coherent manner

  • Ability to effectively manage multiple assignments, priorities, and deadlines in a timely, efficient and effective manner, with attention to detail

  • Ability to work nights and weekends when necessary and to travel for business purpose as requested (note: minimal travel is expected in this role) 

  • Excellent organizational and project management skills

  • Pro-active attitude and a genuine desire to learn

EDUCATION

  • Law degree

  • Member of New York Bar or intention to sit for New York Bar Exam (or UBE) 

APPLY
Jaia Thomas