Sports Law Clinic

Shot of Nellie Drew and her students.

Sports Law Clinic Director Helen "Nellie" Drew speaking with students.

Sports Law Clinic Overview

This exciting new clinic provides students with the opportunity to work on current issues in sports law and policy.  Past projects have included developing NIL policy and procedures for UB's D1 Athletics Department, creating a model law and supporting white paper to require sports venues to implement emergency action plans ("Damar's Law"), and providing support to the public sector (Erie County) in negotiations for the Buffalo Bills new stadium project.  Students in this clinic also submit papers for industry publication.

Meet the Sports Law Clinic Director

Headshot of Helen "Nellie" Drew.

Helen "Nellie" Drew

Director of Sports Law Clinic; Professor of Practice in Sports Law; Director of the UB Center for the Advancement of Sport

Clinical Legal Education

507 O'Brian Hall

Phone: 716-645-5591

Email: hdrew@buffalo.edu

Our Work

Buffalo Bills Stadium NIL Damar's Law Sports Bra Problem

Buffalo Bills Stadium Project

Nellie and 3Ls with Mark P.

UB School of Law’s Buffalo Bills Stadium Project is designed to help students explore and develop transaction skills while serving as support the County. Under the direction of faculty from Law, students have the opportunity to work with the Erie County Attorney’s Office. Students will conduct research, draft client memoranda, and respond to questions during the course of the County’s efforts to construct a new facility in conjunction with New York State and the Buffalo Bills.

Work in this project will involve:

  1. Analysis and comparison of recent NFL stadium renovation and construction projects and relevant leases;
  2. Reviewing project documents and preparing summaries to
    a) provide easily comprehended, detailed information for dissemination to the public; and
    b) correct existing misconceptions about project details; and
  3. Reviewing and assess the terms of the Community Benefits Agreement entered into as part of the larger transaction, including comparing its impact and scope to other, similar agreements.