The Draw of Sports Landed Zach Lyons at UNH Franklin Pierce
What is your name, year, and degree program?
A: Zachary Lyons, 2026, JD.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Eldersburg, Maryland.
Q: What was your background before law school?
A: Before law school I attended Alderson Broaddus University for my undergraduate degrees and the University of Sioux Falls to obtain a masters in business administration. At both universities I played college football.
Q: Why UNH Franklin Pierce?
A: I came to UNH because I was interested in Sports Law. I was introduced to Professor Micheal McCann and thought that UNH would be the best option for my law career.
Q: What is your involvement with the campus and local community?
A: I am an鈥疉ssociate Editor for the sports law review.鈥 I am a 3L advisor for the Sports and Entertainment Law Society, and Vice President for the First-Generation Law Students. I was very active with sports club, playing in multiple tournaments with other law schools.鈥
Q: What has been your favorite class or professor so far?
A: During law school, my favorite classes have been Professional and Amateur Sports, taught by . As a former college athlete, I came in with a strong interest in sports law, and these courses allowed me to explore a wide range of legal concepts through that lens. Professor McCann has also been an outstanding mentor. He allows for an engaging learning environment and has consistently been available to discuss internships and career opportunities, which has made a meaningful impact on my law school experience.
Q: What's your favorite spot around Concord?
A: Billiards is a great place to hang out with friends, play pool, and listen to music!
Q: What do you do to de-stress?
A: What helps me de-stress is usually working out at the gym.
Q: Tell us something memorable about your law school experience.
A: During my 2L year, I wrote a research note for the Sports Law Review and was honored to have my article, 鈥淢onopolizing the Hobby: Legal Insights into the Consolidation of the Sports Card Industry,鈥 selected by my peers for publication.
Another highlight came during my 3L year, when I participated in a class held at the headquarters in Las Vegas, taught by Professor McCann. The course included panels with UFC attorneys, fighters, and other personnel, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the business and legal aspects of the organization. As a longtime UFC fan, it was especially memorable to meet fighters like and see the industry up close.
Q: Tell us about your summer internships and postgrad plans!
A: After my first year, I had the opportunity to serve as a legal intern with the This experience was an excellent introduction to the legal side of collegiate athletics, allowing me to better understand the structure of the NCAA and how it has evolved since my time as a student-athlete.
Following my second year, I interned with the intern. In this role, I gained exposure to military justice, administrative law, and a wide range of legal assistance matters. I also had the unique opportunity to participate in aspects of military life, including training exercises and unit activities, which made the experience especially rewarding.
I am honored to have accepted a position with the U.S. Army JAG Corps following graduation and look forward to beginning my career in military service
