BPS Lawyers Partners with UConn Athletics to Address NCAA Policy Changes and Support Student-Athletes

Brown Paindiris & Scott (BPS Lawyers), a Glastonbury-based law firm, has announced a partnership with UConn Athletics to serve as the program's full-service legal partner. The collaboration comes at a critical time as recent NCAA policy changes have significantly altered the landscape for student-athletes and athletic programs nationwide.

The partnership will provide UConn Athletics with comprehensive legal services including compliance support, contract reviews, and general counsel services. Firm Partner Nick Paindiris, a UConn graduate, stated that the firm looks forward to "helping the program navigate legal matters or setting up protections to reflect the needs of future generations." The timing of this partnership is particularly relevant given recent NCAA reforms that have transformed college athletics.

In 2024, the NCAA eliminated restrictions on the number of times academically eligible student-athletes can transfer during their college careers. According to recent policy changes detailed at https://www.ncaa.org, athletes can now transfer multiple times without losing eligibility, provided they maintain good academic standing and meet progress-toward-degree requirements at their new institution. This shift offers greater flexibility but introduces complications regarding credit transfer, eligibility, and academic progression.

Additionally, NCAA reforms have granted student-athletes greater autonomy over their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), allowing them to engage in commercial activities without jeopardizing their eligibility. These changes create new legal complexities that require specialized counsel, making the BPS Lawyers partnership particularly valuable for UConn Athletics.

The partnership extends beyond immediate legal needs, potentially creating opportunities for student-athletes to consider pre-law pathways, scholarships, and mentorship programs. Ian Butler, another Partner at the firm, noted that "the focus and discipline that athletes need to be successful in their sport translates pretty well to the legal field." He emphasized that common undergraduate programs including political science, history, economics, English, and philosophy can serve as excellent pre-law tracks by developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

The collaboration leverages the existing connection between the firm and university, as multiple attorneys at BPS Lawyers are graduates of the University of Connecticut School of Law, a nationally recognized program that offers comprehensive legal education. This partnership represents a strategic alignment between legal expertise and athletic program needs during a period of significant regulatory change in college sports.