There is nothing more inspiring than watching someone
pursue their passions, and Fort Worth, Texas, native and
Stetson College of Law alumnus Steven Schwartz, J.D.
’15, is doing just that.
Schwartz’s journey to becoming the current Director of Basketball
Operations for the Utah Jazz started when he was young. As
a child, he was a huge basketball fan and knew he wanted to
work for the NBA. Throughout his life, he always engaged in
activities that kept him close to basketball. Schwartz attended The
University of Texas, majoring in finance. He applied to become
the manager for the UT basketball program the summer after his
freshman year. Schwartz didn’t get the position but was referred to
the Austin Toros (now known as the Austin Spurs). He worked for
the Toros his sophomore, junior and senior years of college. It was
here that Schwartz became connected with coach Quin Snyder,
who, at the time, was the Toros head coach.
After working with the Toros, Schwartz knew he needed to
differentiate himself from former players and coaches if he wanted
to advance his career and work for the NBA. Law school seemed
like the perfect way to do so. At a law school recruitment event,
Schwartz met Darren Kettles, Stetson’s Director of Admissions,
who convinced him to come to Stetson. Schwartz was taken with
the combination of the great weather, good vibes, friendliness, and
small environment.
He dove right in and began taking as many business law courses
as he could. Professor Louis J. Virelli III and Professor Mark
D. Bauer were his greatest mentors and gave him invaluable
general life advice. During the years, he took full advantage of
the internships offered at Stetson and gained exposure to the “real
world of law.” In his 2L year, he interned with a federal judge in
Tampa, and in his 3L year, he interned with the league office of
Minor League Baseball. Schwartz was grateful for this opportunity
because it meant he could dedicate his summers to the NBA.
His 1L summer was spent with the Orlando Magic, assisting their
summer league team, and his 2L summer was spent with the Utah
Jazz assisting with their pre-draft process and preparation for free
agency. Schwartz recalls working for the Jazz in May and June after
graduation and driving back to Texas to cram for the July bar.
“I know you aren’t supposed to do that, but it ended up working
out,” he said.
After passing the bar, Schwartz began applying for jobs in the NBA.
His path crossed again with Coach Snyder when Snyder offered
Schwartz a newly created assistant position. It seemed like a good
opportunity, so he took it. In this position, Schwartz did a little bit
of everything. He was still able to collaborate with the front office
while learning how an NBA coaching staff operates during the season.
One year later, the assistant general manager left the Jazz for another
opportunity. This was Schwartz’s time to shine: He was given the
opportunity to put his knowledge of the NBA collective bargaining
agreement and salary cap to use. It wasn’t long before Schwartz nabbed
his current position of Director of Basketball Operations.
As with any career, there are rewards and challenges.
“It’s rewarding when all the preparation comes together and gives
you the ability to make quick decisions when needed. We prepare for
three major time periods: the trade deadline, NBA Draft, and
free agency.”
As for the challenges? Like with any high-intensity job, the work
never stops.
“Things change quickly, and you have to forecast those changes and
plan ahead,” he said.
Still, Schwartz is exactly where he wants to be. He is grateful to
his parents for supporting him in what most would call a risky,
unpredictable career path, as well as to his fiancee, Lauren, and his
goldendoodle, Bennie, for their support and patience while
he travels.
B Y M O L LY K A E L I N
19
ALUMNI P ROFILE
STEVEN SCHWARTZ
STETSON LAW CLASS OF 2015
Steven Schwartz, right, with David Morway, who is the
assistant general manager for the Utah Jazz and Steven’s
current boss and mentor. (Image courtesy of Steven Schwartz)
It’s rewarding when all the preparation comes together
and gives you the ability to make quick decisions when
needed. We prepare for three major time periods: the trade
deadline, NBA Draft, and free agency.”
— Steven Schwartz