Professional athletes demand superior performances of themselves, and they likewise demand excellent legal representation to guide them from draft through retirement and beyond. From assessing potential endorsement opportunities to purchasing a home, setting up an estate plan or analyzing a business opportunity, we provide representation that ensures a player’s interests are protected and they are not being taken advantage of by outside interests and third parties. We know that if not handled properly, the stress associated with potential legal matters can distract a player and affect their athletic performance. We work as part of a team with a player’s other advisers – including accountants, managers, agents and others – to alleviate worry so our clients can stay focused on what matters most: the competition, and the game ahead.

Endorsements and Marketing Services

A successful athlete has the opportunity to earn substantial pay and receive significant benefits. During the course of a player’s career, various opportunities will need to be analyzed not only for their financial rewards, but also for the effects they may have on the athlete’s name and brand — a valuable asset that must be protected. One reckless act can affect the ability of a player to utilize their name for financial security.

We assist clients with reviewing potential business opportunities with an eye toward maximizing value and staying consistent to the client’s brand. Our attorneys work with athletes and other high-profile clients to create income streams to supplement their playing contract and set them up for future financial success.

We also have significant experience handling public relations issues. We establish relationships with the community relations departments of our players’ teams to explore all avenues of marketing available to our clients. We encourage our clients to become involved in community service activities and charities, and we have relationships with outside public relations firms that can provide services to our clients.

Right of Publicity

Apart from athletic ability, an athlete’s next most important asset is their name. It is critical to keep the player’s name reputable and to be cautious about the manner in which others use it. We recognize the need to protect the use of the athlete’s name both personally and financially.

We have experience in instituting proceedings arising from the improper and/or unauthorized use of our clients’ names. Whether it is the unauthorized marketing of products bearing a client’s name or the utilization of a client’s likeness to promote an unauthorized business or product, we are familiar with the legal means available to stop such misuse. We aggressively prosecute those actions to ensure that our client’s good name remains untainted.

Crisis Communications

When a crisis hits, our clients turn to us to help guide them through the situation. We offer sophisticated counsel that mitigates legal exposure and reputational risk. Our attorneys work with agents, publicists and other advisers to ensure individuals facing significant liability or potential prosecution put out a unified message, speaking clearly with one voice in a way that advances their interests.

Copyrights and Trademarks

Intellectual property is a vital asset, and protecting it is essential. We represent athletes as well as TV, digital content and motion picture production companies, creators, writers, fine artists, composers, recording artists and other entertainment and sports industry content developers in registering, policing and protecting copyrights and negotiating the sale and licensing of copyrighted material.

Wills and Trusts

Athletes’ estates present uniquely complex intellectual property issues. Our entertainment and sports law practice includes attorneys with a niche in this area, helping major athletes and their heirs navigate the challenges surrounding the protection, management and distribution of their estate assets, from planning through administration.

Nonprofit Organizations

Our attorneys assist athletes in creating charities and other types of nonprofit organizations. We counsel nonprofit organizations on a wide range of corporate, contract, labor, real estate, tax, fundraising, litigation, intellectual property, environmental and ESG issues.

Family Law

In today’s all-access environment, athletes face unprecedented scrutiny of their private lives. Our dedicated national team of family law practitioners helps prominent clients navigate sensitive legal issues that affect families, including adoptions, prenuptial agreements and divorce proceedings. Our attorneys resolve delicate family law matters with care, agility, sensitivity and hands-on service, and the understanding that the glare of the entertainment and sports businesses adds an extra layer of complexity.