Close Deals.
Protect Your Legacy.
NIL negotiations, brand deals, and contracts that build careers—plus estate planning and wealth protection that secures your future.
What Athletes Get
Real legal strategy for every stage of your athletic career—from college NIL deals to professional contracts to post-retirement wealth planning.
NIL Deal Negotiation & Review
Whether you're a college athlete signing your first endorsement deal or a pro negotiating a multi-million dollar partnership, we make sure you're protected and fairly compensated.
What We Review & Negotiate:
- • Compensation structure (upfront, royalties, bonuses)
- • Usage rights and territory restrictions
- • Exclusivity terms (category, duration, geography)
- • Social media obligations and content approval
- • Termination clauses and moral provisions
- • Performance incentives and audit rights
Fixed-fee NIL contract review — scoped upfront
Learn more →NFL Player Benefits Recovery
Through Athlete Alumni Advantage, we help retired NFL players understand, apply for, and appeal disability benefits they've earned through their playing careers.
Benefits We Help Recover:
- • Total & Permanent Disability (T&P)
- • Line of Duty Disability (LOD)
- • Neurocognitive Disability
- • Healthcare coverage and prescription benefits
- • Pension claim assistance
Our Approach:
We help retired players who have been previously denied benefits by gathering comprehensive medical records, obtaining expert opinions, and filing thorough appeals to secure the disability benefits and healthcare coverage they've earned.
Visit Athlete Alumni Advantage →Brand & Trademark Protection
Your name is your brand. We help athletes protect their personal brand through federal trademark registration, licensing agreements, and enforcement against unauthorized merchandise.
How It Works:
When unauthorized merchandise appears using an athlete's name or likeness, we file trademark applications, send cease-and-desist letters, and negotiate settlements or licensing agreements to protect and monetize the athlete's brand.
Learn more →Business Formation & Tax Planning
NIL income, endorsement deals, and professional salaries require proper business structure. We help athletes set up LLCs and S-Corps to manage income, reduce taxes, and prepare for post-career ventures.
Why Athletes Need Business Entities:
- • Separate NIL/endorsement income from personal finances
- • Tax deductions for business expenses
- • Liability protection for business ventures
- • Professional credibility with brands and sponsors
- • Foundation for post-career businesses
Fixed-fee entity formation — book a call for details
Learn more →Wealth & Estate Planning
Protect your earnings for the long term. Build generational wealth that survives taxes, lawsuits, and bad financial advice.
What High-Earning Athletes Need:
- • Revocable living trusts for asset management
- • Irrevocable trusts for tax minimization
- • Asset protection from lawsuits and creditors
- • Life insurance trusts (ILITs) for estate tax
- • Special needs trusts for family members
Fixed-fee estate planning — scoped to your situation
Learn more →Contract Review & Negotiation
Professional contracts, team agreements, agent contracts, and partnership deals—we review, negotiate, and protect your interests.
Common Issues We Fix:
- • Overly broad non-compete clauses
- • Unfair termination provisions
- • Hidden fees in agent agreements
- • Missing performance incentives
- • Weak injury protection clauses
Fixed-fee contract review — scoped upfront
Common Athlete Legal Questions We Answer
❓ "Should I sign this NIL deal?"
Not until we review it. Most first-time NIL deals have problematic exclusivity clauses, low compensation, and unfair termination terms. We'll tell you what to negotiate and what to walk away from.
❓ "Do I need a trademark for my name?"
If you're monetizing your name through NIL, merchandise, or endorsements—yes. Trademark registration gives you legal grounds to stop unauthorized use and negotiate licensing deals.
❓ "Can I get NFL disability benefits if I was denied before?"
Yes. Many initial denials are overturned on appeal with proper medical documentation and legal representation. We've successfully recovered benefits for players previously denied multiple times.
❓ "Should I set up an LLC for NIL income?"
Probably. LLCs provide liability protection, tax benefits, and professional structure. If you're earning significant NIL income, entity formation makes sense.
Why Athletes Choose Jacobs Counsel
ATHLETE-ATTORNEY PERSPECTIVE
Counsel Who's Been in Your Shoes
Founder Drew Jacobs isn't just an attorney—he's a former Division I ACC basketball player at Boston College. He understands the grind, the pressure, and the unique opportunities athletes face because he's lived it.
As a former certified NFLPA player agent, Drew has negotiated professional contracts and represented athletes at the highest level. He also founded Athlete Alumni Advantage—a firm dedicated to helping retired NFL players secure the disability benefits and healthcare they've earned.
This isn't generic legal advice from someone who's never been on the field. This is strategy built by someone who gets it.
We Speak Your Language
Deep experience in sports, NIL, and athlete ventures. We understand the pressure and the stakes.
Fast Execution
Careers move fast. Deals don't wait. We work at your speed.
Long-Term Partnership
From first contract to post-career business, we're in it for the long game.
Assess Your NIL Readiness
Take our free assessment to evaluate your NIL opportunities and get personalized recommendations.
Athlete NIL Readiness Assessment
Evaluate your NIL opportunities and understand how to maximize your brand value. Learn about contract terms, compliance, and monetization strategies.
Free Athlete Resource
Download our comprehensive NIL guide to maximize your opportunities and protect your brand.
NIL Revenue Sharing Guide
A college athlete's guide to unlocking your share of NIL revenue.
Cornerstone Guides for Athletes
In-depth guides on the legal frameworks shaping the modern athlete career.
College Athletes & Retired Pros
School revenue-share contracts, NIL deals, LLC + tax planning, and the post-career business playbook.
NIL Deep DiveNIL Revenue Share Guide
How NIL collectives, schools, and athletes share revenue under the new framework.
Wealth PlanningEstate Planning for Athletes
Asset protection, dynasty trusts, NIL LLC structures, and multi-state residency planning for compressed earning windows.
Ready to Protect Your Career?
Book a strategy call and let's build a legal game plan built for winners.
BOOK STRATEGY CALL →Related on NIL & College Athlete Compensation