A school or NIL offer
We review compensation, payment timing, obligations, licensing rights, exclusivity and transfer-related contract provisions. The scope can cover advice, document review or agreed negotiation around the offer in front of you.
Athletes & NIL
Legal help for the deal in front of you.
For college and professional athletes, families, and representatives sorting through a school offer, endorsement, or business decision. We explain the terms, identify the questions that matter, and handle the legal work agreed for your matter.
Complimentary intake with Jamee or a paid attorney strategy session with Drew.
Athlete services
Start with the decision you need to make
The agreement may be one document, but the decision often connects compensation, rights, representatives and the business around your career.
An endorsement or content deal
We examine deliverables, approvals, use of your identity or content, payment terms, renewals and termination so the agreement reflects the work and rights being exchanged.
An agent or management agreement
We review authority, commissions, exclusivity, duration and exit terms. The engagement can focus on the legal terms and how the proposed relationship fits with your other representatives.
Your name and brand
We evaluate trademark and brand-licensing needs, ownership questions, and the permissions that control how your name, likeness and content may be used.
A business around your career
We advise on entity, ownership, governance and commercial-contract questions for athlete ventures. Tax questions are coordinated with your accountant rather than treated as one-size-fits-all legal advice.
Your legal team
Athletes, now attorneys
Athletic experience informs the conversation. Your matter is still staffed according to its legal needs, jurisdiction, scope and availability.
Explore our sports and entertainment practice
Drew Jacobs
Founder & Managing Attorney
Drew played Division I basketball at Boston College and advises athletes and businesses on contracts, brands and commercial matters. He is admitted in New York, New Jersey and Ohio.
Caitlin Hannibal
Of Counsel
Caitlin boxed as an amateur and professional before practicing law. Her experience includes Orrick, Cadwalader and in-house work at iN DEMAND. She is admitted in New York and is a WNBPA Certified Player Agent.
The engagement
From the first conversation to a defined scope
- 01
Share a brief overview
Tell us your role, the agreement or issue, and any deadline.
- 02
Confirm fit and responsibility
We address conflicts, matter fit, the responsible attorney and the jurisdictions involved.
- 03
Put the work in writing
The scope, fees, staffing and agreed legal work are set out in a written engagement agreement.
Jamee’s fit-and-intake call does not include legal advice. Drew’s paid strategy session covers that consultation only and does not automatically establish ongoing representation.
A defined project may use a fixed fee when the assumptions and deliverables are clear. Ongoing work may be hourly, retainer-based or hybrid.
Questions from athletes and families
Can you review a school revenue-share or NIL offer?
Yes. An offer-specific review can address compensation, payment timing, obligations, licensing rights, exclusivity, duration, termination and related documents. The written scope may cover review, advice or agreed negotiation, depending on the offer and what you need.
What is the difference between an agent and an attorney?
Agents may source opportunities and provide representation services under their agreements. Attorneys advise on legal rights and review or negotiate legal terms. The roles can overlap in some settings, so authority, compensation, responsibilities and potential conflicts should be clear before work begins.
Does every NIL deal require an LLC or trademark?
No. The answer depends on the athlete, the deal, existing ownership, business plans and the rights being licensed. We assess the legal facts and can coordinate with a tax advisor when entity structure or tax treatment needs separate advice.
What role can a parent or representative play?
A parent or representative can help gather information and coordinate the process, but the engagement must identify the client, who has authority to instruct counsel, and any potential conflicts. Those questions are addressed before confidential legal work begins.
How are fees and scope determined?
The scope depends on the agreement, complexity, deadlines, jurisdictions and requested work. Defined projects may use a fixed fee when assumptions and deliverables are clear. Ongoing counsel may be hourly, retainer-based or hybrid. The applicable terms are agreed in writing.
What should I share first?
Start with a brief overview, your role, the type of offer or agreement, and any signing or response deadline. That is enough for an initial inquiry. Please send confidential documents only after representation is confirmed in writing.
Athlete guide
Read up before the conversation
The NIL and Revenue Sharing Guide covers school payments, outside deals and contract questions.
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NIL and Revenue Sharing Guide
Understand school payments, outside NIL deals and the contract questions that affect an athlete’s earnings.
Useful reading
College Athletes & Retired Pro BusinessBusiness and contract questions around an athletic career.NIL & Revenue Share GuideSchool payments, outside deals and contract terms.NIL Laws by StateExplore the state-by-state NIL reference.Media & NIL DealsLegal work for NIL, media and athlete agreements.NIL Business Structures for AthletesQuestions to consider when organizing athlete income and ventures.Trademark EssentialsHow brand ownership and trademark protection fit together.Athlete NIL Negotiation TipsContract terms to understand before signing.
Have an offer or agreement to discuss?
Choose a complimentary fit-and-intake call with Jamee or a paid attorney strategy session with Drew.
Prospective client disclaimer: contacting Jacobs Counsel or booking a call does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send confidential information until representation is confirmed in writing.