--- title: "Sports Attorney for Athletes & NIL Deals | Jacobs Counsel" description: "Former D1 athlete & NFLPA-certified agent. NIL deal negotiation, trademark protection, NFL disability benefits, and wealth planning for athletes closing..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": [ "Organization", "LegalService" ], "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/#organization", "name": "Jacobs Counsel LLC", "alternateName": "Jacobs Counsel", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/#logo", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/logo-dark.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/logo-dark.jpg", "caption": "Jacobs Counsel LLC" }, "image": { "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/#logo" }, "description": "Jacobs Counsel primarily serves gaming and regulated-product companies and provides ongoing outside counsel to growing startups; sports, NIL, creators, entertainment, media, consumer brands, and hospitality are selective adjacent transactional work. Andrew R. Jacobs is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey and Ohio.", "foundingDate": "2022", "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "135 Madison Ave., Floor 4", "addressLocality": "New York", "addressRegion": "NY", "postalCode": "10016", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "221 River Street, Floor 9", "addressLocality": "Hoboken", "addressRegion": "NJ", "postalCode": "07030", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "127 Willow Ave., Floor 2", "addressLocality": "Cincinnati", "addressRegion": "OH", "postalCode": "45215", "addressCountry": "US" } ], "telephone": "+1-646-343-7227", "email": "intake@jacobscounsellaw.com", "areaServed": [ { "@type": "State", "name": "New York" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "New Jersey" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "Ohio" } ], "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/jacobs-counsel-law", "https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/jacobs-counsel-llc" ], "knowsAbout": [ "Outside Counsel for Companies", "Corporate Law", "Commercial Contracts", "Business Transactions", "Employment Law", "Intellectual Property", "Gaming Law", "Skill-based Gaming", "Sports Betting Regulation", "Sweepstakes and Promotional Gaming", "Multi-state Gaming Compliance", "AI Commercial Contracts", "SaaS Commercial Contracts", "Outside General Counsel", "Fractional General Counsel", "Technology Transactions", "Sports Law", "NIL Law", "Name Image and Likeness", "NCAA House v. NCAA Settlement", "College Athlete Representation", "Hospitality Law", "Liquor Licensing" ], "founder": { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about/drew-jacobs#person", "name": "Andrew R. Jacobs, Esq.", "alternateName": "Drew Jacobs", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about/drew-jacobs", "jobTitle": "Founder & Managing Attorney", "image": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/assets/drew-jacobs-headshot.jpg", "worksFor": { "@type": "LegalService", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/#organization", "name": "Jacobs Counsel LLC", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com" }, "knowsAbout": [ "Gaming law", "Sweepstakes and social casino compliance", "Skill-based gaming and predominance testing", "Sports betting and fantasy sports regulation", "Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) law", "College athlete revenue sharing", "Outside general counsel for technology and AI companies", "SaaS and commercial contracts" ], "hasOccupation": { "@type": "Occupation", "name": "Attorney", "occupationLocation": [ { "@type": "State", "name": "New York" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "New Jersey" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "Ohio" } ] }, "memberOf": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Seton Hall University School of Law", "url": "https://law.shu.edu/" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-jacobs-dj32/", "https://profiles.superlawyers.com/new-york/new-york/lawyer/drew-jacobs/22a7b48c-b198-47ac-a0db-4aa37ec85144.html", "https://profiles.superlawyers.com/new-jersey/hoboken/lawyer/drew-jacobs/ae1c15fc-79e2-4448-bb03-2f16bd4549e8.html", "https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/07030-nj-andrew-jacobs-5765bbd8.html", "https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorneyservices/search?lastName=jacobs&firstName=andrew", "https://law.shu.edu/documents/drew-jacobs-bio.pdf", "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about", "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about/drew-jacobs" ] }, "employee": [ { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about/drew-jacobs#person", "name": "Andrew R. Jacobs, Esq.", "alternateName": "Drew Jacobs", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about/drew-jacobs", "jobTitle": "Founder & Managing Attorney", "image": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/assets/drew-jacobs-headshot.jpg", "worksFor": { "@type": "LegalService", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/#organization", "name": "Jacobs Counsel LLC", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com" }, "knowsAbout": [ "Gaming law", "Sweepstakes and social casino compliance", "Skill-based gaming and predominance testing", "Sports betting and fantasy sports regulation", "Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) law", "College athlete revenue sharing", "Outside general counsel for technology and AI companies", "SaaS and commercial contracts" ], "hasOccupation": { "@type": "Occupation", "name": "Attorney", "occupationLocation": [ { "@type": "State", "name": "New York" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "New Jersey" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "Ohio" } ] }, "memberOf": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Seton Hall University School of Law", "url": "https://law.shu.edu/" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-jacobs-dj32/", "https://profiles.superlawyers.com/new-york/new-york/lawyer/drew-jacobs/22a7b48c-b198-47ac-a0db-4aa37ec85144.html", "https://profiles.superlawyers.com/new-jersey/hoboken/lawyer/drew-jacobs/ae1c15fc-79e2-4448-bb03-2f16bd4549e8.html", "https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/07030-nj-andrew-jacobs-5765bbd8.html", "https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorneyservices/search?lastName=jacobs&firstName=andrew", "https://law.shu.edu/documents/drew-jacobs-bio.pdf", "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about", "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about/drew-jacobs" ] } ], "potentialAction": { "@type": "ReserveAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/book-consultation", "actionPlatform": [ "https://schema.org/DesktopWebPlatform", "https://schema.org/MobileWebPlatform" ] }, "result": { "@type": "Reservation", "name": "Legal Strategy Call" } } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/#website", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com", "name": "Jacobs Counsel", "description": "Jacobs Counsel primarily serves gaming and regulated-product companies and provides ongoing outside counsel to growing startups; sports, NIL, creators, entertainment, media, consumer brands, and hospitality are selective adjacent transactional work.", "publisher": { "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/#organization" }, "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/blog?search={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LegalService", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes#service", "name": "Counsel for Athletes, Creators, and NIL Deals", "description": "Outside counsel for college and professional athletes: NIL and endorsement deals, revenue-share agreements, brand and trademark protection, and the business entities behind an athlete's career.", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes", "provider": { "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/#organization", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Jacobs Counsel LLC" }, "areaServed": [ "New York", "New Jersey", "Ohio", "United States" ], "serviceType": "Sports, NIL, and Athlete Legal Services", "dateModified": "2026-05-26", "subjectOf": [ { "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes#article" }, { "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes#faq" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes#faq", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes#article" }, "about": { "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes#service" }, "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you represent college athletes with NIL deals?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. We represent NCAA Division I, II, and III athletes on NIL contracts, revenue-share agreements under the House v. NCAA settlement, brand endorsements, and trademark protection for personal brands. Our founder is a former Boston College football player and NFLPA-certified contract advisor." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you help retired professional athletes with NFL disability claims?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. We assist retired NFL players with line-of-duty disability benefits, total and permanent disability claims, the NFL 88 Plan, and post-career business and estate planning. We coordinate with medical specialists and benefit consultants when needed." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What sports do you work with?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We represent athletes across football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, MMA, esports, golf, tennis, and Olympic sports. Our practice covers college athletes, professional players, agents, and sports executives." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you negotiate against agents?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We work alongside agents on legal matters (contract review, IP protection, business formation) rather than replacing them. For unrepresented athletes or NIL-only matters, we can handle full deal negotiation directly." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "name": "Primary site navigation — Jacobs Counsel LLC", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 1, "name": "Outside Counsel for Companies", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/outside-counsel", "description": "Company-wide primary service: ongoing outside counsel for companies across industries—contracts, corporate governance, employment, IP, transactions, and compliance" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 2, "name": "Gaming & Betting Counsel", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/gaming", "description": "Gaming and esports service chooser: regulatory and licensing projects, ongoing gaming counsel, sweepstakes, fantasy, and payments" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 3, "name": "Sports, Athletes & Creators", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/sports-entertainment-attorney", "description": "Athletes, NIL, and sports business matters" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 4, "name": "Resources", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/resources", "description": "Cornerstone guides, answers, comparisons, glossary, and blog" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 5, "name": "About", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about", "description": "The firm, the team, and how we work" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 6, "name": "Contact", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/contact", "description": "Book a 15-Minute Case Assessment" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "name": "Featured destinations — Jacobs Counsel LLC", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 1, "name": "Outside Counsel for Companies", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/outside-counsel" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 2, "name": "Gaming & Esports Legal Services (chooser)", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/gaming" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 3, "name": "Gaming Regulatory, Licensing & Launch Projects", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/gaming-law" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 4, "name": "Gaming & Esports Outside Counsel", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/gaming-outside-counsel" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 5, "name": "50-State Skill Gaming Legal Opinion", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/50-state-gaming-legal-opinion" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 6, "name": "Sweepstakes & Social Casino Compliance", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/sweepstakes-gaming-compliance" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 7, "name": "Fantasy Sports & Prediction Markets", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/fantasy-sports-prediction-markets" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 8, "name": "Gaming Payments & App Store Review Support", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/gaming-payments-app-store-approval" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 9, "name": "International Gaming Counsel", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/gaming-law-international" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 10, "name": "AI & Startup Companies (audience hub)", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/startups" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 11, "name": "Fractional General Counsel for AI Startups", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/fractional-general-counsel-ai-startups" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 12, "name": "Outside Counsel for SaaS & Commercial Contracts", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/outside-counsel-saas-commercial-contracts" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 13, "name": "Subscription Legal Services Buyer's Guide", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/subscription-legal-service-ai-startups-guide" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 14, "name": "AI Transition Advisory", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/ai-transition-advisory" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 15, "name": "NIL Endorsement Attorney", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/nil-endorsement-attorney" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 16, "name": "House Settlement / NIL Revenue Share Guide", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/nil-revenue-share-guide" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 17, "name": "Full-Stack Counsel for the AI Age", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/full-stack-counsel-ai-age" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 18, "name": "Answers", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/answers" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 19, "name": "Legal Glossary", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/glossary" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 20, "name": "Blog", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/blog" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 21, "name": "Start an Engagement", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/intake" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "name": "Client audiences — Jacobs Counsel LLC", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 1, "name": "Companies Across Industries", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/outside-counsel" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 2, "name": "Gaming Operators", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/gaming" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 3, "name": "AI & Startup Companies", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/startups" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 4, "name": "Athletes & NIL", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 5, "name": "Hospitality (adjacent practice)", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/hospitality" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "name": "Team navigation — Jacobs Counsel LLC", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 1, "name": "Our Team", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about#team", "description": "Legal counsel, firm operations, and client support at Jacobs Counsel LLC" }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 2, "name": "Andrew R. Jacobs, Esq.", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about#drew-jacobs", "description": "Founder & Managing Attorney — Legal strategy, substantive counsel, and oversight of the firm's legal work." }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 3, "name": "Kevin Wiramihardja", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about#kevin-wiramihardja", "description": "Chief of Staff — Firm operations, systems, and team coordination." }, { "@type": "SiteNavigationElement", "position": 4, "name": "Jamee Ganal", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/about#jamee-ganal", "description": "Executive Assistant — Client experience, follow-up, and communication." } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Clients", "item": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Athletes & NIL", "item": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes#webpage", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes", "name": "Counsel for Athletes", "description": "Legal infrastructure for current and former athletes closing deals and protecting wealth.", "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com#website", "name": "Jacobs Counsel", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com" }, "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "NIL & College Athlete Compensation" }, "mainEntityOfPage": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/clients/athletes", "inLanguage": "en-US", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ ".lead-paragraph", ".faq-answer" ] }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Jacobs Counsel LLC", "url": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com" }, "isBasedOn": "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/nil-revenue-share-guide", "relatedLink": [ "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/nil-revenue-share-guide", "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/college-athlete-revenue-share-retired-pro-business", "https://jacobscounsellaw.com/services/media-nil" ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main-content) [![Jacobs Counsel LLC logo](/assets/logo-header-D2qrDHtH.jpg)](/) Services [Outside Counsel](/services/outside-counsel) [Outside Counsel for Companies](/services/outside-counsel)[AI & Startup Companies](/clients/startups)[Fractional General Counsel](/fractional-general-counsel-ai-startups)[SaaS & Commercial Contracts](/outside-counsel-saas-commercial-contracts)[AI Transition Advisory](/services/ai-transition-advisory)[Deal Support](/services/deal-support)[Business Transactions](/services/business-transactions)[Brand & IP](/services/brand-ip) [Gaming & Betting](/clients/gaming) [Gaming Regulatory & Launch Projects](/services/gaming-law)[50-State Gaming Legal Opinion](/50-state-gaming-legal-opinion)[Gaming & Esports Outside Counsel](/services/gaming-outside-counsel)[Sweepstakes & Social Casino](/services/sweepstakes-gaming-compliance)[Fantasy & Prediction Markets](/services/fantasy-sports-prediction-markets)[Payments & App Store Review Support](/services/gaming-payments-app-store-approval)[International Gaming](/services/gaming-law-international) [Sports, Athletes & Creators](/sports-entertainment-attorney) [NIL & Endorsements](/nil-endorsement-attorney)[Revenue Share Guide](/nil-revenue-share-guide)[NIL Laws by State](/nil-laws-by-state)[Media & NIL Deals](/services/media-nil)[Creator Rights](/services/content-creator-rights) Featured [50-State Gaming Legal Opinion](/50-state-gaming-legal-opinion) Our flagship deliverable — a state-by-state legal analysis of your product's mechanics and legal posture. [All services →](/services) [Free Guides](/resources) Insights [Blog](/blog)[Answers](/answers)[Deal Anatomy](/deal-anatomy)[Compare](/compare)[Guides](/resources)[Court Vision Weekly](/court-vision-weekly) About [Email](mailto:intake@jacobscounsellaw.com)[Schedule a Call](/book-consultation) [Schedule a Call](/book-consultation)[](mailto:intake@jacobscounsellaw.com)Toggle menu 1. [Home](/) 2. [Clients](/clients) 3. Athletes & NIL DEALMAKERS & BUILDERS # Close Deals. Protect Your Brand. NIL negotiations, brand deals, trademark protection, and contracts that build careers—handled by counsel who lives in the sports and entertainment space. By [Drew Jacobs, Esq.](/about#drew) — Founder, [Jacobs Counsel LLC](/about) Last reviewed: May 2026 [Book a 15-Minute Case Assessment](/book-consultation) ## What Athletes Get Real legal strategy for every stage of your athletic career—from college NIL deals to professional contracts to brand-building beyond the field. ### 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 [See our NIL endorsement page →](/nil-endorsement-attorney) ### NFL Player Benefits Recovery Through [Athlete Alumni Advantage](https://www.athletealumniadvantage.com), 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 →](https://www.athletealumniadvantage.com) ### 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. [Brand & IP protection →](/services/brand-ip) ### 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 [Business transactions counsel →](/services/business-transactions) ### Wealth & Estate Planning Trusts, asset protection, and generational wealth planning for athletes are handled through our sister practice—same founder, same fixed-fee model, dedicated legacy focus. 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 [Visit Legacy Counsel by Jacobs Counsel →](https://jacobslegacycounsel.com) ### 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](https://www.athletealumniadvantage.com)—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. [Start Your Intake](/intake) ## Free Athlete Resource Download our comprehensive NIL guide to maximize your opportunities and protect your brand. 🏆 ### NIL and Revenue Sharing Guide Understand school payments, outside NIL deals and the contract questions that affect an athlete’s earnings. Get Free Guide Get the guide, CourtVision Weekly newsletter, and a short series of related follow-up emails. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Cornerstone Guides for Athletes In-depth guides on the legal frameworks shaping the modern athlete career. [House Settlement Era ### College Athletes & Retired Pros School revenue-share contracts, NIL deals, LLC + tax planning, and the post-career business playbook. ](/college-athlete-revenue-share-retired-pro-business)[NIL Deep Dive ### NIL Revenue Share Guide How NIL collectives, schools, and athletes share revenue under the new framework. ](/nil-revenue-share-guide)[Wealth Planning ### Estate Planning for Athletes Asset protection, dynasty trusts, NIL LLC structures, and multi-state residency planning for compressed earning windows. ](https://jacobslegacycounsel.com/estate-planning/founders-execs-athletes) ## Resources for Athletes [BUSINESS ### NIL Business Structures for Athletes How to set up your NIL business the right way. ](/blog/athlete-nil-monetization)[BRAND ### Trademark Essentials for Your Brand When and how to trademark your name and brand. ](/blog/trademark-essentials-entrepreneurs)[LEGAL ### Contract Essentials for Athletes What to look for before signing any deal. ](/blog/athlete-nil-negotiation-tips)[WEALTH PLANNING ### Estate Planning for Athletes—via Legacy Counsel Trusts, asset protection, and wealth transfer for compressed earning windows. ](https://jacobslegacycounsel.com/estate-planning/professional-athletes) ## Ready to Protect Your Career? Book a 15-minute case assessment and let's build a legal game plan built for winners. [Book a 15-Minute Case Assessment](/book-consultation) Related on NIL & College Athlete Compensation ## Related cornerstones and services [ In-Depth Guide ### NIL Revenue Share Guide (Explainer) How the NCAA House settlement and 22% revenue share works for college athletes. Read: NIL Revenue Share Guide (Explainer) ](/nil-revenue-share-guide)[ Service & Pricing ### Media & NIL Licensing Services NIL contract review, deal negotiation, and brand licensing — fixed-fee scopes. Read: Media & NIL Licensing Services ](/services/media-nil) [Read more from NIL & Athlete Deals](/blog/category/nil-athlete-deals) © 2026 Jacobs Counsel LLC. All rights reserved. [Visit Main Site](https://jacobscounsellaw.com)