FOUNDER & MANAGING ATTORNEY

Andrew "Drew" Jacobs, Founder and Managing Attorney of Jacobs Counsel LLC, is a licensed attorney in New York, New Jersey and Ohio. His firm focuses on providing innovative counsel to high-performing individuals and businesses in business/contracts, estate planning, and transactional matters in the sports, entertainment, and gaming industries.

As a former high school and college basketball player, Jacobs developed valuable ideas about building winning organizations. He founded Head and Heart Hoops, a successful basketball training company, where he mentored and implemented strategic plans for professional and Division 1 college basketball players.

During his time at Seton Hall University School of Law, Jacobs served as the Symposium Editor of the Legislative Journal and developed the first annual Seton Hall Sports Law Symposium. He also authored a legal comment on tax policy and community development.

After graduation, Jacobs consulted for Seton Hall Law School to develop their sports, entertainment, and gaming law program, hosting the second annual Sports Law Symposium focusing on Social Justice in Sports. He now consults for Seton Hall Law school and runs their annual Gaming Law Bootcamp.

Jacobs has worked with athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, and growing families to protect their family, wealth, and business. He also represents companies as outside general counsel, ranging from pre-Series B NYC-based tech companies to Silicon Valley startups, along with national sports media and education innovators.

Education

Seton Hall Law School - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Boston College - Bachelor of Science, Concentrations in Marketing & Business Analytics (Graduated from the Honors Program of the Carroll School of Management)

Areas of Practice

Business & Contract Law

Estate Planning & Asset Protection

Sports, Entertainment, and Gaming Transactions

Admitted to Practice Law

State of New York

State of New Jersey

State of Ohio

OF COUNSEL

Marcus Whitaker, Of Counsel to Jacobs Counsel LLC, is a seasoned sports agent and licensed attorney who brings a wealth of experience to the firm's Business and Intellectual Property Practice. As the Founder of GroundUp Sports & Entertainment, Whitaker is licensed to practice law in New York and is a licensed NBA and FIBA agent.

With a background as a former college and professional athlete, as well as a pro athlete trainer, Whitaker has spent decades navigating the sports industry and managing the careers and business interests of athletes and entertainers. His unique perspective and firsthand experience allow him to provide high-quality, concierge-level representation to top athletes and entertainers.

Whitaker's expertise extends beyond traditional sports representation. He leverages his experience in athlete development to assist clients in navigating their athletic and entertainment careers, ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to succeed both on and off the field or stage.

As a seasoned contract negotiator and dealmaker, Whitaker is skilled in securing favorable terms for his clients. He is also at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) licensing, making him one of the few attorneys in the country with the knowledge and capacity to help clients capitalize on these new opportunities.

Education

• Seton Hall University School of Law

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.)

• Fairleigh Dickinson University

  • B.A.- Political Science

Areas of Practice

• Sports and Entertainment Law

• Intellectual Property and Licensing

Admitted to Practice Law

• State of New York