Sports Law
Cogent Law provides practical, business-minded legal counsel to athletes, sports organizations, founders, and nonprofits navigating the unique legal challenges of the sports industry.
Sports law sits at the intersection of contract, business, and regulatory complexity. Whether you are an athlete protecting your name and future earnings, a sports organization managing risk and compliance, or a founder structuring a business in the sports space, having experienced legal counsel makes the difference between reacting to problems and preventing them.
Our sports law attorney brings over 20 years of experience spanning litigation, in-house leadership, and transactional work. With a background as a former college athlete and experience serving as Chief Legal Officer and Compliance Officer for a nonprofit organization, our counsel is grounded in both the practical realities of the sports industry and the strategic demands of running an organization. We understand firsthand the opportunities and pressures athletes face when building a career and a brand beyond the game.
We do not just step in when something goes wrong. We help clients think through decisions before they become problems, offering clear, practical guidance at every stage.
Counsel in this practice: Tracy L. Schimelfenig.
Who needs sports law counsel?
How Cogent Law can help
Cogent Law provides comprehensive legal support across the full scope of sports law and related business matters. Our services include:
Sports Law Services
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Download Free GuideWhat to Expect When Working With Cogent Law
Initial consultation
We begin with a thorough review of your situation, goals, and legal needs to assess your options and outline a clear path forward.
Tailored legal strategy
Based on your specific objectives, we develop a customized legal plan addressing your contractual, regulatory, and business priorities.
Transparent pricing
Wherever possible, we offer flat-fee arrangements so you know upfront what to expect, with no surprises.
Collaborative engagement
We act as your strategic partner, maintaining clear and consistent communication at every stage of your matter.
Ongoing support
As your career or organization grows and evolves, we remain by your side to provide continued legal guidance and counsel.
Availability
Attorneys that answer the phone when you call.
Related Attorneys
Speak with a Cogent Law attorney in this practice
These attorneys advise clients on matters directly related to this practice area. Reach out for a confidential discussion about how it applies to your business.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sports Law
We represent athletes at the professional and amateur level, sports organizations and teams, founders and sports businesses, nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, and NIL stakeholders including collectives and brands.
Yes. We counsel athletes, collectives, and businesses on name, image, and likeness agreements, brand partnerships, and sponsorship structures, including compliance with the applicable school, conference, and state rules.
Yes. We review, negotiate, and draft player contracts, endorsement deals, and professional agreements with a focus on protecting your interests and maximizing long-term value.
We advise on regulatory compliance, internal governance and bylaws, employment matters, commercial agreements, and operational structure across professional and amateur sports.
Yes. We handle nonprofit formation, governance, and ongoing compliance for organizations and foundations in the sports and athletics sector.
It is ongoing outside counsel for organizations that need senior legal guidance without the cost of a full-time in-house attorney. We act as a strategic partner across all legal matters affecting your organization.
Wherever possible we offer flat-fee arrangements so you know upfront what to expect, with no surprises. Where a flat fee is not practical, we provide clear estimates and communicate changes promptly.
Call Cogent Law at 202-644-8880 or submit the contact form and we will follow up to discuss your contract needs, compliance questions, or business legal strategy.