Every aspect of society is governed by a set of rules and sport is no exception. Sports have their laws, as well as governing bodies to make, modify and enforce those laws. Sports law is very broad. It does not regulate the sport itself, but aspects such as torts, contract law, labor and employment law, player-agent relationship, image rights, privacy, etc. Generally, all professional sports fall under sports law in the United States, including the amateur sports industry.
A sports lawyer is a legal professional versed in the contents and workings of sports law. Since sports law is a combination of different fields of law applied to the context of sports, sports lawyers are usually well-trained in the corresponding fields of law. But their training is usually specialized in how these aspects appear in sports. Sports lawyers represent teams, leagues, media companies, organizations, professional athletes, coaches, and agencies.
It is important to know what services a sports attorney offers. Some of these services include:
With the vast array of services, a sports lawyer offers, when exactly is it necessary to procure the services of one? Depending on what services you expect of a lawyer, there are different points at which you could hire. These include:
In choosing a sports law attorney, you must realize that sports law matters are very delicate and consequential. You’ll want to hire the most skilled, brilliant, and experienced sports lawyer on offer.
Start with an online search to find sports lawyers near you or ask for recommendations. Assess their profiles, look up previous cases, check client reviews, and visit law firms of sports attorneys near you. This research will help you ensure that the lawyer specializes in and has the skills you need for the services you are looking to procure. Having assessed multiple candidates, you can then choose the best sports lawyer near you to handle your case.
Sports lawyers usually charge by the hour. On average, they charge between $250 and $400 per hour. The costs may vary based on the city where they practice law, their experience level, their pedigree, etc. Sports law attorneys may also choose a different rate approach, such as charging flat fees, commission-based payments, retainer fees, and others. Payment will depend on the kind of services you want to secure and for how long you want to do so.
As with most lawyers, consultations with sports lawyers will incur charges. These are usually hourly charges but may differ based on the lawyer’s policy. Contact the lawyer for sports near you to get an idea of their pricing ahead of time.
No. As much as they may seem similar, sports law agents and lawyers are not the same. Lawyers handle the legal aspect of an athlete’s career, while an agent handles lifestyle aspects, such as marketing and traveling.
No. Intellectual property is an integral part of sports law, as is torts, contractual law, etc. It governs aspects such as naming rights, kit designs and broadcasting ventures. Intellectual property law has its own dealings completely separate from sports law.
Yes. Where necessary, sporting lawyers also advise sports stakeholders in sports on tax considerations and how they can be on the right side of tax laws in their practice areas.