The Cardwell Firm is a full-service law firm in Laurel, MS, with its finger on the pulse of the nuanced legal and compliance issues experienced by college athletes across the state of Mississippi. We offer college athletes and their families a variety of sports law services, including:
- Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) advising
- Contract review
- Contract drafting
- Trust accounting
- Compliance services
- And more…
Our firm also works with university compliance staff, financial advisors, accountants, and insurance agents. We help navigate student-athletes through every step of their NIL experience from freshman year to diploma.
What Is Name, Image, And Likeness (NIL), And Why Does It Matter To College Athletes?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) NIL rule recently changed to allow student-athletes to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). In other words, they can get paid for actions like signing autographs, modeling or endorsing brands, and posting on social media.
While this might sound like an automatic win, student-athletes should keep in mind that NIL deals can potentially violate other rules created by their state, school, or sports association. Breaking these regulations could mean risking your ability to play.
An experienced sports contract lawyer can review your NIL offer, as well as any potentially opposing rules or laws, and help you determine whether you should accept your NIL deal. We can also communicate with all interested parties, including your school, coach, and others, to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Why You Need A Sports Contract Lawyer
There is a lot that goes into sports contracts. As an athlete, they can determine not only your pay, but your work-life balance and your future as an athlete and promoter.
Although you may have access to an attorney through your university, these lawyers are primarily there to benefit the school, and not the student-athletes. Working with a qualified sports contract lawyer will ensure that your interests and rights are fully protected.
Whether it’s a NIL deal or a contract with a sports team, The Cardwell Firm can help you with the process of both negotiating and drafting your contract. Our job is to look out for you and make sure that you are being properly protected in all areas, including:
- Compensation: Our team will check that your pay and benefits are fair and equitable for you and the value you bring.
- Labor Laws: We will verify that the contract does not violate any state or federal labor laws, and that the performance expectations are reasonable.
- NIL Laws: Our sports contract lawyers will review state laws and school rules to be certain your NIL deal is not violating other rules.
- And more…
Our sports law attorneys can also offer general guidance in many areas related to your athletic career, such as advising you on contract-related finances and taxes. Because of the evolving landscape of NIL laws, it is helpful to have a knowledgeable sports contract lawyer in your court to keep track of any changes in NIL laws that may affect you.
In the rare event that a lawsuit is necessary, a sports litigation lawyer can go to bat for you in the courtroom. As your sports law attorneys, the Cardwell Firm will also be able to advise you if sports arbitration law is an option as an alternative solution to any sports-related disputes that arise.
Working With A Sports Law Attorney Who Understands
As a former football player at Mississippi College, attorney Cardwell appreciates the challenges college athletes encounter. He understands the demands of balancing classroom expectations with on-field performance, against the backdrop of leaving the nest and establishing themselves as mature, young adults.
The aim of our sports law firm is to educate student-athletes about making prudent business decisions, and ensuring that each client maximizes their success while remaining compliant with all applicable Mississippi laws. Ultimately, through education and guidance, student-athletes can build their brand and ensure prosperities that extend far beyond their athletic achievements.
Contact The Cardwell Firm, PLLC For Your Sports Law Matters
When it comes to protecting your rights and representing your interests as an athlete, attorney Cardwell has all your bases covered. Whether you are a high school student-athlete looking at potential universities, or a college-level athlete looking toward your future career, it is important to consider working with a capable sports law attorney.
Get in touch with our sports litigation lawyers today for slam-dunk legal representation in your contract matters and beyond. The ball is now in your court – contact the Cardwell Firm in Laurel, MS, at (601) 401-6134 to schedule a consultation with a skilled sports law attorney.
