If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact one of our experienced lawyers at (561) 293-2600 for legal advice and representation.
Hire a Trusted NIL Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
The services of a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) attorney are indispensable for rising star athletes. An NIL lawyer can help protect your rights on your journey to success.
For up-and-coming athletes, the road to a professional career is filled with long hours of training, sacrifice, and commitment. Student athletes need to balance their academic life with busy schedules, practice sessions, and game nights.
Most basketball players are too busy improving their skills on the court to think about the business and legal side of their careers. Their long-term visions don’t usually factor in issues like contract negotiations, brand and trademark protections, and the use of their image.
These are the responsibilities of a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) attorney. NIL laws exist to protect young athletes from companies that may want to use their branding or personal likeness without their permission.
As a budding student athlete, you have every legal right to monetize your personal brand, which includes your name, image, and likeness (NIL). However, this is a complicated endeavor that requires the support and guidance of an NIL lawyer.
If you or a loved one of yours is advancing their career in sports and needs the services of an NIL lawyer, contact Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600. We have a proven track record of successfully representing clients and protecting their legal rights and interests.
Attorney Greg Francis is a licensed NBA agent certified by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Greg knows the ins and outs of the legal side of the sports profession.
Video Transcript
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
What Are NIL Laws? Is NIL Representation Needed?
As the phrase suggests, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) laws provide protections for the use of your identity in a business or commercial setting. NIL laws prevent companies and other institutions from using your personal branding without your consent or permission, or without a formal deal or contract.
For instance, NIL laws give you rights to receive compensation if a company or corporation takes actions such as:
Including photos or videos of you in an advertisement or commercial
Featuring you in a sports video game, smartphone app, or other virtual platforms
Selling merchandise that has your name on it (such as a jersey)
Using your identity to promote a charity or fundraising event
NIL laws can be complicated and cover a wide range of activities. NIL representation is generally needed to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation that is due to you for the use of your branding and identity.
Organized, televised sports such as basketball are especially popular and can often involve complex NIL issues. Public exposure in sports like basketball make it especially important to ensure that your brand and identity are legally secured.
Working closely with an experienced lawyer is highly recommended to ensure your NIL rights are not violated.
We Support Our Local Student Athletes
At Osborne & Francis, we have a special heart for supporting our young sports community. We sponsored “The Battle in the Pit 3,” featuring NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp. We also sponsored transportation arrangements for the Delray Rocks Youth Football Team.
We have a long history of aligning ourselves with the interests of young athletes. We believe all students should be given the opportunity to grow, succeed, and excel in the realm of sports.
If you or a loved one of yours needs NIL representation, we are here to help. Contact us at (561) 293-2600 to discuss plans and strategies for your future — we can help make your dreams come true.
What Services Does a Name Image Likeness Attorney Provide?
NIL legal issues can be complicated and may place unnecessary stress on a rising basketball athlete’s career. An experienced NIL lawyer can work hard to protect your best interests by providing services that cover:
Compliance: We provide guidance to ensure compliance, reporting, and disclosure requirements are met according to NIL laws.
Contract Drafting and Review: We can help draft and review endorsement deals and contracts to ensure agreements are fair and not one-sided. Corporations and school athletic departments often don’t have the student’s best interests in mind.
Risk Management: Our firm can protect student athletes during the recruiting process and inform them of all options that are available to them.
Scholarship Opportunities: Every university will have different criteria and processes for scholarships. A qualified student athlete lawyer can review your scholarship awards and documents.
Tax Matters: An NIL attorney at Osborne & Francis can help you manage any tax matters that arise from the income you earned from endorsements.
Licensing Issues: We help star athletes navigate licensing deals presented to them. For instance, some colleges seek to enforce bulk licenses that don’t necessarily benefit the athlete to the fullest; we can help with opting out of such licensing agreements.
NIL Strategy and Decision-Making: We work closely with high school and college athletes to create a custom NIL strategy according to their own personal goals and values. We also advise them on how to make crucial decisions for the long run.
Intellectual Property Protection: This includes digital avatar licensing, social media activity, and other new technology developments.
Financial Accounting: We can help bright young student athletes establish responsible financial budgets so they can envision the ideal plan for their future.
These are just a sampling of some of the services involved in NIL representation. NIL laws are also subject to frequent changes and updates. We are continually conducting legal and legislative research to stay on top of changes in the law, so you don’t have to.
It’s our job as NIL lawyers to ensure that these legal matters are addressed, so the athlete can focus on their athletic performance and progress.
Why Choose Osborne & Francis for NIL Representation?
It’s important to understand that we are not a sports marketing entity — we are here to support and guide young athletes in reaching their own aims and aspirations. We have their goals and best interests in mind. At Osborne & Francis, our NIL lawyers provide the following benefits:
Extensive Knowledge and Experience: We have a proven track record of delivering real results for our clients. We have in-depth knowledge of the NIL laws that may affect your rights and options, and we continually stay up-to-date on legislative changes. We are known in our community for supporting youth athletic programs and opportunities.
Custom Strategies: We create a personalized, custom NIL strategy for each athlete we represent. We understand that each player has their own needs and goals, and we tailor our services to accommodate what you’re looking for. Protecting your legal rights is our top priority, and we know that this means creating different approaches for each athlete.
Priority Treatment: We treat every single one of our clients like family and provide them with the focus and attention they need to succeed on their path. We place the athlete’s needs first, so they can devote their time and energy to school and athletic activities.
We have decades of combined experience in the legal industry and are able to leverage our network of resources and professionals to deliver top-notch services for aspiring athletes.
When should I contact a student athlete lawyer?
Alfred
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
J. Davis
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”
T. Andrews
“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
C. Smith
“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”
E. Holland
Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
Erica F.
"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"
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Work with an Experienced NIL Attorney from Osborne & Francis
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships" - Michael Jordan
At Osborne & Francis, we understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration when it comes to working with our clients. We are on your side to provide you with the legal advice, support, and guidance you need for any NIL matters.
We’ll be part of your team and will ensure that we provide the strongest services and resources you need to succeed. Nothing makes us happier than seeing young, talented scholars excel in their sports and receive the financial benefits that come with such success.
If you or a loved one are in need of NIL services, contact one of our lawyers right away at (561) 293-2600. Your best interests are our top priority, and we will do all we can to ensure you make it to where you’re going.
Frequently Asked Questions
NIL Representation FAQs
When should I contact a student athlete lawyer?
You shouldn’t wait until you have a legal conflict to hire an NIL lawyer. You should contact an NIL lawyer as soon as there may be interest in monetizing your athlete’s identity. It may even be wise to consider contacting a lawyer once the athlete starts demonstrating proficiency and excellence in their sport.
That way, when the offers and opportunities start coming in, you’re already prepared to move forward, knowing your legal rights are protected and secure.
What happens if I don’t work with a Name Image and Likeness attorney?
Not working with an NIL lawyer can place the athlete in a place where they are open or vulnerable to exploitation. Attempting to review contracts or negotiate deals on your own can result in a forfeiture of rights and loss of control of your branding. It may even jeopardize the athlete’s future and career prospects.
In today’s world of online content, video games, and social media, it’s especially important that you ensure your rights are protected. Contact a qualified NIL lawyer if you have any questions about where to start.
What if my rights were violated? Can a basketball attorney help me with compensation?
In the event that a violation of rights did occur, you may be entitled to compensation for any losses stemming from it. An NIL lawyer can help obtain compensation for:
NIL violations can be serious and can have lasting effects on the athlete’s life opportunities. Contact a basketball lawyer at Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 if you have questions about any conflict or violation.
What type of financial guidance can an NIL lawyer help with?
Young athletes are in need of guidance and advice when it comes to financial matters. Many of them might not know what to do when they are presented with opportunities and deals that they’ve never seen before. An experienced NIL lawyer can help with:
Negotiating sponsorship or endorsement deals that benefit the player directly
Brand trademark and intellectual property protection
Establishing trusts, estates, and other financial planning tools
Managing various contracts and agreements
Far too often we hear about young athletes being taken advantage of or losing control of their brand and image. At Osborne & Francis, we work hard to educate, guide, and represent student athletes so their assets and interests remain intact throughout their progression from high school to college and beyond.
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