With the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes, the legal landscape around personal branding and endorsements has never been more complex—or more important to understand. While NIL opens new doors for income and exposure, it also comes with legal risks, confusing contracts, NCAA regulations, and long-term financial consequences.
So, let’s answer the big question: Do I need an NIL attorney?
If you’re even thinking about signing an NIL deal, the answer is almost certainly yes.
Jay Arnesen, CEO and Managing Director of Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, is a nationally recognized NIL attorney with deep expertise in drafting, negotiating, and litigating high-stakes Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Jay leads one of the state’s premier law firms for NIL legal representation, helping high school and collegiate athletes protect their brand, maximize their earnings, and secure their future.
With years of hands-on experience in NIL law, Jay is the go-to legal advisor for sports agents, athletic families, and institutions navigating the complex and fast-evolving NIL landscape. Whether it’s closing a multimillion-dollar endorsement deal or resolving a contract dispute in court, Jay brings unmatched skill and strategic insight to every NIL case.
From trademark protection to sponsorship negotiations, Jay is a trailblazer in athlete branding and NIL deal-making—empowering clients to profit safely and legally from their name, image, and likeness. When the stakes are high, Jay Arnesen is the NIL lawyer you want in your corner.
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we help college athletes across Florida (and beyond) navigate NIL deals with confidence. From contract review to compliance protection, our Boca Raton-based firm is dedicated to making sure your rights, your brand, and your future are fully protected.
Call 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] to schedule your NIL consultation before signing anything.
What Is NIL and Why Does It Matter?
NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness, and it refers to your right to get paid for your brand as a student-athlete.
That includes:
- Endorsement & sponsorship deals
- Social media campaigns
- Autograph signings
- Branded merchandise
- Media appearances
- Hosting camps, clinics, or training programs
Thanks to NCAA policy changes and Florida Statute §1006.74, student-athletes can now profit from their NIL without losing eligibility, as long as they comply with key rules.
5 Key Reasons to Hire an NIL Attorney
1. Contract Review & Negotiation
Most NIL contracts are written in dense legalese. A lawyer will:
✔ Break down the terms in plain English
✔ Negotiate payment, term length, exclusivity, and renewal clauses
✔ Spot red flags like non-compete clauses, IP transfers, or lopsided obligations
✔ Protect your rights if the deal goes sideways
2. NCAA & Institutional Compliance
Even though NIL is legal, you still must:
✔ Avoid “pay-for-play” violations
✔ Report deals with your school’s compliance department
✔ Follow team, school, and NCAA guidelines
A misstep here could cost you your eligibility, but a lawyer can help you stay in the clear.
3. Protecting Your Intellectual Property
Your name, logo, and personal brand are valuable assets. Your attorney can help:
✔ Trademark your name or slogan
✔ Draft licensing agreements
✔ Ensure you keep ownership of your image and likeness
✔ Prevent others from profiting off your brand without permission
4. Tax & Business Structuring
NIL income is taxable—yes, even Venmo payments. A smart NIL lawyer will:
✔ Set up an LLC or business entity
✔ Coordinate with tax pros
✔ Keep clean records for the IRS
✔ Protect you from future audits
5. Handling Disputes
If a brand doesn’t pay you, misuses your image, or breaks the contract, your lawyer will:
✔ Enforce your rights
✔ Send cease-and-desist letters
✔ Recover damages if needed
✔ Renegotiate or terminate bad deals
When Should You Call an NIL Lawyer?
You don’t need a lawyer for every small opportunity, but if you check any of these boxes, it’s time to make the call:
- You’re offered an NIL contract (even a one-page deal)
- The deal is exclusive or long-term
- You’re a Division I athlete or gaining social media attention
- You’re under 18 or need a co-signer
- You’re launching your own brand, apparel, or product line
Florida NIL Law: What Athletes Need to Know
Florida’s NIL rules (F.S. §1006.74) have some unique requirements:
- You must disclose all NIL contracts to your school
- Schools cannot arrange or influence NIL deals
- Your NIL deal cannot conflict with your team’s sponsorships
Failing to follow these rules can risk your eligibility and trigger legal trouble—another reason is to have an attorney on your side.
What NIL Legal Services Include
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we provide comprehensive NIL support tailored to student-athletes, including:
✔ Contract review & redlining
✔ Negotiation with brands & agents
✔ Compliance guidance (NCAA + Florida law)
✔ Trademark & brand protection
✔ Business entity formation (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
✔ Tax structure advice
✔ Dispute resolution & litigation support
Why Choose Elevate Legal Services, PLLC?
Athletes across Florida trust us with their NIL representation because we offer:
NIL law focus – we stay on top of evolving laws and NCAA rules
Athlete-first advocacy – your goals come first
End-to-end protection – from your first deal to your pro career
Proven negotiation power – we know how to get results
Personalized attention – no cookie-cutter templates here
Your NIL opportunities are growing. Let us help you grow with them—legally, safely, and strategically.
Final Thoughts: NIL Is More Than a Hashtag—It’s a Business
The NIL world can be a financial goldmine or a legal landmine, depending on how you navigate it.
With the right legal team, you’ll sign stronger deals, avoid eligibility issues, protect your brand, and build a profitable future that lasts long after college.
Call Elevate Legal Services, PLLC at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] today to schedule your NIL legal consultation.
Let us protect your rights while you focus on your game.
