Author: Holt Hackney

Find expert witnesses and attorneys who can meet your needs

ABA Forum on the Entertainment & Sports Industries Set for November 14-16

The 2024 annual conference for the ABA Forum on the Entertainment & Sports Industries will be held November 14-16 in Las Vegas. Registration is now open. The Forum – an ideal venue for lawyers in sports law, who passionate about staying current on legal issues, mentorship, and networking – features a theme of “Bright Lights,…
Read more

Association Projects that American Adults Will Bet $35 Billion with Legal Sportsbooks During the NFL Season

Just before the beginning of the 2024 NFL season, the American Gaming Association projected that American adults will bet $35 billion with legal sportsbooks throughout the season. Driven by the continued expansion and maturation of the legal sports betting industry across the U.S., 2024 is expected to be the most legally wagered-on season in the…
Read more

Taylor Is First Indiana Law Student to Receive Sports Lawyers Association Student Writing Award

A rising 3L at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law is one of 10 law students nationwide—and the first IU student ever— to receive the Sports Lawyers Association’s Student Writing Competition Award. Amelia Taylor won the honors for her work “A Critical Analysis of Name, Image, and Likeness Policies and Their Implications for International Student-Athletes.” While…
Read more

Attorney Chris Greeley Appointed Head of Esports for League of Legends

Chris Greeley, previously a partner at Herrick Feinstein LLP, has taken over for Naz Aletaha and will be Head of Esports at Riot Games’ League of Legends. Aletaha resigned her post last month at Riot Games, creating the opening for Greeley. Greeley will oversee “creating a comprehensive, long-term plan that puts the financial success of…
Read more

Sports Lawyer to Lead Santa Clara Athletics

Santa Clara University President Julie Sullivan has announced the appointment of Heather M. Owen J.D. ’03, Stanford University deputy athletics director/SWA (Senior Woman Administrator) as the next Broncos director of athletics. Owen, who earned a J.D. from Santa Clara University’s School of Law, is a former student-athlete and WNBA player and is an accomplished athletics administrator who has…
Read more

SLA President Layth Gafoor Discusses His Legal Career and His Plans for the Second Year of His Term

Layth Gafoor, a partner at Lucentem Sports & Entertainment Law, is the President of the Sports Lawyers Association, entering the second year of his two-year term. At Lucentem, he advises on legal and business matters within the sports and entertainment industries. Specifically, Gafoor serves as counsel and agent to a variety of sporting organizations, teams,…
Read more

Sports Lawyers Association To Host First-Ever Fall Symposium on November 7 in New Orleans

The Sports Lawyers Association (SLA), a non-profit, international, professional organization whose common goal is furthering the understanding, advancement and ethical practice of sports law, will host its first-ever Fall Forum on November 7 at the New Orleans Marriott. The theme of the Symposium is “Tech and Sports: Data, Deals and Decisions.” “This topic couldn’t be…
Read more

The Drake Group: ‘We Endorse 2024 GAO Report Detailing Title IX Enforcement Failures’

(Editor’s Note: What follows is a missive from the Drake Group endorsing the recent GAO report.) In April 2024, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report, “College Athletics: Education Should Improve Its Title IX Enforcement Efforts.” Requested by U.S. Representatives Robert C. Scott and Suzanne Bonamici, both ranking members of the House…
Read more

Paris Smith LLP Teams Up with Southampton FC as Official Legal Partner

Paris Smith LLP has announced its new role as the Official Legal Partner of Southampton Football Club. The partnership marks “a significant milestone for both organisations, uniting two pillars of the Southampton community through a shared commitment to excellence and innovation,” according to the firm. As part of this two-year partnership deal, Paris Smith will…
Read more

Timberwolves General Counsel Suzanne Spellacy Recognized for Achievements

Twin Cities Business has announced Suzanne Spellacy has been named a 2024 “TCB Notable General Counsel” honoree. Spellacy “is being recognized for her guidance in negotiating a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Timberwolves, Lynx and iHeart Media, in addition to the signing of major retail partner, Fanatics.” “I truly appreciate this recognition and am thankful for…
Read more