Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Michael Rodriguez
I was sitting across from a young quarterback and his parents at a coffee shop right off Arizona Avenue, the summer heat already baking the pavement at 8 AM. He’d just been offered a spot on a practice squad, and the team had emailed over a standard player agreement. His dad was beaming, but as I skimmed the clauses, my stomach sank. The termination language was so broad they could cut him after one bad practice and he’d owe them for housing advances. That was about seven years ago, and it’s a scene that still plays out in Chandler all the time. Talent gets the spotlight, but the fine print is what truly determines an athlete’s career.
Look, Chandler isn’t just a suburb of Phoenix anymore. With the Cardinals’ training facility right in our backyard and a booming base for youth and collegiate sports, this city has become a legitimate hub for athletes. But the business side of sports is brutal, especially here in the Valley where the competition is as fierce as our summer sun. Over the last decade, I’ve seen too many incredibly gifted kids from Hamilton High or Perry High get taken advantage of because they, and their families, were just so excited to get an offer they didn’t want to risk it by asking questions. Honestly, that’s the biggest mistake I see.
What a Sports Lawyer Actually Does for Athletes in Chandler
Most people think we just negotiate salaries. And sure, that’s a big part of it—making sure you’re paid what you’re worth. But the job is so much more about risk management and building a stable foundation. Think of it like building a house in one of our newer developments in Ocotillo. You don’t just look at the paint color; you check the foundation, the plumbing, the electrical. You need to know it can withstand a monsoon.
Our work is that foundation. It’s the boilerplate clauses about injury protection, image rights, and academic standing that often matter most. I had a client, a phenomenal female soccer player from the downtown area, whose initial contract had a clause granting the team perpetual rights to her likeness for any promotional purpose, with no extra compensation. Forever. We got that narrowed down to a twoyear term with specific usage limits. It’s not glamorous, but it protects their future.
The Three Pillars of Representation
- Contract Negotiation & Review: This is the core. We dissect every offer, from NIL deals for ASU athletes to professional contracts. We look for the traps, like automatic renewal options that lock you in below market value or noncompete clauses that are impossibly restrictive.
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Guidance: This is the new frontier. Arizona was ahead of the curve on this, and now every standout high school athlete in Chandler is a potential brand ambassador. But these deals can be messy. We help navigate endorsement agreements, social media promotions, and appearances to ensure they don’t conflict with school or team obligations.
- Dispute Resolution & Grievances: Sometimes things go sideways. Maybe a coach benches you unfairly, or a sponsor doesn’t pay. Having legal counsel ensures your voice is heard, whether through mediation or, as a last resort, filing a grievance. You know what’s funny? The threat of a welldrafted letter from a lawyer on your behalf often resolves 90% of issues before they even start.
The ChandlerSpecific Challenges for Athletes
This city presents a unique environment. The sheer density of talent here means scouts and agents are constantly circling, which is great, but it also means an athlete can feel replaceable before they even sign. There’s a pressure to just take the first deal that comes along.
And then there’s the logistical side. If you need to file something officially, you’re likely heading to the City of Chandler offices or dealing with entities at the state level. Having someone who knows the local landscape—the specific people in the athletic departments, the local business owners offering NIL deals—makes a huge difference. It’s about relationships, not just paperwork.
The biggest local challenge, to be completely honest, is the seasonal influx of “popup” agents. They come through during the high school football season or ahead of major tournaments, make big promises, and are often gone by the next season, leaving a mess behind. I’ve had to clean up more than a few of those situations for families in the Val Vista Lakes area.
What to Look For (and Run From) When Hiring a Sports Lawyer
You need more than just any attorney. You need someone with specific experience in sports law. Here’s my insider take:
- Do: Look for a lawyer who asks as many questions about your longterm goals as they do about the contract in front of them. Are you aiming for the pros, or is this about securing a college scholarship? The strategy is completely different.
- Do Not: Hire someone who guarantees specific outcomes. No ethical lawyer can promise you’ll get drafted or land a milliondollar deal. That’s a red flag the size of a billboard on the 202.
- Do: Ask about their experience with the specific league or organization you’re dealing with. The nuances between NCAA rules, G League contracts, and MLB farm system agreements are massive.
- Do Not: Be swayed by a fancy office. Some of the best advice I’ve seen given to young athletes was at the Chandler Public Library over a free study room table.
Wait — actually, let me rephrase that more clearly. The most important thing is finding someone who communicates in a way you understand. If they can’t explain a “trade assignment bonus” or “offset language” to a 17yearold and their parents in plain English, they’re not the right fit.
Understanding the Costs of Sports Representation
Let’s talk money, because this is often the biggest worry for families. Sports lawyers typically work in one of two ways:
- Hourly Rate: Common for smaller or oneoff matters, like reviewing a single contract. In the Chandler area, you’re looking at anywhere from $250 to $500 an hour, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
- Contingency Fee (a percentage): This is standard for negotiating player contracts. The fee is a percentage of the value of the contract secured. This is usually between 3% and 5%. So, if we negotiate a $1 million contract, the fee would be $30,000 to $50,000. Important: This should ONLY apply to the playing contract itself, not to your entire earnings, like endorsement deals.
Some lawyers also offer flatfee packages for NIL agreement reviews, which can be a great, costeffective option for college athletes. Most families I work with here are initially shocked by the numbers, but when they see the value we add—often securing clauses that are worth multiples of our fee—it makes sense. It’s an investment in their career’s stability.
Local Sports Law Providers in Chandler
Based on actual local presence, here are some established providers in Chandler:
Goldberg & Osborne — Serves the greater Chandler area with a focus on athleticrelated legal matters.
Jackson White Law — A wellknown firm in the East Valley with attorneys who handle sports and entertainment law.
Millar & Lahm — Located in the Chandler/Gilbert area, offering services in sports and contract law.
The Law Office of John Skomba — A local Chandler practice focusing on civil litigation and sports law issues.
It’s always wise to verify an attorney’s standing. You can check their license through the State Bar of Arizona.
Rules, Regs, and How to Verify Everything
In Arizona, sports lawyers are first and foremost attorneys, regulated by the State Bar. There isn’t a specific “sports law” license, which is why due diligence is so critical. Always confirm that the person you’re talking to is a licensed attorney in good standing.
For agents, certification can vary by sport (like the NBPA for basketball or the NFLPA for football). A good sports lawyer will often work in tandem with a certified agent, or will themselves be certified, to handle the full scope of representation. If you’re dealing with an NCAA athlete, the rules are a minefield. A misstep with an improper benefit can cost a player their eligibility. We have to be hyperaware of the guidelines from the NCAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I first contact a sports lawyer?
The moment you start getting serious interest from colleges, teams, or brands. Ideally, before you sign anything—even a simple letter of intent. Early guidance can set your entire career on the right path.
What’s the difference between a sports agent and a sports lawyer?
An agent is certified by a players’ union to negotiate contracts. A sports lawyer is a licensed attorney who can handle contracts, but also litigation, incorporation, and complex legal disputes. Many professionals, myself included, operate in both roles.
Do I need a lawyer for an NIL deal?
For anything beyond a simple, onetime product swap for a social media post? Absolutely. These contracts can have hidden terms that tie up your rights for years or create conflicts with future, bigger deals.
How much can a lawyer really improve a standard contract?
Dramatically. We’re not just haggling over dollar amounts. We’re adding injury protection, securing signing bonuses, clarifying behavioral clauses, and ensuring your intellectual property remains yours. The difference can be hundreds of thousands of dollars and immeasurable peace of mind.
Anyway, I’ve been doing this long enough to see the cycles. The athletes who build lasting careers are the ones who treat their talent like a business from day one. They’re the ones who understand that a great jump shot or a 95mph fastball is only part of the equation. The rest is built on the foundation of a solid, fair contract. If you’re in Chandler and starting to get those offers, start by talking to someone who’s been in the room before. Just have a conversation. It’s the most important first play you can call.