Are These NIL Attorneys Vetted by Us?

Short answer: Yes — and no.

We conduct a basic, preliminary check on every attorney listed in the NIL Attorney Directory. That means we verify public information, confirm bar membership, and look for major red flags before a profile goes live.

But the true value of this directory is the feedback from student-athletes, families, and other clients who have actually worked with these attorneys. The most reliable way to know whether an NIL attorney is the right fit is to hear directly from people who have trusted them with their contracts, compliance, and brand protection.

What We Do (Our Preliminary Vetting)

Before an attorney appears in the directory, we typically:

  • Confirm the attorney’s name, firm, and contact information

  • Check public state bar records to confirm proper licensing and good standing

  • Look for public disciplinary actions, major complaints, or legal issues

  • Ensure the profile meets our listing standards (no spam, clear and accurate contact details)

Important: This is not a full background investigation, a guarantee of quality, or an endorsement. It’s a first filter to remove clearly unqualified or misleading listings — not a substitute for first-hand experience or independent due diligence.

Why Client Reviews Matter

Each attorney’s profile can include ratings and written reviews from real student-athletes, families, and clients.

  • If an attorney delivers excellent service, it will show in their reviews.

  • If there are issues — slow responses, vague guidance, or contract concerns — that will show too.

The collective experience of the community is the most up-to-date and meaningful measure of an attorney’s professionalism, expertise, and reliability.

Ten Things to Check Before Hiring an NIL Attorney

Use this checklist when evaluating an attorney for NIL representation. If they can’t meet most of these, keep looking.

  1. Clear communication & responsiveness – Do they reply promptly and explain things clearly?

  2. Transparent fees & scope – Are rates and services spelled out in writing?

  3. Written engagement letter – Is there a clear agreement outlining services, timelines, and fees?

  4. NIL-specific expertise – Do they understand NCAA/state compliance, endorsement contracts, and IP rights?

  5. Year-round legal support – Do they help beyond a single contract, offering ongoing guidance?

  6. Experience with athletes – Can they show past NIL or sports law client experience?

  7. Access to related professionals – Can they coordinate with CPAs, agents, or financial advisors?

  8. Education & guidance – Do they explain risks and obligations so you can make informed choices?

  9. No conflicts of interest – Do they disclose any referral fees, dual roles, or outside incentives?

  10. References & track record – Do client reviews back up their claims?

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Pressure to commit without a clear proposal or written contract

  • Vague or verbal-only explanations of fees or services

  • Refusal to provide proof of bar membership or references

  • Promises of “guaranteed” outcomes in disputes or negotiations

  • No verifiable track record or client feedback

If an Attorney Isn’t Meeting These Standards

  • Start with a conversation – Ask for clarification, examples, and references

  • Get documents reviewed – Have a parent, compliance officer, or another attorney review the engagement letter

  • Check reviews in our directory – See if others raise similar concerns

  • Report issues – Use the report function on the attorney’s profile to alert others

  • Consider switching – Use the directory to compare alternatives before signing binding agreements

How to Use This Directory Wisely

  • Read multiple reviews — one opinion rarely tells the whole story

  • Focus on recent feedback — an attorney’s quality can change over time

  • Compare checklist items between attorneys, not just star ratings

  • Ask for examples that match your situation — e.g., endorsement contracts, business setup, international visa rules

Help Keep the Directory Strong

Your experiences make this directory valuable. If you’ve worked with an attorney listed here, leave an honest review. Your feedback helps other student-athletes and families make better, safer legal decisions.

Questions, concerns, or reviews to submit?
Visit the attorney’s profile page or contact our support team at info@NILAttorneyDirectory.com.

By combining our initial screening with transparent, real-world feedback from clients, the NIL Attorney Directory helps you make informed, confident decisions about who protects your contracts, compliance, and future.