The Law Offices of Daryl K. Washington, P.C. has a specialized and significant practice in sports and entertainment. We provide personal business counsel and comprehensive legal advice to clients in the multibillion-dollar global entertainment industry. Our attorneys work to maximize opportunities and protect the artistic freedom and creative work product of individual artists, performers and ensembles, music publishers, entertainment companies, and performance venues.

   ENTERTAINMENT

We help with general business issues, performance and endorsement contracts and allied rights, financial matters, insurance coverage, tax planning, and protecting and licensing intellectual property. When litigation or other disputes arise, we combine vigorous advocacy with in-depth knowledge of industry precedent and procedures to defend our clients' interests.

Our entertainment attorneys often must protect their clients' interests in adversarial negotiation, dispute resolution, and litigation. We regularly advise these clients on trademark and copyright infringement, allegations of slander and libel, and use of name and likeness. We also use our business skills to represent clients in sensitive and sometimes contentious contract negotiations.

In the related field of media law, we have represented individuals with television and radio contracts. We understand the broadcast industry's competitive structure and get our clients the best possible deal. We will not leave a dime on the table.

   SPORTS

The sports industry is a multibillion-dollar business whose participants need lawyers with both fundamental business experience and a detailed understanding of the issues unique to sports teams and individual athletes. We have the expertise to counsel sports industry clients on the issues of critical importance to them.

We equip our clients and their families with information and counseling to successfully deal with the wide range of legal and business issues faced by today's professional athletes. Our team is experienced in helping effectively manage the increasingly complex issues of sports law, ranging from contract preparation, negotiations, agent selection consultation, NCAA compliance matters, trademark issues, licenses, business transactions and litigation.

Choosing the right agent is one of the most critical career decisions for a professional athlete. Our market research and background investigations play a significant role in helping clients through the entire process. We make sure clients are prepared to ask the right questions and receive the correct answers, particularly since sports agents are not required to be licensed attorneys.

When negotiating contracts for players and coaches, our consistent objective is to strategically consider each individual's particular needs while keeping both long-term and short-term goals in mind. We make sure our clients are constantly informed on the status of negotiations at all times.

It is no secret that the majority of professional sports careers are limited to a short period of time, typically one to three years. That's why we also focus on preparing athletes for life after the game. We help clients maximize their financial resources during times of peak earnings and provide counsel on how to legally protect earnings, including matters involving tax issues, business opportunities and endorsement deals. Our team is committed to helping clients avoid common pitfalls and help them achieve financial security and a smooth transition into life after sports.

Whether it’s entertainment or sports matters, our firm can provide you with the personal service you need. Our attorneys are trained negotiators and can assist you with virtually any matter that you may encounter in this area, resolution, and litigation. We regularly advise these clients on trademark and copyright infringement, allegations of slander and libel, and use of name and likeness. We also use our business skills to represent clients in sensitive and sometimes contentious contract negotiations.