During the month of October, Jackson Walker senior counsel Demi Williams Coles participated in three NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) events, providing valuable insights into this evolving legal landscape.

On October 15, Demi was a guest lecturer for two “NIL Entrepreneurship” undergraduate courses at Texas Christian University’s Neely School of Business, Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In these sessions, she delved into the latest developments in NIL court cases, regulations, and contracts. She also shared her personal experiences as an attorney and speaker, offering students a unique perspective on the legal complexities of NIL and practical advice on building a career in sports and finding their purpose.

On October 23, Demi participated in a CLE panel discussion alongside James McFall (Foley & Lardner LLP), entitled “Navigating the NIL Landscape,” hosted by the Houston Bar Association’s Entertainment and Sports Law Section. During this session, they explored the intricacies of NIL law, examining its current state and anticipated future developments. The panel provided attendees with a thorough analysis of the legal and regulatory challenges associated with NIL, as well as practical guidance for navigating this complex area. The event offered valuable insights into the dynamic and rapidly evolving NIL landscape.

Meet Demi

Demi Williams Coles is a senior counsel in the Trial & Appellate Litigation section at Jackson Walker. Practicing in our Entertainment, Digital, and Sports group, Demi’s matters have involved athlete name, image, and likeness (NIL), athlete eligibility, defamation, music publishing rights, and more. Prior to Jackson Walker, Demi served as a litigator and prosecutor and, to date, has successfully tried more than 20 cases in state and federal court. Outside of the law, Demi has worked in various capacities within the sports industry, including currently as a speaker to student-athletes and coaches.