Biography

Demi Williams Coles’ practice focuses on sports, investigations, and complex litigation. A skilled trial attorney, Demi has successfully tried more than 20 cases in state and federal court. She thrives in spaces like the courtroom, where flexibility, poise, and confidence are vital.

Practicing in the Entertainment, Digital, and Sports Group, Demi is an athlete name, image, and likeness (NIL) expert with broad experience. In addition to NIL, her matters involve athlete eligibility, defamation, copyright infringement, music publishing rights, and more. Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Demi served as a litigator and prosecutor, with experience in complex civil litigation, criminal prosecution, federal government investigations, and school law. Her practice included defending schools across Texas and continues to include representing individuals and businesses in investigations by the Department of Justice and other governmental entities. Relying on over a decade of experience, Demi has mastered meeting each client’s nuanced needs through attention to factual and legal detail and effective communication.

Outside of the law, Demi has worked in various capacities within the sports industry, including with collegiate athletic departments and, currently, as a speaker to athletes and coaches. Her speaking engagements include regularly educating student-athletes, brands, and attorneys on NIL. Demi first honed her trial and speaking skills as an assistant district attorney in San Francisco and in pro bono immigration defense matters.

Education

B.A., summa cum laude, Pepperdine University

• Most Outstanding Psychology Graduate
• Spanish Immersion, Universidad Católica Argentina

J.D., University of California, Berkeley

• Berkeley Journal of Entertainment and Sports Law, Co-Founder and Opinions Editor
• Prosser Prize for Civil Trial Practice
• American Jurisprudence Award for Clinical Work
• Dean’s Fellow

Bar Admissions

Texas
California