FMJ Law Podcast

Bonus Episode! Live from the Tees and CLEs Event: AI and Law, NIL, In-House Insights, Business Development, and More - Episode 41.5

In this bonus episode of the FMJ Law Podcast, Nate Snyder and Adam Brown are joined by Addison Watson, in-house attorney and co-founder of the Tees & CLEs event, for a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of law, business development, and the evolving legal and technology landscape. The group took some time away from the event to record the podcast live! The episode kicks off with the origin story behind Tees & CLEs and a discussion of how Addison turned his concept into a dynamic event blending continuing legal education with meaningful relationship-building and fun activities designed to help legal professionals connect and learn together. Addison shares insight into the mission behind the event, along with the often-overlooked legal and contractual considerations involved in planning and executing a successful conference. As the episode progresses, Nate talks about his his presentation at the conference regarding the rapidly shifting sports landscape, including the current state of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and what attorneys and businesses need to understand as this area continues to develop. Adam then walks through practical strategies for maximizing conference attendance, from pre-event preparation to being intentional during the event and turning good conversations into lasting professional relationships. They also get into Adam's presentation about AI in marketing and the ethical considerations that go along with it. The group also explores broader themes shaping the profession, including how AI is influencing client expectations, what general counsel are really looking for from outside counsel, how lawyers can more effectively approach business development in a competitive market, and some of the other topics covered at the Tees and CLEs event, including nonprofit law, corporations transitioning from Delaware to Texas, Trademarks, and more.

Golf Law in the News: Liability, NIL, Environmental Issues, and Trademark Disputes - Episode 41

In this episode of the FMJ Law Podcast, Adam Brown is joined by Nate Snyder for a wide-ranging conversation that uses golf as a surprisingly effective lens to explore some of today’s most pressing legal issues. Adam and Nate tee off with real estate, and they discuss a variety of considerations tied to golf course development, from land use issues, environmental law, and conservation/protections to emerging concerns like PFAS contamination and the high-profile scrutiny of courses and environmental concerns in the Washington, D.C. area. They also discuss agriculture, deforestation, pesticide use, and even global events impacting supply chains and costs in the golf industry. The discussion then shifts to the rules that govern the game beyond the scorecard, comparing public and private courses, and unpacking the layers of city, state, and regulatory oversight that shape operations. On the litigation side, Adam and Nate break down liability risks in golf, including assumption of risk, negligence claims, course design issues, and the role of third parties such as architects and designers. They also explore how celebrity intersects with the law, including well-known legal challenges involving professional golfers. The conversation also takes a turn into intellectual property, examining trademark disputes involving LIV Golf, brand conflicts, and the concept of reverse dilution, along with a few unexpected pop music tie-ins. Finally, Nate and Adam dive into the evolving world of NIL in golf, discussing college athletes, sponsorship structures, eligibility requirements, and the complexities of contracts in a rapidly changing landscape. Be sure to listen through to the end for details on Adam and Nate’s upcoming appearance at the Tees & CLEs event in Arizona, where they will both be speaking and then recording a live episode of the FMJ Law Podcast! Whether you are a golfer, a business owner, or simply interested in how legal issues play out in everyday contexts, this episode covers a lot of relevant ground.

Appeals 101 - Episode 40

Attorney Anna Swiecichowski and Adam Brown break down the fundamentals of the appellate process and explain what can happen after a trial court issues a decision. Anna and Adam begin with the basics: what is an appeal and how does a case reach the appellate stage? They discuss the procedural history that typically leads to an appeal and explain the role appellate courts play in the legal system. Unlike trial courts, appellate courts are generally focused on reviewing the record for legal errors, not re-trying the case or hearing new evidence. The conversation explores what appellate courts can and cannot do, including their primary role as “error-correcting” courts. Anna and Adam also explain the role of appellate courts and their limits, determining whether an order or decision is appealable, strategic considerations and whether to appeal and how to respond, notices of appeal (starting the appeal process), discretionary appeals vs. appeals as of right, key timelines in the appellate process,the record on appeal, briefing requirements, oral arguments, and appellate decisions, precedent, and next steps. The team also discusses the economic realities of the appeal process, the importance of responding to an appeal, and how negotiation and settlement can still play a role even after a case moves into the appellate phase. If you are interested in learning about the way cases move through the judicial system after a trial, this episode provides a great introduction to the appellate process from start to finish.

Employment Contracts, Buyouts, Terminations, and Other Legal Issues in Sports - Episode 39

Nate Snyder and Adam Brown explore the legal issues behind employment contracts in sports, including cause and without-cause terminations, liquidated damages, offsets, and mitigation obligations. Using recent college football coaching changes as examples, they discuss the ways in which carefully drafted contracts control multi-million-dollar outcomes and how legal guidance can protect both organizations and individuals. This episode highlights the type of strategic advice FMJ provides to clients navigating employment and contractual matters at all levels of the sports industry and beyond. The conversation also highlights the importance of contracts, negotiations, planning, and written agreements and the impact they can have on sports organizations, coaches, executives, volunteers, and paid personnel at all levels of sports. Contracts in sports are more than administrative documents. They define rights, obligations, and financial consequences. Proper legal planning allows organizations and employees to manage transitions confidently while limiting risk.

Family Office Planning for Athletes and Business Leaders - Episode 38

Cameron Caprio, the founder of VentureMFO, joins Nate Snyder, David Ness, and Adam Brown to discuss Family Offices and the strategic business and wealth management options they can provide for high-wealth individuals, including business leaders, athletes, and entertainers. The group discusses the mechanics of family and multi-family office structures, how to create these business entities, and how they operate. They also address the strategic advantages of bringing together a team of advisors to help with taxes, income and cash flow management, overall management, employment considerations, retirement planning, charitable giving, risk management, disability and other insurance options, and much more. Specific topics include charitable accounts, donor advised funds, foundations, charitable funding, disability planning, social capital and brand management, financial planning and structures, income taxes, multiple tax filings, residency considerations, tax deferred accounts, payroll and employment issues, retirement and next-stage planning, and "jock taxes." Ultimately, family offices allow high-wealth individuals to assemble a team of trusted advisors to handle the business side of their lives, which allows them to focus on their craft and perform their best in the boardroom, the studio, or the arena.