2026 Entertainment & Sports Law Symposium
The 2026 ESLA Symposium brings together leading practitioners from sports, entertainment, and the arts to explore the evolving role of legal professionals across these dynamic industries. Through a keynote address and four focused panels, the program examines athlete representation, in-house counsel leadership, the business of entertainment law, and the transformative intersection of law and the arts. Designed for students and professionals alike, the symposium highlights both traditional and nontraditional pathways for legal careers in sports and entertainment.
Agenda
11:00 – 11:10a Introduction
11:15a – 12:00p Keynote Presentation – Bob Boland
In his keynote presentation, Bob will bring unparalleled insight into athletic governance, crisis management, and the evolving legal landscape of collegiate sports.
12:00 – 12:45p Panel 1 – Representing the Modern Athlete
This panel explores the evolving role of legal and professional representation in modern sports. Panelists will discuss contract negotiation, athlete branding, compliance, and the growing business and media dimensions that shape today’s athlete–advisor relationships.
Ari Sherwin, Private Practice
Ricky Volante, The Volante Law Firm
Ryan Willen, Lallo & Feldman Co., LPA
12:45 – 1:30p Panel 2 – Inside the Organization – The Role of In-House Counsel
Focusing on attorneys who serve directly within organizations, this discussion examines the strategic, operational, and risk-management responsibilities of in-house counsel. Panelists will provide insight into how lawyers function as business partners, decision-makers, and compliance leaders within sports and entertainment entities.
Brittni Fabinak, Jacksonville Jaguars
Cory Krasnoff, Uber
Aaron Caputo, Miami Marlins
1:30 – 2:15p Panel 3 – The Business of Entertainment Law
This panel highlights the legal and business structures that drive the entertainment industry, including music, media, and creative enterprises. Speakers will discuss deal-making, intellectual property, artist development, and the intersection of legal training with executive leadership.
David Shall, Tornante Television
Paul Farberman, Paul Farberman Entertainment
Peter Strand, Arnall, Golden, Gregory LLP
2:15 – 3:00p Panel 4 - The Arts as Impact – Leadership, Law & Cultural Transformation
Examining the arts through a broader societal lens, this discussion focuses on how law and leadership shape cultural institutions and community impact. Panelists will explore how legal frameworks, advocacy, and organizational leadership contribute to meaningful cultural transformation.
James Levin, Cleveland Public Theater
Dr. Angelin Chang, Cleveland State University