WMU-Cooley hosts Sports and Entertainment Law panel talk

The Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS) at WMU-Cooley Law School's Auburn Hills campus recently hosted the panel discussion "How to Break Into Sports and Entertainment Law."

Panelists included Noah Harfouch of Harfouch Law, PLLC, based in Troy, Michigan; Mitchel Eisenstein, sports agent; and Ashley Jones, a Detroit-based gospel singer and spoken word artist.

Eisenstein, whose clients include professional athletes Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner and Cliff Avril said, "I was able to retain such notable clients very early in my career because I was honest, sincere and didn't take on more than I could handle."

During the discussion, panelists spoke about the importance of establishing trust and confidence with clients as the key element to becoming a successful agent. Harfouch, who handles legal issues for Eisenstein, explained how handling legal issues needs to be separate from branding athletes and entertainers.

"My work on legal issues allows Mitchel to dedicate his time developing his clients' brands," said Harfouch.

Jones said that as an emerging new artist, networking and seeking out mentors is how she is able to find and evaluate her team of advisers.

"We are very pleased to be able to continue providing interesting programs on sports and entertainment law," said Robert St. Cin, SELS president. "We are already brainstorming ideas for the next panel."

Published: Tue, Jun 14, 2016