FOUNDER & MANAGING ATTORNEY

Drew Jacobs is the founder of Jacobs Counsel LLC — a modern law firm built for founders, athletes, creators, and entrepreneurs who defy the status quo. Licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio, Drew provides strategic counsel across business, contract, estate, and entertainment law, with a sharp focus on clients in tech, sports, and media.

Known for his bold, unconventional approach, Drew helps high-performing individuals and companies scale smartly, protect their interests, and negotiate from strength. His clients range from pre-Series B startups and content creators to elite athletes and national businesses in sports media and education.

Before launching Jacobs Counsel, Drew cut his teeth in both the boardroom and on the court. A former high school and Division I basketball player, he later founded Head and Heart Hoops, a training program for D1 and pro athletes. He brings that same intensity and vision to his legal work.

A graduate of Seton Hall Law, Drew served as Symposium Editor of the Legislative Journal and founded the law school’s first Sports Law Symposium. He now consults for Seton Hall’s sports and gaming law programs and leads their annual Gaming Law Bootcamp.

Drew built Jacobs Counsel the same way his clients build: from scratch, with guts — and by ignoring the script.

Education

Seton Hall Law School – Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Boston College – Bachelor of Science, Concentrations in Marketing & Business Analytics (Graduated from the Honors Program of the Carroll School of Management)

Areas of Practice

Business & Contract Law

Estate Planning & Asset Protection

Sports, Entertainment, and Gaming Transactions

Admitted to Practice Law

State of New York

State of New Jersey

State of Ohio

OF COUNSEL

Marcus Whitaker is Of Counsel to Jacobs Counsel and a powerhouse in the intersection of sports, business, and intellectual property law. A licensed attorney and certified NBA and FIBA agent, Marcus brings decades of real-world experience as a former pro athlete, trainer, and now top-tier dealmaker.

He is the founder of GroundUp Sports & Entertainment and has represented athletes and entertainers at the highest levels — offering white-glove contract negotiation, brand protection, and long-term career strategy.

Marcus is especially adept in the emerging space of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights. His deep experience in athlete development and licensing positions him among the few legal professionals in the country who truly understand how to monetize and safeguard client value in this evolving landscape.

Whether advising on endorsement deals, licensing rights, or IP strategy, Marcus approaches every client with the perspective of someone who’s been in their shoes — and knows how to win.

Education

Seton Hall University School of Law — Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Fairleigh Dickinson University — B.A.

Areas of Practice

Sports and Entertainment Law

Intellectual Property and Licensing

Admitted to Practice Law

State of New York