Darren Adam Heitner, Esq., is a preeminent sports attorney and the founder of Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., a Fort Lauderdale-based law firm specializing in sports law, contract negotiations, intellectual property, and arbitration. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Florida in 2007, where he was named Valedictorian of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Admitted to practice in the state bars of Florida, New York, and the District of Columbia, as well as multiple federal courts, Darren also serves as a certified arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.
As an adjunct professor, Darren imparts his expertise through teaching Sports Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) at the University of Miami School of Law in the Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law LL.M. program. His scholarly contributions include authoring several books published by the American Bar Association, such as How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know, and numerous articles in prominent publications like Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Above the Law. His thought leadership in NIL has earned him recognition as one of the foremost experts by The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and On3, and he has been lauded as a “power player in NIL deals” by Action Network and a “top sports trademark attorney” by Sportico.
Darren’s passion for sports law led him to establish Sports Agent Blog on December 31, 2005, initially titled “I Want To Be A Sports Agent.” The platform, created as a New Year’s resolution, has grown into a cornerstone of the sports agency community, offering in-depth analysis of industry trends, legal disputes, and agent-player dynamics. His commitment to the field is further evidenced by his representation of numerous athletes and sports agents, as well as his prior role as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University Bloomington, where he developed and taught a course on Sport Agency Management from 2011 to 2014.
Darren’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the University of Florida’s 40 Under 40 Award, the University of Florida Levin College of Law’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and designation as the best lawyer in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine. He remains an active voice in the sports law community, sharing insights through his weekly NIL newsletter and his X posts, engaging a broad audience on legal developments in sports.
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2 replies on “Interview With Nick Czyz on Bus Leagues Baseball”
Hey Darren,
First off I’d like to say I’m a big fan of your blog and to keep up the great work.
Dynasty, your agency looks like it is making the necessary baby steps in becoming a true agency. Although you have a long way to go, I admire your ambition at such a young age.
I am curious though, how do you plan on hiring new employees when your HR Director is a Sophomore in College. What experience or education could he possibly have to hire new talent to join your boutique firm?
That along with a team of directors that are currently attending TTT law schools, I can’t imagine you landing an actual professional athlete that will get your agency up and running. You need to re-think you game plan and strategy if you ask me.
Thank you. I understand how many people view youth as a disadvantage. Instead, I believe that youth is favorable as long as those involved are intelligent, have strong work ethic, and have the necessary connections. We have many professional athletes as clients and will continue to build on that base as more and more people understand some of the advantages that Dynasty has in this industry.
My game plan and strategy will not waver, but I do appreciate your thoughts. Justin Herzig has done a terrific job as HR Director and our directors currently in law school have not given me any reason for concern.