WSHC+B partner and Chair of the Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Law Practice Group, Alan Fertel, was recently featured in an article by the Florida Bar, where he shared his experiences supporting athletes during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The article offers a glimpse into Alan’s role as a trusted advisor to some of the world’s top athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Caeleb Dressel and Bobby Finke. Dressel secured a gold medal in the 4×100 freestyle relay, 4×100 mixed medley relay and a silver in the 4×100 Men’s medley relay, while Finke claimed gold in the 1500m freestyle and silver in the 800m freestyle.
“Bobby Finke saved U.S. men’s swimming,” Fertel says. “If Bobby Finke doesn’t win a gold medal, the U.S. is shut out for the first time in Olympic history. Not only does the kid win a gold medal, he sets a world record. It was the most unbelievable evening.”
Alan’s involvement with his clients goes beyond traditional legal counsel. He is fully invested in his clients’ success, managing the legal and contractual complexities so they can focus on their performance. “I’m a civil litigator, I’m there to handle their civil needs. I negotiate contracts,” he says. “But if any of the family members has any issues, I take care of it as part of what I do, no matter what it is, if it’s buying property, if it’s starting a foundation, God forbid, if it’s a car accident. I’m not there just to do contracts for people. I’m also an advisor.”
Alan is a preeminent lawyer whose diverse practice includes sports, arts, and entertainment law, civil litigation, commercial law, international law, and family law.
