Andrew F. Rhoden, J.D., M.S.

Managing Partner & Director of Legal Consulting

Companies from start-ups to Fortune 50 Corporations, trust Andrew to consult them on employment matters, business development, and implementing procedures to safeguard them against litigation. He is a certified Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA) Level II Civil Rights Investigator and a certified Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Trainer. Andrew has developed training programs related to sexual harassment prevention; COVID-19 safety; and diversity & inclusion. He served on corporate transaction team that made national news for finalizing the acquisition of $2.3 billion all-cash transaction in Texas.

Additionally, Andrew represents universities and school districts related to employment disputes, internal investigations, civil rights issues, and other compliance matters. Andrew provides advice and conducts training workshops on emerging legal issues on campuses such as name image and likeness (NIL); NCAA Sexual Violence Prevention; Diversity & Inclusion; and the Cleary Act. Andrew’s experience in sports and higher education law has led to him presenting regularly at universities across the country and a resource for media entities on various subject areas in the field.

Professional athletes also rely on Andrew for his legal counsel related to contract negotiations, endorsement deals, management agreements, and corporate start-ups. He also understands the infrastructure of professional sports teams from his time working with the NHL hockey team, the Florida Panthers.

Andrew is passionate about making a difference in society, so he is a leader in the legal community throughout the country. He is actively involved as a leader with the American Bar Association (ABA) and was an inaugural Fellow for the ABA Criminal Justice Section's Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Fellowship. Andrew is the chair of a number of ABA Committees such as the Criminal Justice Section's White Collar Crime Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the Civil Rights & Social Justice's National Security Committee. His work ethic in the ABA has given him the honor of receiving two ABA Presidential Appointments, 2017 and 2021. He also serves on the Texas Minority Counsel Program (TMCP), Dallas City Committee. Andrew is the director and co-host of the ABA's podcast and video series Equal Justice Under Pod. He also serves as a member and leader in the Sports Lawyer Association and the American Football Coaches Association. Mentorship is something Andrew values, so he makes it a priority to mentor students across the country in law school, undergrad, and high school.

Andrew received his J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law. He has an M.S. in sports management from West Virginia University and B.S. in sports management from Hampton University.

Dr. Mark James

Dr. Mark James is an experienced leadership professional with two decades of success in helping educational entities and corporations achieve academic and extracurricular success for their students and employees. His comprehensive skill set in designing and mobilizing learning environments, cultivating partnerships and building meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and creating fundraising programs that generate millions of dollars in revenue, make him an invaluable asset to any business. Prior to entering the consulting sector, Dr. James served as a NCAA College Football Head Coach.

E. Raphael Hatley

Raphael Hatley has positioned himself as one of the top digital designers in the country. He has a unique background, from being a licensed architect to working with the video and marketing department of a NCAA Division I university. Raphael was a former college football player for our Founder, Andrew Rhoden, at Hampton University. He has worked with entities from universities, associations, law firms, and global marketing firms. Raphael received his bachelor's. degree from North Carolina A&T and his master's degree from North Carolina State University.

Joshua Jones