News
Managing Partner Julia Damron Selected for Benchmark Litigation’s 2025 USA 40 & Under List
We’re proud to announce that Managing Partner Julia Damron has been named in Benchmark Litigation’s 2025 USA 40 & Under list, recognizing her position among the best and brightest legal talent nationwide.
Benchmark Litigation’s annual recognition identifies accomplished young lawyers who frequently handle major cases—including high-stakes and precedent-setting matters—and represent the top young talent in their respective practice areas across the US.
Julia’s inclusion reflects her exceptional work as co-counsel in the groundbreaking Alford et al v. The NFL Player Disability & Survivor Benefit Plan class action, where she helped craft the legal theories that contributed to the historic March 2024 ruling—the first case of its kind against the NFL Disability Plan to survive dismissal. Her litigation expertise spans complex benefits disputes and NFL Concussion Settlement matters, including recent victories securing a $4.168 million award for a client with Parkinson’s disease and successfully defending a $3.2 million award by synthesizing complex medical and legal issues.
As Managing Partner, Julia has been instrumental in Athlaw LLP’s strategic growth and its reputation as a powerhouse firm representing former NFL players in benefits litigation, helping establish important legal precedents that continue to shape this specialized practice area.
LinkedIn Post | Benchmark Litigation 40 & Under List
Law360 Profiles Athlaw LLP Founder Sam Katz as Part of Rising Stars Recognition
We’re excited to share that Athlaw LLP founder Sam Katz has been profiled as part of Law360’s Rising Stars recognition, which named him among the top benefits law practitioners under the age of 40 nationwide.
The recognition highlights Sam’s remarkable journey from a chance encounter with a former NFL player to building Athlaw LLP into a powerhouse firm representing hundreds of former players in their fight for the benefits they deserve.
Sam’s groundbreaking work includes bringing the first proposed class action lawsuit against the NFL’s disability benefit plan to survive a motion to dismiss — a historic legal victory that could impact thousands of former players dealing with systemic benefit denials. Beyond the landmark class action, Sam has achieved notable victories, including defending a $3.2 million NFL Concussion Settlement payout and establishing legal precedents that continue to shape how these complex ERISA cases are administered nationwide.
“Our clients are my heroes,” Sam said in the Law360 profile. “Every single client that comes to us, it's a chance to show what we can do to help our heroes — this underserved community of retired players, so many of whom are navigating this complicated and complex disability benefits landscape.”
Athlaw LLP’s Sam Katz and Julia Damron Named to 2025 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation List
Athlaw LLP is proud to announce that founding partner Sam Katz and managing partner Julia Damron have been named to the 2025 Lawdragon 500 X - The Next Generation guide.
This annual list recognizes the legal profession’s rising stars – attorneys who are redefining excellence and making a lasting impact across their fields. Sam and Julia are honored for their outstanding work across class action, disability, ERISA, and sports-related litigation, where they continue to represent clients in high-stakes matters with dedication and integrity.
Congratulations to Sam and Julia on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to their continued leadership in the field.
Founder Sam Katz Featured in Daily Journal's Niche Lawyers Series
We’re honored that Athlaw LLP founder Sam Katz has been recognized in the Daily Journal’s Niche Lawyers series, which spotlights attorneys leading the way in specialized and high-impact areas of the law.
The profile highlights Sam’s path from taking on a single former NFL player’s disability case to launching a firm focused on representing hundreds of former players in ERISA litigation and NFL Concussion Settlement matters. His leadership in the ongoing Alford et al. v. The NFL Player Disability & Survivor Benefit Plan—the first class action against the NFL’s Disability Plan to survive a motion to dismiss—marks a historic shift in this legal space.
Sam’s work has resulted in tens of millions of dollars in recovered benefits, along with legal precedents that continue to influence how these cases are evaluated nationwide.
“We’re witnessing a transformative shift in the ERISA landscape that I believe will define the next decade of this practice area,” Sam said. “There’s an emerging wave of awareness among retirees who are finally understanding the scope of their ERISA rights, and more importantly, that the status quo simply isn’t fair to them.”
Jacob Mindel Promoted to Partner at Athlaw LLP
Athlaw LLP is thrilled to announce Jacob Mindel’s promotion to Partner. Jacob began his legal career with Athlaw LLP as a summer clerk in 2021, demonstrating from the get-go a passion for advocacy that has only deepened. Over the next four years, Jacob has played an essential role in the firm’s efforts on behalf of former professional athletes, particularly within the NFL Concussion Settlement.
Jacob’s extensive experience fighting for the rights of disabled players has made him a standout advocate. His strategic thinking, strong briefing skills, and relentless commitment to supporting retired players has earned him frequent praise among colleagues and clients alike.
Jacob’s promotion marks an exciting chapter for the firm as we continue to grow our leadership team with partners who share our core values: integrity, excellence, and a steadfast commitment to protecting athletes’ rights. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement and look forward to Jacob’s continued contributions in the many years ahead.
Sam Katz Featured in The Athletic for NFL Disability Plan Lawsuit
Athlaw LLP founder Sam Katz was featured in The Athletic for his work representing former NFL players in a class action lawsuit challenging the practices of the NFL's Disability & Survivor Benefit Plan.
In the article, Sam discusses the long-standing systemic barriers disabled players face when seeking the benefits to which they are entitled. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience in ERISA litigation, Sam highlights how the plan’s procedures often disadvantage former players — and how Athlaw LLP is working to change that through aggressive legal advocacy and strategic litigation.
Sam’s leadership in this critical case underscores Athlaw LLP’s ongoing commitment to transparency, fairness, and justice for retired NFL players. We are proud to be recognized as leaders in this fight and look forward to continuing our efforts to hold powerful institutions accountable.
Julia Damron Connects with Future Lawyers at USC Gould School of Law
Athlaw LLP Managing Partner Julia Damron recently participated in a professional development event hosted by USC’s Gould School of Law. Julia engaged with current law students during a "mock mixer" designed to help them sharpen their networking and communication skills.
As an advocate for the next generation of attorneys, Julia offered valuable insights into building a career in plaintiff-side litigation, with a focus on representing professional athletes in complex ERISA and disability benefits cases. She was particularly excited to meet several students who already recognized Athlaw LLP's work in the field of sports law.
At Athlaw LLP, we are committed not only to advancing the rights of our clients but also to contributing to the development of the legal profession. Julia’s participation reflects our broader mission of fostering excellence, mentorship, and advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom.
Athlaw LLP Featured in Associated Press Article for NFL Disability Lawsuit Work
Athlaw LLP was recently featured in an article by the Associated Press for its role in spearheading litigation concerning the NFL’s disability benefits program.
Founder Sam Katz and the Athlaw LLP team have worked tirelessly to uncover evidence of systemic unfairness within the plan's administration. Their work – including preparing the majority of the amended complaint and opposing defendant’s motion to dismiss – has been instrumental in moving the case forward on behalf of former players wrongfully denied benefits.
This national recognition highlights the importance of Athlaw LLP’s mission: protecting the rights of disabled athletes who have given their bodies – and in many cases, their futures – to the sport they love. We remain deeply committed to fighting for accountability, transparency, and fair treatment for every client we represent.
Sam Katz Shares Insights on Building a Career in Sports Law at USC Gould School of Law
Athlaw LLP’s founder, Sam Katz, has been recognized for his leadership and advocacy by frequently speaking at USC’s Gould School of Law, before members of the Sports Law Society.
As an alumnus of USC Gould, Sam shared his experience building a career at the intersection of sports, ERISA law, and athlete advocacy. He discussed critical issues facing professional athletes today, the legal complexities surrounding disability benefits, and the need for passionate legal representation to protect player rights.
Alongside former NFL running back Chris Johnson, Sam provided students with practical advice on navigating a career in sports law, stressing the importance of integrity, perseverance, and expertise in an ever-evolving field.
At Athlaw LLP, we remain committed to supporting the next generation of legal professionals who share our dedication to representing athletes and championing their rights both on and off the field.
Sam Katz Featured in Law.com on Groundbreaking NFL Disability Plan Class Action Lawsuit
Athlaw LLP’s Founding Partner, Sam Katz, was featured in Law.com for his leadership role in a landmark class action lawsuit challenging the practices of the NFL’s disability benefits plan.
The case, brought on behalf of former players, alleges systemic breaches of fiduciary duties and wrongful denials of disability benefits under the ERISA-regulated Plan. In his commentary, Sam underscored Athlaw LLP’s unwavering commitment to exposing injustices within the system and pursuing accountability on behalf of disabled former athletes.
Through a combination of extensive ERISA expertise, detailed legal research, and dedicated client advocacy, Athlaw LLP continues to lead the charge in reforming a process that too often fails the very players it is meant to protect.
Athlaw LLP remains proud to represent these athletes and to fight for a fair and just system that honors their contributions to the game.
Built on Grit. Driven by Justice.
Fighting for Players Long After the Final Whistle
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Fighting for Players Beyond the GameYour career may be over, but the fight isn’t. We stand with former NFL players in securing the disability benefits, concussion settlements, and ERISA claims they deserve. When the league plays defense, we go on the offensive.
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A Team That’s Got Your BackJust like on the field, success comes from having the right team behind you. Our attorneys are relentless advocates, tackling complex legal battles and pushing for the best possible outcomes for our clients.
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A Playbook for VictoryNavigating the legal system shouldn’t feel like facing a blitz with no protection. We bring a strategic, aggressive approach to every case, ensuring former players have the strongest game plan for success.
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Built for the Toughest BattlesThe NFL doesn’t make it easy, but neither do we. With a track record of taking on the league and winning, we have the experience, grit, and determination to fight for the rights of retired athletes.