Fennemore Attorneys & Employees

K.J. Russell

K.J. Russell is an associate attorney in Fennemore’s Business & Finance practice group. He advises startups, emerging growth companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and established businesses on corporate law, business transactions, and commercial matters. His practice includes business formation, entity selection and governance, commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, corporate compliance, and intellectual property-related business matters. K.J. works with clients across a variety of industries, including technology, fashion, entertainment, and sports, helping them navigate legal issues that support growth and long-term business success. He also assists individuals and business owners with select estate planning matters.

K.J. also has a particular focus on the rapidly evolving area of collegiate athletics name, image, and likeness (NIL). He counsels NIL collectives, college athletes, sports agencies, universities, and other industry participants on NCAA and conference compliance considerations, deal structuring, risk management, and the negotiation of NIL agreements, endorsement agreements, sponsorship agreements, licensing agreements, marketing agreements, branding partnerships, and athlete services contracts. As a certified Athlete Agent, K.J. provides practical guidance to clients navigating the legal and business challenges of the modern sports marketplace.

Prior to joining Fennemore, K.J. served as a legal extern with Klutch Sports Group, where he assisted with drafting and negotiating athlete representation agreements, endorsement contracts, sponsorship agreements, and other sports-related commercial transactions. He also conducted legal research involving sports contracts, name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations, athlete eligibility, and compliance issues. During law school, K.J. completed legal externships with Granderson Des Rochers, the Arizona Coyotes, and the Arizona Department of Gaming, further expanding his experience in sports, gaming, entertainment, and business law.

Before pursuing a legal career, K.J. worked in sales and marketing with Paragon Marketing Group, the Atlanta Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks, Fiserv Forum, Ohio University Ticket Operations, and the Southern Ohio Copperheads Baseball Team. His firsthand experience in professional sports and sports marketing gives him valuable insight into the business objectives of athletes, sports organizations, brands, and corporate partners.

Outside the office, K.J. enjoys playing basketball and tennis, traveling, and discovering local donut shops and ice cream parlors wherever he goes. He is also an avid sports video game enthusiast, with favorites including NBA 2K, Madden, and EA Sports FC.

Education

J.D., Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
- Arizona State University College of Law, Outstanding Graduate
- Award Arizona State University College of Law, Dean’s Award
- Sports and Entertainment Law Journal Zealous Leader Award
MSLB, Master of Sports Law and Business, Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law
- Arizona State University College of Law, Outstanding Graduate
B.S.M, Ohio University, College of Business
- Excellence in Leadership and Scholarship Award
B.A., Ohio University, College of Business
- Outstanding Senior Leader Award

Areas Of Practice

Business & Finance

Our business and finance attorneys represent national, regional and local clients participating in significant transactions.

Emerging Businesses & Technologies

Our business attorneys recognize and appreciate the value of entrepreneurship and innovation, and are committed to providing efficient, straightforward and business-oriented solutions that facilitate success and avoid pitfalls while recognizing early capital is precious and expensive.

Intellectual Property

Create. Protect. Thrive.

Your Technology and Intellectual Property Assets Are The Lifeblood Of Your Business: We Partner With You To Protect Your Critical IP —and To Identify and Implement IP Strategies To Help You Thrive.

Estate Planning

Welcome to one of the largest and most sophisticated estate planning practices in the Southwest and California.

Privacy & Data Security

Our privacy and data security practice addresses the administrative, regulatory and litigation concerns of businesses facing mounting threats and increasing state and federal regulation in the areas of data privacy, data breach and cybersecurity.

A sophisticated display of a white beige coat and sweater on hangers in a high end fashion store. These classic pieces showcase timeless elegance in women's fashion.

Apparel & Fashion

Our Apparel & Fashion practice weaves together deep experience with a commercial mindset. We offer strategic and practical advice attuned to the demands of those in the garment, footwear, and accessories industries, as well as companies in the beauty and personal care products fields.