#United States #Oakland #Entertainment Law #Redwood Public Law #Sports Law

Redwood Public Law Establishes New Practice

On October 14, 2026, Redwood Public Law LLP announced the official launch of its Sports, Arts & Entertainment Practice. This significant step aims to amalgamate expertise across various existing sectors within the firm, including public-private partnerships, entertainment transactions, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreements, cultural infrastructure, and public law.

The Team Behind the Practice

The practice will be co-led by respected partners Richard D. Pio Roda, Eric S. Casher, and Steve Ngo, alongside Senior Of Counsels Jade Y. Ramos and Neha Shah. Each of these attorneys brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in their respective fields, focusing on athlete representation, labor issues, sponsorship agreements, and transactions involving both artists and cultural organizations.

Richard D. Pio Roda emphasizes the importance of how sports, arts, and entertainment contribute significantly to civic life. According to him, these areas help shape communities, create unity, and stimulate both economic growth and community engagement. The new practice formalizes the vital work already undertaken at Redwood, combining public law expertise with transaction-related matters within the sports and entertainment sectors.

Experience in Major Developments

Redwood's holistic approach addresses the interconnectedness of sports, arts, entertainment, and the public sector. The firm is currently acting as special counsel for the Oakland Acquisition Company, previously known as the African American Sports & Entertainment Group, in their initiative to acquire and develop the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum complex. This involvement underscores Redwood’s commitment to facilitating significant developments within California’s sports and entertainment landscape.

The firm’s attorneys are well-equipped to navigate major legal frameworks related to sports venues and entertainment developments throughout the state. Projects such as the Waterfront Ballpark District at Howard Terminal in Oakland, the Hollywood Park redevelopment in Inglewood, and the ocV!BE entertainment district in Anaheim illustrate Redwood's robust involvement in the region’s growth.

Comprehensive Legal Services

The newly formed Sports, Arts & Entertainment Practice will encompass diverse legal areas, including:

• - Development and operations surrounding sports stadiums and entertainment venues
• - Formation of public-private partnerships involving various stakeholders
• - Negotiation and representation in NIL agreements for athletes
• - Advocacy for professional leagues and franchise matters
• - Artist representation across music, film, and other creative domains
• - Drafting and negotiating contracts and commercial agreements
• - Management of sponsorships, endorsements, and brand partnerships
• - Guidance on intellectual property issues, including trademark and copyright matters
• - Labor and employment law for creative professionals
• - Support for arts and cultural initiatives within communities
• - Governance issues concerning nonprofit and mission-driven organizations
• - Addressing emerging technology influences, such as digital content ownership and AI

Ramos and her team also provide a unique lens through which they view athlete and artist endeavors, having experienced both the legal and performance sides of the business. With a background as a former NCAA Division I basketball player, Ramos possesses deep insights into the intricacies of athlete representation. She co-designed a legal clinic focusing on NIL rights at UC Berkeley, showcasing her commitment to educating the next generation of legal professionals in this evolving field.

Launch Event and Future Goals

To commemorate the launch of this new practice, Redwood will host a celebratory event on October 16, 2026, at the Historical Rotunda Building in Oakland, marking a new chapter for the firm. Through this practice, Redwood aims to empower clients by providing strategic advice that helps them navigate an increasingly complex landscape of opportunities while ensuring protection for their rights and creations.

By formalizing these efforts, Redwood Public Law reinforces its commitment to serving clients where public investment meets private enterprise within the dynamics of culture and community.

About Redwood Public Law LLP

Redwood Public Law LLP is a California-based public law firm specializing in complex legal matters regarding governmental agencies, nonprofits, and various organizations. The firm proudly provides legal expertise to a multitude of clients, operating from its offices in Oakland and Sacramento, and playing a crucial role in advising over 30 special districts and nonprofit entities. To learn more about Redwood's new Sports, Arts & Entertainment Practice, visit their website.