Jake Smith

BIO: Associate at Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, one of the South-Central U.S. region’s largest law firms. As he is known, Jake is a transactional lawyer on the firm’s Real Estate Development, Financing, and Transactions Service, Team. Smith also represents businesses, advertisers, individuals, and college and professional athletes in right of publicity transactions – particularly considering the changing landscape related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college athletics. 

During his decorated playing career as a four-year starter at Offensive Guard and Center, Smith was voted Team Captain, honored as a Freshman All-American, multi-year All-Conference Selection, and Sugar Bowl champion. When Smith graduated, he held the school record for most starts by a position player. Smith went on to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals before returning to Louisville to attend law school.

“Today, it is impossible for a Power 5 university to compete in the (rightfully) commercialized landscape of college sports without collaboration and meaningful partnerships between athletes and the local business community. 502Circle presents an opportunity for athletes, fans, and businesses in the city to give a competitive edge to the University of Louisville – where I played football and graduated twice – and to help athletes profit from the immense value they create.”