Zack G. Sharpe, IV
I founded Sharpe Counsel for people who expect more from their lawyer — athletes, professionals, and founders who want counsel that not only knows the law but understands the realities of how business, opportunity, and reputation work together.
My path has taken me through over a decade of experience across employment, business, and brand law — from litigating complex disputes at leading firms like Littler Mendelson to serving as Counsel at Justworks, where I advise on employment, contracts, partnerships, and compliance for a growing global company.
Before entering private practice, I earned my J.D. from Columbia Law School, where I served as a Notes Editor for the Columbia Journal of Transnational Law, and my B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan, receiving University Honors.
My expertise has also been recognized by my peers — I have been named a New York Metro Super Lawyers Rising Star, an honor reserved for attorneys who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement and peer recognition.
That experience and recognition taught me something simple but powerful: success is about more than the right answer — it’s about positioning yourself to win before the question ever arises.
My Approach
Every client I work with — whether an athlete, an executive, or a founder — faces the same challenge: turning potential into protection.
Here’s how I approach it:
Precision over volume. Every contract, clause, and negotiation is handled with care and intention — no shortcuts, no templates.
Strategy over reaction. I help clients play the long game — building leverage and clarity before they need it.
Trust over transaction. Legal counsel should be a relationship, not a one-time service.
This mindset allows me to deliver the kind of counsel that’s both practical and forward-thinking — advice that’s rooted in your goals, not just your current situation.
Why Clients Choose Me
My work blends litigation discipline with business pragmatism — the ability to both protect and empower.
Over the years, I’ve guided leaders, creators, and organizations through moments that define their careers and brands. I understand what it means to make high-stakes decisions, to negotiate from a position of strength, and to protect something that represents more than just money — it represents your name, your work, and your reputation.
“I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all legal advice — I believe in clarity, leverage, and outcomes that match your ambition.”
Who I Serve — and How
Athletes & NIL Talent: I protect the deals that define your legacy — ensuring your name, image, and likeness work for you, both on and off the field.
In-Demand Professionals: I help you negotiate the terms that protect your reputation, compensation, and career freedom.
Dynamic Businesses: I help you scale smart — building contracts, IP, and employment frameworks that safeguard your growth and momentum.
A Practice Built on Trust
Sharpe Counsel is not a high-volume firm. It’s a precision practice — designed for people and businesses who take their work seriously and want an attorney who does the same.
My goal is simple: to understand your ambitions and protect them through sharp, strategic legal work that gives you confidence and control.
That’s how you turn good counsel into a lasting advantage.