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    1. Home
    2. People
    3. Steven J. ThompsonPeople
    1. Home
    2. People
    3. Steven J. ThompsonPeople

    Steven J. Thompson

    Senior Counsel


    • Chicago
    • Office312.977.4396
    • sjthompson@nixonpeabody.com
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    Introduction

    Steve Thompson is a trial lawyer who has tried cases in courts and arbitral forums across the United States. He represents schools, coaches, governing bodies and athletes in matters pending before the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

     

    In addition to sports-related matters, Steve also represents clients in complex commercial litigation, product liability and mass tort, professional liability, securities, intellectual property and governmental relations. His experience includes trials, arbitration and mediation in a variety of commercial situations.

    Practice Areas

    LitigationComplex DisputesNP Trial®Product Liability, Complex Tort & Health Effects

    Industries

    Esports & Gaming

    My focus

    My trial practice is focused on three main areas:

    Sports

    In a unique niche, I represent NCAA member institutions and coaches in matters pending before the NCAA Committee of Infractions. I also represent professional athletes, amateur athletes and sports governing bodies in other types of disputes, including myriad commercial situations and disputes over athlete selection for the U.S. Olympic Teams in advance of the Olympic Games.

    Commercial and Post-Acquisition Disputes

    I represent clients in commercial and contract disputes, with an emphasis on post-acquisition disputes for buyers or sellers in private equity. I am the first-chair trial lawyer in bet-the-company cases involving claims of fraud, contract breaches and other corporate disappointments.

    Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense

    I am active in the litigation and resolution of product liability and mass tort actions, and represent clients as trial and national coordinating counsel.

    Looking ahead

    I see acquirers continuing to focus on maximizing transaction value through post-acquisition litigation, and in the sports world, I expect gradual but dramatic shifts in the governance environment.

    Representative experience

    • Frequent representation of university clients and head coaches in NCAA infractions investigation and enforcement actions. These representations are vital to successful outcomes for universities in this area, and involve navigating through the investigation process with the NCAA, dealing with media and internal messaging, responding to allegations and advocating for clients before the Division I Committee on Infractions.
    • Represented an SEC member-institution in an investigation of evidence presented to the NCAA involving allegations of recruiting inducements and extra benefits in the sport of football. Following a year-long investigation, the matter was closed as evidence did not support a finding of NCAA infractions.
    • Represented an ACC member-institution in investigation and infractions matter involving men’s basketball, including over 100 interviews conducted cooperatively with NCAA enforcement staff. Our work involved internal and external messaging, negotiation with the NCAA, interface with the Board of Regents on behalf of the president and management of this wide-ranging investigation.
    • Represented a PAC-12 head basketball coach in defense of widely reported allegations of improper recruiting inducements. After a rapid response and investigation of these unfounded allegations, and intense negotiations with the university, the coach was allowed to resume his position.
    • Represented a star NCAA men’s basketball player in investigations and appeals related to performance-enhancing substances. Obtained favorable outcomes that allowed the player to avoid long-term and potentially career-ending suspensions.

    Admitted to practice

    U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
    Illinois

    Education

    University of Wisconsin, B.A.
    University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., cum laude

    Professional activities

    • Sports Lawyers Association
    • American Bar Association
    • Chicago Bar Association
    • Illinois State Bar Association
    • State Bar of Wisconsin
    • Federal Trial Bar
    • Chairman, National Hockey League Charities/Foundation Fighting Blindness Annual Chicago Draft and Dinner

    Recognition

    • Leading Lawyers Network 2013
    • “40 Illinois Lawyers Under 40 to Watch” (2000) by Illinois Legal Times/Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
    • Illinois Super Lawyer, 2006, 2008-2015, Chicago Magazine/Law & Politics Publishing
    • A/V Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

    News Mentions

    • SI.com

      Feckless NCAA misses latest enforcement opportunity by letting Auburn off easy

      This article, which analyzes NCAA college basketball violations and penalties, mentions Chicago Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steve Thompson for successfully representing Auburn University coach Bruce Pearl in a recent enforcement matter.
      Dec 10, 2021
    • USA Today

      Costs are high—and rising—in Louisville's basketball scandal cleanup

      Chicago commercial litigation partner Steve Thompson is mentioned in this article for his focus on NCAA infractions issues and his representation of the University of Louisville in recent related matters.
      May 7, 2018
    • USA Today

      NCAA accuses Louisville, Pitino of violations in escort case

      Chicago Commercial Litigation partner Steve Thompson was mentioned in dozens of articles following the announcement about the NCAA’s notice of allegations regarding violations in the University of Louisville’s Men’s Basketball Program.  Steve, who represents the university, participated in a press conference about this news.
      Oct 21, 2016
    • Yahoo! Sports

      Louisville imposes more sanctions on basketball team in wake of escort scandal

      This article notes additional sanctions that the University of Louisville plans to impose on the men’s basketball program in the continued fallout of a scandal involving players. Chicago partner Steve Thompson, the University’s outside legal counsel advising on this matter, is quoted.
      April 6, 2016
    • CNN

      Maria Sharapova: Star's confession 'could reduce punishment'

      Chicago partner Steve Thompson provides third-party commentary in this feature article on what’s next following Maria Sharapova’s recent admission to a failed drug test.
      March 11, 2016
    • Law360

      Attorneys React To NCAA Student-Athlete Pay Ruling

      Chicago Commercial Litigation partner Steve Thompson provides commentary on the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Edward O’Bannon Jr. v. NCAA et al.
      Sep 30, 2015
    • Chicago Lawyer

      The Living-the-Dream Team

      This article profiles lawyers who working with clients throughout the sports world including Chicago Madison partner Steve Thompson.
      Feb 1, 2015
    • <em>American Bar Association</em>

      Steven Thompson Quoted in <em><strong>American Bar Association</strong></em> Article Regarding Russia's Anti-Gay Laws

      Steven Thompson has been quoted in American Bar Association’s news article, “Midyear program tackles Olympic Games, Russia’s anti-gay laws.” The panel discussion held on February 7th in Chicago, discussed appropriate responses to Russia’s anti-gay legislation enacted this past summer.

      To read the full article, click here.

      Feb 13, 2014

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        Mobile:708.606.8720
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      • Office:401.454.1042
      • jbrenner@nixonpeabody.com
      Jeffrey S. Brenner
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      • Office:518.427.2652
      • dhurteau@nixonpeabody.com
      Daniel J. Hurteau
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