PRACTICE AREAS

Corporate Law

Nonprofit Organizations

John S. Black has 35 years' experience and helps not-for-profit organizations, many of them sports-related, anticipate opportunities, implement strong procedures for effective governance, rights protection and risk minimization. He works with national, state and local organizations as they draft and apply playing rules; negotiate contracts; market events; and defend lawsuits. He regularly advises clients on governance, administrative and employment matters.

In addition to his work at the Firm, Mr. Black serves as general counsel for the National Federation of State High School Associations, and teaches amateur sports law at the UMKC Law School, serving as an adjunct professor. He also serves on the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions.

Mr. Black is a past president of The Missouri Bar, and he is listed in The Best Lawyers in America.

DISTINCTIONS

John Black is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Sports Law: 2007-2009.

COMMUNITY AND BAR INVOLVEMENT

The Missouri Bar

President (1992-93)

Board of Governors (1981-94)

Missouri Bar Foundation

President (2001-2003)

Missouri IOLTA Foundation

Trustee (1995-98)

Governor’s Special Commission to Reform the Judicial Article of the Missouri Constitution (1993-96)

Missouri Supreme Court Historical Society Board of Directors (1991-present)

Missouri Institute of Justice

Secretary (1998-2000)

Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association

Chair, College & University Law Committee (1997)

Chair, Sports & Entertainment Law Committee (1989-90)

American Bar Association

Member, House of Delegates (1997-98)

Missouri Press-Bar Commission

President (2004-2008)

Lawyers Association of Kansas City

President (1986-87)

President, Young Lawyers Section (1980-81)

National Sports Law Institute

Board of Advisors (2004-present)

Sports Lawyers Association

EDUCATION

J.D., Duke University, 1973

B.A., Economics, Colorado College, 1970

BAR ADMISSIONS

Indiana, 2005

Missouri, 1973