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Bold Advocacy for the Next Generation of Creators and Athletes. Bold Advocacy for the Next Generation of Creators and Athletes. Bold Advocacy for the Next Generation of Creators and Athletes. Learn More
ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA LAW
  • Get Your Film Seen: Legal & distribution expertise for filmmakers. Bringing a film to life is only half the journey—getting it seen by audiences and sold to distributors is where strategy meets opportunity. As an entertainment firm with direct connections to film distribution, RTLG helps filmmakers secure deals, protect their rights, and navigate the legal complexities of getting their content out to the world.
  • Distribution Strategy – Tailored guidance on the best AVoD, SVoD, TVOD, and theatrical opportunities for your film.
  • Contract Negotiation – Protect your creative vision while securing fair financial terms with buyers and platforms.
  • Chain of Title & Rights Clearance – Ensure your film is legally ready for sale without delays or legal risks.
  • Sales & Licensing Agreements – Negotiate streaming, international, and digital distribution deals that maximize revenue.

If you’re a filmmaker looking for the right deal, the right platform, and the right legal protection, let’s talk.

Sports LAW
  • Protect Your Game: Legal & contract support for athletes and sports professionals. Success in sports isn’t just won on the field—it’s protected behind the scenes. At RTLG, we help athletes and sports organizations navigate the legal playbook with confidence. Whether you’re signing your first deal or managing a growing career, we ensure your interests are secured every step of the way.
  • Contract Negotiation – From endorsement deals to team contracts, we help you lock in terms that reflect your value and protect your future.
  • Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Rights – Monetize your personal brand the right way with guidance on sponsorships, licensing, and content creation.
  • Representation & Advocacy – We stand by athletes and professionals in disputes, disciplinary hearings, and legal matters on and off the field or court.
  • Sponsorship & Licensing Agreements – Structure partnerships that build your brand and boost your income—without giving up control.

Whether you’re an athlete, agent, or brand navigating the sports world, we’re here to make sure your legal strategy keeps pace with your career.

Meet Our Principal

Roderick Thompson is the principal of Roderick Thompson Law Group, PLLC where he handles entertainment and sports law transactional matters. He is licensed in Washington DC & New York.

Roderick Thompson brings decades of legal experience across criminal defense, nonprofit leadership, and entertainment and sports law.

As a former public defender, he has successfully handled high-stakes cases—including homicides—building a reputation as a fearless and strategic trial lawyer.

He helps independent filmmakers navigate the complex world of film distribution, securing strategic deals that protect their creative vision and maximize exposure.

In the world of sports, he provides legal advocacy for athletes and professionals, ensuring their careers and opportunities are protected at every stage.

With a sharp eye for contract and deal negotiation, he consistently secures favorable terms for clients across film, television, digital platforms, and athletics.

As General Counsel for a national nonprofit, he manages legal strategy, compliance, and high-level negotiations in a mission-driven environment.

With real-world experience as an executive producer, he brings insider insight to every entertainment and sports industry negotiation.

A former Division I swimmer and state champion basketball player, he understands firsthand the pressures and challenges athletes face—on and off the field.

A proud graduate of Howard University and Delaware Law School, Roderick Thompson combines elite education with relentless advocacy to serve clients with excellence.

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Testimonials

  • ”

    Whether its distribution deals, film production, or legal work, the Roderick Thompson Law Group has its finger on the pulse of the independent film space. An absolute powerhouse, Roderick combines sharp legal expertise with shrewd negotiation skills, ensuring every deal is airtight and in his client’s best interest – uniquely protecting artist vision while navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry with unmatched dedication. Truly invaluable.

    Jerald Harkness
    Jerald Harkness
    Emmy Award Winning Filmmaker
  • ”

     

    The landscape of college athletics is rapidly changing. Very few know how to position their clients for long term success like the Roderick Thompson Law Group.

     

     

     

     

    Allen Greene
    Director of Athletics, University of Pittsburgh
  • ”

    Roderick isn’t just a lawyer – he’s a visionary in the sports and entertainment world. His work ethic, expertise and negotiation skills have helped me shape my career beyond competition, securing opportunities that align with my vision. He gets the business of sports like no one else—and working with him is both empowering and genuinely fun.”

     

    Maritza McClendon
    Olympic Silver medalist, 10X NCAA national champion
  • ”

    Roderick Thompson is a hardworking and forward-thinking lawyer who is deeply committed to protecting the vision of artists and filmmakers. His sharp legal expertise and dedication to the future of art and filmmaking make him an invaluable advocate in the creative industry. Beyond his professionalism, Roderick is also a pleasure to work with, bringing a thoughtful and engaging approach to every collaboration.

    Faheem Majeed
    Artist, Filmmaker, Sculptor, Curator

Free Consultation

Let’s talk about how the Roderick Thompson Law Group can help you with your entertainment or sports law needs. 

  • 202.855.1961
  • info@rtlg.law
  • 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 190-405 Washington, DC 20004