Biography
A strategic thinker and dedicated advocate, Cody Wilcoxson leverages his unique background as a former communications director to provide skilled legal representation. Cody has carved out a reputation as a first-chair trial lawyer, with excellent results in sports law, aviation law, and competitive hiring. His promise to his clients is clear: strategic advocacy, personal commitment, and relentless pursuit.
Professional Experience: Cody’s journey in law is marked by significant achievements and a commitment to excellence. His notable accomplishments include:
- Sports Law: Cody provides NCAA name, image, and likeness counseling, and guides sports start-up formation, contracting, and counseling. He served as the lead associate in successfully defending a sports governing body from claims of latent brain disease in two jury trials in 2024. He is a frequent speaker at NACDA, NACUA, the NIL Summit, and the Moorad Sports Law Symposium on NIL issues.
- Aviation Law: Cody has a proven record in commercial aviation personal injury, consumer complaint, and baggage claims defense. He displays an adept ability to resolve cases for his clients. Cody’s aviation experience includes navigating international treaties, such as the Montreal Convention and the Cape Town Treaty.
- Trade Secrets and Competitive Hiring: Cody excels in trial and appellate representation in non-competition, non-solicitation, and misappropriation of trade secret enforcement and defense. A career highlight, he played a pivotal role in a law-making trade secret case where the client prevailed on summary judgment in federal district court, successfully had the judgment affirmed on appeal, and defeated the opponent’s petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court. The firm’s client was awarded attorney ’s fees for the four-year enforcement of the client’s rights.
- Pro Bono: Cody is an active member in the firm’s pro bono efforts. In 2024, he worked tirelessly on a team of attorneys to free Tyree Wallace, a Philadelphia man who served 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Cody has previously worked on innocence project capital punishment cases and has been an appointed appellate advocate in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
In addition to his legal practice, Cody serves as the chair of Blank Rome’s Associate Committee.
Prior to Blank Rome: Cody honed his legal skills at Villanova Law School, where he served as managing editor of student works for the Villanova Environmental Law Journal and was honored with the David G. Butterworth Editor Award. He was a finalist in the Theodore L. Reimel Moot Court Competition and interned at the Villanova Civil Justice Clinic, receiving the Clinical Legal Education Association’s Outstanding Clinical Student Award.
Before law school, Cody was the director of communications for USA Baseball and worked in public relations at the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Outside the Firm
Cody is not just a lawyer; he is a dedicated husband, father of two, and an avid runner. As a member of the United States Running Streak Association, he has run every day for more than six years. His passion for running is matched by his love for travel, trying new foods, and being an enthusiastic sports fan. Cody lives in Philadelphia with his wife and two young sons, where he balances his professional commitments with extensive games of tag.
News & Views
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Case
Blank Rome Wins Two Jury Trials for NCAA in Philadelphia
Andrew K. Fletcher, Paul H. Tzur, Lewis W. Schlossberg, Sabrina M. Rubis, Richard M. Weibley, Christopher Cody Wilcoxson
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Press Release
Pro Bono Client Freed from Prison After Serving Nearly 27 Years
David M. Perry, Christopher Cody Wilcoxson, Scarlett L. Montenegro Ordoñez
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Article
Do I Still Have a Non-compete? Less than 100 Days to the FTC Ban on Non-competes, Legal Challenges Remain
The MuseChristopher Cody Wilcoxson, Anthony B. Haller, Michael B. Schaedle, Peter I. Tsoflias
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Speaking Engagement
Adapting to Change: The Evolution of Economics in College Athletics
National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics -
Speaking Engagement
The Evolving Legal Landscape of Amateur and Professional Sports
2024 DRI Business and Intellectual Property Litigation Super Conference -
Media Coverage
Does IRS Memo on Tax Deductions for NIL Collective Donations Have Local Ramifications?
The Philadelphia Inquirer -
Speaking Engagement
Rebutting the Presumption of a Violation
2023 NACDA & Affiliates Convention NIL Educational Seminar -
Speaking Engagement
Balancing School Involvement and Athlete Autonomy in NIL
INFLCR NIL Summit -
Deal
Blank Rome Counsels on Nonprofit Formation of The TUFF Fund by Temple Alumni to Promote and Support Student Athletes
Thomas P. Cialino, Christopher Cody Wilcoxson, Sean R. Weissbart, Kyle G. Durante, Lawrence J. Beaser
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Speaking Engagement
Protecting Your Student Athletes
INFLCR NIL Summit
Credentials
Admissions
- Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Education
- Villanova University School of Law, JD, cum laude
- Concordia University-Saint Paul, BA, cum laude
- English