With a portfolio encompassing high-profile litigation in both professional sports and college athletics, Wilkinson Stekloff stands out for its expertise in high-stakes disputes. The group is well versed in an array of dispute types, including antitrust and health and safety matters. Standout work includes representing the NCAA in the settlement of the highly consequential name, image, and likeness class action suit. The practice is co-led by Beth Wilkinson, who is sought after by a range of leagues, governing bodies, and regulators, and experienced antitrust litigator Brian Stekloff. Rakesh Kilaru is praised for his ‘ability to achieve outstanding results for his clients’ and is regularly supported by Cali Arat. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington DC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'An outstanding group virtually top to bottom, Wilkinson Stekloff tailors its staffing to a lean, dedicated, fit-for-purpose, trial-ready team for each case.'
- 'Beth Wilkinson is the consummate trial advocate, and Brian Stekloff is an outstanding cross-examiner as well. They are also sensible and professional adversaries who recognize that the potential for negotiated resolution requires communication and respect.'
- 'A standout in the sports law area is Rakesh Kilaru. He assimilated years of sports antitrust precedent and nuance into his representation of the NFL in the Sunday Ticket litigation and, even more so, of the NCAA in ultimately reaching the settlement of the House litigation. One cannot help but admire Kilaru’s ability to achieve outstanding results for his clients and defend them vigorously against multiple challenges.'
- 'Rakesh Kilaru is an absolute star. He is fantastic in court, terrific with clients, and excels at building consensus in cases with multiple defendants.'
- 'Unparalleled expertise in the industry.'
Key clients
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- National Football League
Work highlights
Served as lead defense negotiator for the groundbreaking $2.8 billion name, image, and likeness settlement, resolving multiple class actions for the NCAA, and reshaping college athletics.
Represented the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the dismissal of all claims in an antirust matter filed against the NCAA and six major athletic conferences, seeking damages for the purported misuse of former student-athletes’ NIL on behalf of a sprawling nationwide class dating back more than 40 years.
Represented the NFL, its 32 Member Teams, and NFL Enterprises in a certified class-action lawsuit that threatened our clients with up to $21 billion in exposure.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Beth Wilkinson; Brian Stekloff
Other key lawyers
Rakesh Kilaru; Cali Arat