As a former NCAA Division I athlete, Aalok knows it takes the right combination of talent and hard work to be successful in and out of the courtroom.
Overview
Co-chair of the Sports Section of the American Bar Association's Forum on Entertainment and Sports, and named as a 'Leading Entertainment and Sports Lawyer of the Next Generation,' Aalok is trusted by sports businesses and technology companies to provide counsel in matters relating to the future of sports, including esports, sports tech, legalized sports wagering and integrity.
Aalok is frequently involved in bet-the-company litigation, and has significant experience in business litigation, construction litigation and products liability litigation. Prior to becoming an attorney, Aalok worked as a certified public accountant in Washington, D.C. He assisted businesses in the areas of troubled debt restructuring, recognition of built-in-gains/losses, and footnote disclosure related to uncertain tax positions. Because of his deep financial acumen, Aalok is able to effectively counsel his clients on helping their bottom line.
Experience
Aalok has supported clients in all phases of litigation, including significant motion practice before state and federal courts. He has extensive experience managing protracted litigation in various industries including sports, construction, finance, health care, automotive, retail and manufacturing.
Represented defendant in class action litigation involving claims by Plaintiffs that they were defrauded in fantasy sports contests due to alleged cheating by the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox. Aalok obtained dismissal of all claims against his client prior to discovery.
Represent numerous daily fantasy sports and sports wagering businesses to support their compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Represent esports organizations in negotiating and drafting commercial agreements.
Secured favorable settlement for health insurers in multimillion dollar disputes with medical providers.
Obtained summary judgment against an insurer when it failed to defend its insured in underlying litigation.
Represented client in case involving violation of non-compete/non-solicitation agreements. Amicably settled case involving liquidated damages.
Represent property owner in dispute with general contractor for clouding title and violating Minnesota lien laws.
Represents owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors and others in matters involving construction defects, delays, disruptions, lien and bond claims.
Represented drone manufacturer against product defect claims.
Argued multiple disputes before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
While Aalok is a passionate fan, he understands that the business of sports goes beyond the pitch. He serves the sports community as a Chair for the Minnesota Twins Community Fund. In addition, he is an outreach captain with the Sports Lawyers Association, and serves on the Membership Committee. He also assists startup sports technology companies as a mentor with Sports Tech Tokyo. Aalok has spoken at numerous industry conferences on emerging aspects of the sports industry including esports, smart venue technology, data capture and analytics, and legalized sports wagering and integrity.
News & Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
Panelist, “Gambling & Esports: Major Revenue Opportunities, Major Legal Risks,” Sports Lawyers Association Virtual Conference, May 21, 2021
Panelist, “Sports Law Forum,” Sports Law Weekly & New England Law, April 12, 2021
“How COVID-19 is Changing Technology,” Stinson LLP Webinar, February 9, 2021
Facilitator, “The New Parlay: Partnerships After Murphy,” ABA Forum on Sports, October 16, 2020
Panelist, “Esports Panel: The Convergence of Pro Sports, Music, Investment, Law, and Opportunities for You,” TerraLex Sports & Entertainment Virtual Meeting, October 1, 2020
Panelist, “Esports Panel,” SIPLA - University of St. Thomas Law School, September 25, 2020
“How COVID-19 is Changing Technology, Sports and the Law,” Association of Corporate Counsel Webinar, September 11, 2020
“Sports Gambling Update,” American Bar Association Forum on Entertainment and Sports, October 12, 2019
“Sports Betting and Banking,” Emerging Trends in the Banking Industry, September 2019
“Stinson LLP: Business Esports Law Panel,” Player Up – The Midwest's Amateur eSports Tournament, August 2019
“Grab Some E-Pine with Michael Proman and Aalok Sharma,” Risk Radio, August 19, 2019
“Betting, Loot Boxes, and Gambling in Esports,” Esports Bar Association, June 10, 2019
“The Next Big Money Sports Trend: Legalized Sports Betting,” Club E Minneapolis, June 6, 2019
“Betting on the Business of Sports,” Sports Lawyers Association Reception, April 5, 2019
“Fast Data and Sports: How Sports Data is Reshaping How We Look at the World,” MCCA Global Tec Forum, April 4 - 5, 2019
“Esports Law 101: The Legal Side of Becoming Legitimate and Successful in the Esports Industry,” KCGameOn 2018, Kansas City, MO, November 30 - December 2, 2018
Synthetic Turf Council Annual Meeting, Tucson, AZ, October 11, 2016
Publications
“Esports Face Significant Legal Risk Over the Collection and Use of Biometric Data”, SportTechie, February 19, 2019
“Raise Brand Awareness by Partnering with Athletes,” Minnesota Business, November 2016
“Class Action Spells Trouble for Youth Sports,” Minnesota Lawyer, November 2016
“California Attempts to Curb Age Discrimination With IMDb Law,” Attorney at Law, November 2016
“NFL’s Real Concussion Litigation Battle Lies Ahead With Its Own Insurers,” Attorney at Law, October 2016
“Oregon Football's Painful Lesson in Insurance Hedging,” Attorney at Law, July 2016
“U.S. Women's Soccer Issues Red Card to Pay Gap,” Minnesota Lawyer, May 2016
“Monetizing Monikers: Trademarks Provide Dependable Revenue to Athletes & Coaches,” Attorney at Law, February 2016
“Fixing the Alleged Tennis Racket,” Minnesota Lawyer, February 2016
“Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze? Exploring Loss of Value Insurance Products for Elite Athletes,” Attorney at Law, December 2015
Recognitions
Recognitions
Minnesota Lawyer Up & Coming Attorney, 2022
Named to the 2021-2023 Best Lawyers in America© "Ones to Watch" list
Leading Entertainment and Sports Lawyer of the Next Generation, American Bar Association, 2019
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Pathfinders Program, 2020
Recognized as a Minnesota Super Lawyers® Rising Star, 2016 - 2022
Minnesota State Bar Association Pro Bono Award, North Star Lawyer, 2014
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
Twin Cities Dunkers; a business and community group that recognizes sporting achievement
Minnesota Twins Baseball Club Community Fund, Board of Directors, Governance Committee, 2019-2020
American Bar Association, Forum on Sports & Entertainment, Sports Section Chair and Standing Committee Member
Sports Lawyers Association, Outreach Captain for Minnesota and Membership/Public Relations Committee Member
The Sanneh Foundation, Gala4Goals Host Committee, 2019- 2020
Minnesota Zoo Foundation, Associates Board of Directors, 2016-2020
Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Vice President of Membership, 2016-2018
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Minnesota
- California
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
Education
University of Minnesota, J.D., magna cum laude, 2013
Birmingham-Southern College, B.S., Accounting, cum laude, 2007
