Over the last several years, Name Image and Likeness (NIL) sponsorships for athletes have skyrocketed in college athletics. Collectives compete with multimillion dollar donations to recruit the best athletes to represent universities in football, basketball, and other major sports.
Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith has taken a different approach in the age of NIL – sponsoring a horse.
Animal law attorney Anna Kirkpatrick led the firm’s sponsorship of Vampire and the University of Florida Hunt Seat team, which recently hosted and won an intercollegiate club competition of 19 teams throughout Florida, including the University of Central Florida, Florida State University, and more. Galloway is a champion for clients and communities, and the winning culture at Galloway was matched by the spirit of the champion UF equestrian team.
Out of the Gate
The partnership between Vampire and Galloway began at a networking event, when Anna connected with an in-house counsel whose daughter, Hannah, is a student at the University of Florida. With a shared passion for equestrian activities, Hannah’s mother knew that Anna would be a great contact for future career advice and inquiries.
Hannah approached Anna with an interesting proposition – would Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith be interested in sponsoring the UF Hunt Seat team? Galloway, with its commitment to the greater good and communities we serve, proudly agreed.
Anna was thrilled with the partnership. As a former inter-collegiate equestrian in IDA Dressage, the sponsorship and event brought back fond memories. Hinting at her future leadership, Anna actually began the University of North Florida intercollegiate riding team as an undergraduate student.
Now, as an attorney in Galloway’s Tampa office, Anna is active in the legal and civic communities of Tampa. She champions our clients, providing result-driven representation that keeps their business operational and achieves their legal goals.
Crossing the Finish Line
Finally, it came time for the UF Hunt Seat team to facilitate its home competition at Kimberden Farm in Ocala, Florida. The team worked hard in the saddle and on the ground to make the contest possible, allowing students at all skill levels to ride and represent themselves and their college.
Galloway’s sponsorship made a significant impact. Hannah shared, “Your generosity helped allow college students from all across the state to travel to our farm and compete affordably, making the sport more accessible to those who may not have the opportunity to compete on a horse of their own.” Students are encouraged to make lasting friendships over a shared love of equestrian.
In the luck of the draw, Hannah drew Vampire as the horse she personally rode in the competition which made the day all the more special. Following the first place result, the team shared its gratitude to Anna and Galloway for their contributions to the club’s success.
Not only did Galloway support intercollegiate athletics, but they may have also encouraged future lawyers. Hannah added, “As the second largest Rec Sports Club team at UF, the members of our team span a variety of different career paths. … The pre-law track has been one that numerous members of our club have chosen to pursue over the years. This year specifically, one of the captains from our 4 teams is actively pursuing a pre-law track, aspiring to apply to law school post-graduation in May, 2025.”
In the Saddle
With a lifelong love of horses, Anna was inspired to find her legal niche in animal and equine law. She has been able to grow her animal law practice while remaining an avid equestrian, riding her horse or walking her retired greyhounds.
Anna found a specialized area of the law that she could fill a need with her expertise, strategy, and insights. Her philosophy is that effective advocacy begins and ends with conscientiousness and that commitment is what she affords clients and colleagues alike. Anna’s dedication is reflected in her work product, case outcomes, and community outreach.
Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith’s animal law attorneys go way above and way beyond in advising and partnering with clients in legal issues, including disputes over ownership, breeding rights, breaches of contract, and formulation of pet trusts. For liability issues, Galloway’s animal law attorneys tackle defense of injuries arising from animals such as dog bite claims and damage to property by livestock.
As pet owners ourselves, and with Galloway’s charitable contributions to several pet adoption and animal advocacy groups, we understand the importance and value of pets and animals, working inside and outside the courtroom to protect what matters most.
Take the Reins
Galloway congratulates Vampire and the UF Hunt Seat team on their successful competition. It’s not every day that a law firm sponsors a horse, but we champion our community and the greater good.
Connect with Anna for more information on Galloway’s animal and equine law practice.
