Shilo Sanders Lawsuit, Law Firm Sues NFL Star Shilo Sanders for $164K Unpaid Legal Fees – Here’s What You Need to Know
Barnes & Thornburg LLP filed a lawsuit against Shilo Sanders on November 17, 2024, in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas, claiming he owes $164,285.55 in unpaid legal fees, including $10,967.91 in interest, for services provided between May 1 and August 26, 2024. The 25-year-old son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders now faces yet another legal battle as his financial troubles continue to mount.
What Is the Shilo Sanders Lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleges Sanders failed to pay for legal services Barnes & Thornburg provided while representing him in his personal injury case and bankruptcy proceedings. The law firm claims it delivered invoices for the work but Sanders never paid despite multiple attempts to collect payment.
The legal work relates to Sanders’ effort to discharge an $11 million debt through Chapter 7 bankruptcy, filed in October 2023. Most of that debt stems from a default judgment awarded to John Darjean, a former security guard at Sanders’ Dallas high school.
The $164K Unpaid Legal Fees Breakdown
According to court documents, Barnes & Thornburg states: “Mr. Sanders, however, failed to pay the amounts reflected in the Invoices presented to him, and has not tendered payment in response to Plaintiff’s efforts to obtain payment on the outstanding Invoices.”
The $164,285.55 total includes:
- Legal fees for services from May through August 2024
- $10,967.91 in accrued interest
- Work related to both the personal injury case and bankruptcy proceedings
Why Sanders Stopped Paying the Law Firm
In August 2024, Sanders was informed that his lead attorney, Victor Vital, was leaving Barnes & Thornburg to join another firm, Haynes Boone. The complaint alleges Sanders then terminated Barnes & Thornburg’s representation and followed Vital to his new firm—but the outstanding debt remained with the original firm.
The firm notified Sanders he would remain responsible for any outstanding account balance when the attorney moved.
Who Is John Darjean and What’s the Background Case?
Understanding the current lawsuit requires knowing the case that led Sanders to hire Barnes & Thornburg in the first place.
The 2015 Incident
In 2015, when Sanders was 15 years old and attending Triple A Academy where his father was CEO, security guard John Darjean was ordered by Deion Sanders to confiscate Shilo’s phone while he was serving in-school suspension. Darjean alleged that Sanders reacted by attacking him, causing severe and permanent injuries including a broken neck, damage to his cervical spine, permanent neurological injuries and irreversible incontinence.
The Lawsuit and Default Judgment
Darjean sued Shilo and his parents in 2016, leading to protracted legal proceedings where the Sanders family claimed Darjean was the aggressor.
In 2022, the case went to trial and Shilo didn’t appear in court, leading to an $11.89 million default judgment. Sanders’ attorneys later claimed trial notices were sent to his South Carolina email and address even though he had transferred to play for his father at Jackson State.
Sanders’ Bankruptcy Filing and Current Status
In 2023, Shilo filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy after hiring new lawyers who argued he deserved “a fresh start in life, free from the oppressive burden of his debts.”
Ongoing Bankruptcy Complications
The bankruptcy case itself has become contentious:
In 2025, a bankruptcy trustee filed a complaint against Shilo, claiming he violated bankruptcy law by making an unauthorized transfer of roughly $250,000 and funneling $202,500 in post-bankruptcy NIL money to an LLC he owns.
In 2024, Darjean filed as Shilo’s creditor and his lawyers contested Shilo’s claim of having only $320,477 in assets, citing his NIL deals and shows of apparent wealth on social media.
Privacy Disputes in Bankruptcy Court
Sanders’ bankruptcy case has taken a contentious turn as legal disputes arise over privacy of his records. Darjean’s attorneys opposed Sanders’ motion for a protective order, calling it overly broad and one-sided, and argued that Sanders, who maintains a highly visible social media presence, has already made his lifestyle public, citing his January 7, 2025 Instagram post flaunting a luxury shopping spree in Las Vegas.
Legal Basis for the Barnes & Thornburg Lawsuit
The current lawsuit is a straightforward breach of contract claim. Under attorney-client fee agreements, clients are obligated to pay for legal services rendered according to the terms of their retainer agreement.
Key legal principles at play:
Attorney Fee Agreements: Texas law requires written fee agreements between attorneys and clients. When clients fail to pay according to these agreements, law firms can sue for breach of contract.
Liability Despite Attorney Changes: When an attorney leaves a firm, the client remains liable for fees accrued during the firm’s representation, even if they choose to follow the attorney to their new firm.
Interest on Unpaid Bills: Legal fee agreements typically include provisions for interest on unpaid balances, which is why the $164,285.55 total includes nearly $11,000 in interest charges.
Is This Lawsuit Part of Sanders’ Bankruptcy Case?
The new lawsuit is not part of Shilo Sanders’ pending bankruptcy case, but it was filed by a firm that provided legal services to him “in connection with his personal injury matter and his bankruptcy proceedings.”
This means Barnes & Thornburg filed a separate lawsuit in federal court rather than filing a creditor’s claim in the bankruptcy proceedings. This strategic choice allows the firm to pursue collection outside the bankruptcy process.
Timeline of Shilo Sanders’ Legal Troubles
2015: Alleged assault incident at Triple A Academy in Dallas
2016: John Darjean files personal injury lawsuit against Shilo and his parents
2019: Shilo’s parents are removed from lawsuit; Shilo remains defendant
2020: Shilo drops his attorneys who report he’s “unwilling or unable to continue funding the defense”
2022: Case goes to trial; Shilo doesn’t appear, resulting in $11.89 million default judgment
October 2023: Shilo files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
2024: Darjean files as creditor; bankruptcy trustee begins investigating Sanders’ assets
May-August 2024: Barnes & Thornburg provides legal services totaling $164,285.55
August 2024: Victor Vital leaves Barnes & Thornburg; Sanders terminates firm’s representation
October 2024: Bankruptcy trustee files complaint alleging Sanders made $250,000 in unauthorized transfers
November 17, 2024: Barnes & Thornburg files lawsuit for unpaid legal fees
Sanders’ Current Situation
Failed NFL Career
Sanders went unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He wasn’t expected to make the team’s 53-man roster, but an incident in which he took a swing at a Buffalo Bills tight end removed all doubt about his future with the team. Tampa Bay waived him one day later, with the NFL fining him $4,669.
Since then, Sanders has failed to find even a practice squad job in the NFL. He got a tryout with the San Francisco 49ers in September, but that appears to be the lone time an NFL team has shown legitimate interest in him.
Current Activities
Without an NFL team, Sanders seems to be focusing more on the influencer side of things, like when he played a prank on fans by impersonating his brother Shedeur.
What Happens Next in the Lawsuit?
As of late November 2024, the lawsuit is in its initial stages. Sanders has not publicly responded to the complaint filed by Barnes & Thornburg.
Possible outcomes include:
Settlement: Sanders could negotiate a payment plan or reduced amount with the law firm.
Default Judgment: If Sanders fails to respond, the court could enter a default judgment, similar to what happened in the Darjean case.
Bankruptcy Impact: If Sanders files an amended bankruptcy petition or converts his case, the debt to Barnes & Thornburg could become part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
Trial: If neither party settles, the case could proceed to trial where a judge would determine whether Sanders owes the money and in what amount.
Implications for Attorney-Client Relationships
This case highlights several important lessons:
For Clients
Pay Your Lawyers: Even when switching attorneys, outstanding bills to the previous firm remain your responsibility.
Written Agreements Matter: Fee agreements spell out your obligations. Failing to pay can result in lawsuits.
Attorney Changes Don’t Erase Debt: Following your attorney to a new firm doesn’t eliminate what you owe the previous firm.
For Attorneys
Document Everything: Detailed invoices and written fee agreements are crucial for collection lawsuits.
Clear Communication: When attorneys leave firms, clear communication about outstanding balances protects both the firm and the client.
Collection Rights: Law firms have the same collection rights as any other creditor when clients don’t pay.
Can Sanders Discharge This Debt in Bankruptcy?
Generally, legal fees owed for services rendered are dischargeable debts in bankruptcy. However, several complications exist in Sanders’ case:
The lawsuit was filed after Sanders already filed for bankruptcy, creating timing questions about whether this debt could be included in his current bankruptcy case.
If the debt arose from services provided after the bankruptcy filing date (October 2023), it would be a “post-petition” debt not covered by the bankruptcy discharge.
The services were provided between May and August 2024—well after the October 2023 bankruptcy filing—which means this is likely a new debt that wouldn’t be discharged in the current bankruptcy proceeding.
Similar Legal Fee Dispute Cases
Legal fee disputes between attorneys and clients are not uncommon, especially in high-stakes cases. Key precedents include:
Contingency Fee Disputes: When clients fire attorneys before case resolution, determining fees owed can be complex.
Post-Representation Collection: Courts generally uphold law firms’ rights to collect unpaid fees even after representation ends.
Attorney Mobility Cases: When attorneys change firms, clients remain liable to the original firm for work performed while the attorney was employed there.
What This Means for High-Profile Bankruptcy Cases
Sanders’ use of wholly-owned LLCs, Big 21 and SS21, for his NIL earnings has become a point of contention. Sanders claims he is not a party to those NIL contracts—instead, his LLCs are parties, so those contracts should not be counted as property for purposes of his bankruptcy. Darjean rejects that account, contending the LLCs are merely Sanders’ alter ego and urging the court to pierce the corporate veil.
This legal strategy—using LLCs to shield income—is increasingly common among athletes with NIL deals. The outcome of Sanders’ bankruptcy case could set important precedents for how courts treat NIL income in bankruptcy proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shilo Sanders Lawsuit
Who is suing Shilo Sanders for unpaid legal fees?
Barnes & Thornburg LLP, a law firm that represented Sanders in his personal injury case and bankruptcy proceedings, filed the lawsuit on November 17, 2024, in federal court in Dallas.
How much does Shilo Sanders allegedly owe?
The lawsuit claims Sanders owes $164,285.55, which includes $10,967.91 in interest for legal services provided between May 1 and August 26, 2024.
Why didn’t Shilo Sanders pay his legal bills?
According to the complaint, Sanders stopped paying after his attorney Victor Vital left Barnes & Thornburg to join Haynes Boone in August 2024. Sanders terminated Barnes & Thornburg’s representation and followed Vital to his new firm but didn’t pay the outstanding balance.
Is this related to Sanders’ bankruptcy case?
The legal services were provided in connection with Sanders’ bankruptcy and personal injury cases, but the lawsuit itself was filed separately in federal court, not as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
What is the original case that led to Sanders needing these lawyers?
In 2015, when Sanders was 15, he was accused of assaulting school security guard John Darjean at his Dallas high school. Darjean sued, and when Sanders didn’t appear for the 2022 trial, a court entered a default judgment of $11.89 million against him. Sanders then filed for bankruptcy to try to discharge this debt.
Can Shilo Sanders discharge the legal fees debt in bankruptcy?
Because the legal services were provided after Sanders filed for bankruptcy in October 2023, this is likely a post-petition debt that wouldn’t be covered by his current bankruptcy discharge. He would need to file a new bankruptcy petition to potentially discharge this debt.
Has Shilo Sanders responded to the lawsuit?
As of late November 2024, Sanders has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. His agent Drew Rosenhaus did not respond to media requests for comment.
What happens if Sanders doesn’t respond to the lawsuit?
If Sanders fails to file a response to the complaint within the required timeframe, Barnes & Thornburg could seek a default judgment—similar to what happened in the Darjean personal injury case.
Is Shilo Sanders currently playing in the NFL?
No. Sanders was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in August 2024 after being ejected from a preseason game for throwing a punch. He has not been signed by another NFL team since.
Are there other legal issues facing Shilo Sanders?
Yes. In October 2024, the bankruptcy trustee filed a complaint alleging Sanders violated bankruptcy law by making approximately $250,000 in unauthorized transfers and funneling post-bankruptcy NIL money to LLCs he owns. Additionally, John Darjean is fighting to prevent Sanders from discharging the $11.89 million debt in bankruptcy.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Shilo Sanders lawsuit and does not constitute legal advice. If you’re facing similar legal fee disputes or bankruptcy issues, consult with a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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