A PODCAST WITH SPORTS ENTHUSIAST AND GREATEST FRIEND, ED BOWERS, WHO INVITE ME AS A GUEST
The lifestyle working in a legal team at a Football Club
The podcast covers
1.The benefits of having a mentor in Sports Law?
2.The lifestyle as a Sports Lawyer?
3.How to work in a Legal Team at a Football Club?
Starting Out in Sports Law
In 2015, I changed the profile from corporate law to sports law by joining FC Urartu in Armenia as the head of the legal department. This shift wasn’t easy. it required to dive deep into FIFA and UEFA regulations alone as there were no sports lawyers in common understanding by that time, and it took a lot of hard work and late nights to get up to speed.
Early Challenges
From the beginning, I was pretty much on my own. There weren’t many sports lawyers in Armenia, so I had to figure things out by myself being a pioneer. I spent countless hours studying regulations and legal precedents. It was tough, but my passion for sports law kept me going.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Working in a football club’s legal team is dynamic and demanding. It requires ultimately high sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice. I’m sure fellow in-house sports lawyer feel what I am saying, when they are required to work from Monday to Friday as a “regular shift” and on Saturdays or Sundays for official match preparation of the club’s first team in regard the compliance with the competition rules. Moreover, it includes the handling of players’ transfers their eligibility with league regulations and domestic law, every day brings new challenges. Transfer windows are especially hectic, requiring meticulous preparation and absolutely fast, but also robust decision-making. Additionally, I would say, the negotiations during the last day of the transfer window are very similar to litigation in court in terms of foreseeing possible legal outcomes in a flash.
Importance of Mentorship and Networking
Having a mentor and building a strong network have been crucial for my career. In the career, there is a moment, when the development can be only achieved by an experienced mentor, who will provide invaluable guidance, and a solid professional network opens doors to new opportunities. If you’re starting in sports law, seek internships and build meaningful connections.
Balancing Work and Life
Managing the workload of a sports lawyer is no small feat. There were times I had to work through the night, especially during crucial transfer periods. However, balancing work and personal life is essential. Effective time management has been key to maintaining this balance.
Tips for Aspiring Sports Lawyers
- Get Practical Experience: Look for internships in sports law firms or football clubs.
- Keep Learning: Stay updated with the latest regulations and legal developments.
- Build Relationships: Develop a network of professional connections and earn respect through your work.
ENJOY THE PODCAST BELOW!
Final Thoughts
My journey in sports law has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. If you’re passionate about this field, dedication and continuous learning are your best allies. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn for further discussions and insights.
I hope you enjoyed the podcast! In case of questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
And those, who are new in the industry or want to enter, subscribe and reach out Ed Bowers. He is absolute treasure in the industry, he provides significant help to the newcomers of the industry and many more.
