16 | Forever Keele
INSPIRING ALUMNI IN LAW
Zane Shihab Partner , Armstrong Teasdale
After planning to do a dual honours in Biology & English , Zane Shihab ( 2002 ) switched to Law & Biology and has never looked back . He is now a successful sports lawyer .
I didn ’ t seek out a career in law . When I arrived at Keele University , I ’ d planned to do a dual honours degree in Biology and English . However , I rapidly altered my direction and chose Law instead .
It dawned on me that this may afford me an opportunity to enter the then emerging field of sports law . I ’ ve had an interest in sport , in particular football , since I was five . This was ignited as I watched England ’ s progress to the semifinals of Italia ’ 90 . I still remember the theatre of it all and the heartbreak . The heartbreak continues to this day as a result of my support of Tottenham Hotspur – a good life lesson on how to deal with disappointment .
After university , I was lucky enough to land a job as a paralegal in a large media company , followed by a training contract with a niche sports firm under the tutelage of one of the country ’ s top sports lawyers , Nick Bitel . This was a ' Sliding Doors ' moment . I ’ d sent a huge number of applications to sports , media and entertainment firms and apart from a few hopeful interviews , no joy . Then I called Nick ’ s firm at the right moment . A receptionist told me that someone had just declined a training contract and asked if I could be at their offices within two hours for an interview . The rest is history . Today , I work alongside Nick .
The first high-profile sports-related case I was involved in was representing a football agent against charges brought by the Football Association . I spent weeks preparing the case and I unexpectedly undertook advocacy at the preliminary hearing when our barrister was unable to attend at the last moment – nerve-racking to say the least . The verdict of the Independent Regulatory Commission , which marked the end of disciplinary proceedings lasting nearly three years , found that none of the six charges against our client were proven . At the time , the FA ’ s success rate was around 99 % and the case made the news .
We represent some of the world ’ s largest and most recognisable sports organisations , events and rights holders , including UEFA , the London Marathon , the Racehorse Owners Association , World Marathon Majors , Chelsea FC , the Rugby Football Union , the Thoroughbred Group , and the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club ( the organisers of Wimbledon ). We ’ ve also acted for numerous sports people over the years . I ’ ll admit to pinching myself when meeting those I ’ d previously only admired from afar .
There are perks to being a sports lawyer . I ’ ve been privileged to attend several monumental sporting events , including the Champions League Final in 2019 ( only Spurs could concede a penalty in under one minute ). Although the event that stands above the rest was the ‘ Match of the Century ’ between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in 2008 . This was the longest final in Wimbledon history .
At a time of economic strife , it ’ s nice to be able to provide a little help where I can . I do pro bono work when time allows . Currently , I provide pro bono advice to Club Champions , which delivers mentoring , guidance and practical support to community sport organisations to help them become financially sustainable through increasing commercial revenue .
Despite two knee reconstructions , an Achilles rupture and pressure from my family to hang up my Puma Kings , I still play football . I ’ m not as quick as I used to be , but as I tell the youngsters I play with at Armstrong Teasdale , the first 10 yards is in your head !
REPRODUCED BY COURTESY OF THE LAW SOCIETY GAZETTE