My legal life: Zane Shihab, Armstrong Teasdale

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, upon seeing a syllabus full of Chaucer, 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 semi-finals 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.

'I called the firm at exactly the right moment. A receptionist said that someone had just declined a training contract'

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 sportspeople 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!