Some of D.C.'s top sports franchise attorneys spoke to a full ballroom of professors, alumni and future lawyers this afternoon on how up-and-comers can find their way in sports law.
The panel was with the American Univ. Washington College of Law: “The GC Forum: A Conversation with DC Sports Teams’ Top Lawyers.” It featured four panelists discussing how skills such as relationship building, problem solving and involvement are keys to being a great general counsel in an organization.
The panel was moderated by Jasper Advisors founder & co-CEO and former Commanders SVP/External Engagement & Communication Julie Jensen and featured Commanders Chief Legal Officer & SVP/Business Affairs Mali Friedman, Washington Spirit VP & General Counsel Shameeka Quallo, Monumental Sports and Entertainment EVP & General Counsel Abby Blomstrom and Nationals SVP & General Counsel Betsy Philpott.
They expanded on not just the impact they have at their organizations, which is vast and significant, but also emphasized how those interested in being general counsels can succeed in the role by using soft-skills, getting involved in all aspects of their organizations business and being flexible in career paths.
The panel, made up of an all-female group, also discussed how being a woman in the C-Suite has helped them shape their organizations. Quallo said she uses it as an opportunity to think about who she is bringing up with her in the journey as it was that mentality that helped her advance into her current role.
When asked where students should focus their learning in law, the group consensus was that while students should be a generalist, certain areas are going to be important on a daily basis.
Blomstrom said having a great understanding of transactional law is a needed strength as the GC will work on all transactional deals that the organization does. Beyond that, Quallo said having an understanding of labor, IP, litigation and data privacy are also great skills to have as the industry continues to evolve.
The Nationals' Betsy Philpott, Commanders' Mali Friedman, Jasper Advisors' Julie Jensen, MSE's Abby Blomstrom and Washington Spirit's Shameeka QualloAU Washington College of Law
