The Sporting Arena – Monthly Sports Law Interview Series (March)

Sporting law has continuously grown in interest over the past few years. Here at the Law Objective we wanted to keep our readers up to date in an innovative way. Therefore, the Law Objective will be interviewing one sports law professional each month to keep sports law enthusiasts in the loop.

This month, we have interviewed Abdul Kudus Iddris about his work in the sporting arena and his interests in client relations:

1. What do you do?

I am a Football Administrator

2. How did you become involved in sports law?

Perhaps this should be the first point, but you need to know how to become a lawyer or sports agent before you can be one. What this means is that the skills you develop in law school and in the practice of law are those needed to best represent professional athletes. Negotiations, knowledge of the law, and an understanding of professional ethics all come from law school and experience practicing law. Street smarts and relationships are important and the best sports agents and lawyers use both, but you need to be a lawyer before you can specialize be considered an expert in a particular area. Remember, relationships may get you in the door and possibly help keep you there, but it is the knowledge you acquire that will secure your position among the greats.

3. What does your work entail?

My work is very client focused. I always stress the importance of satisfying client needs. This involves getting to know your client through the interview process. Assuming you've completed all of the above steps, the most important part begins. Through the four "R's" of recruiting, relationships, referrals, the fourth "R" is most important, retention. You as the lawyer or agent determine who you work with and why. Remember, your clientele reflects your personal ethics, as you serve as their spokesperson and their public representative. Therefore, interview your clients thoroughly, and get to know them personally and professionally before you agree to represent them. Your prospective clients should be doing with the same you before deciding to use you as their representative. In the end, relationships and referrals are so important in this business because it begins a foundation on which to work towards and maintain the retention of professional athletes as clients.

4. What advice do you have for future sports lawyers or anyone interested in sports law?

Good relationships are critical to success in life, and the sports industry is no exception. Relationships—personal friendships or referrals—are likely to land you your first clients or your first job. Relationships will get you in the door and keep you connected with your clients. Genuine relationships will jump-start your career representing athletes. From there, consistency, ethical practices, and hard work will make you great at your job as a sports agent or sports attorney, whichever path you choose.

The Law Objective would like to thank Abdul for his time and advice for our readers.

If there is any specific individual you would like us to interview or you are a sporting law professional wanting to give some advice please contact us.