We are delighted to announce our Member of the Month, Helle Qvortrup Bachmann.

Helle Qvortrup Bachmann is Arbitrator and member of a number of international federation tribunals, member of the Danish Anti-Doping Tribunal, special advisor in energy law & attorney-at-law (practising certificate deposited)

How did you get involved in sports law?

While I was a law student, the law department had a job advertisement for a position as a ph.d.-fellow in international sports law and more specific anti-doping law. At that time, I was a mountainbiker competing at international level. Right away, I found this was the perfect combination of law and sport for me. I applied and got the position – and fell in love with sports law from day one.

What was your most memorable achievement in the sector?

My personal most memorable achievement in the sector was my appointment as member of the UCI Anti-Doping Tribunal in 2017. This is a dream combination of my passion for cycling, sports law and dispute resolution,

My most memorable achievement regarding my work done as a lawyer was when I contributed to an analysis on regulatory and independency matters in Danish sport launched by the Ministry of Culture back in 2013. I set up possible scenarios for consideration in Denmark. Afterwards legislation was adopted, that implemented some of my scenarios.

Any advice for someone trying to break into the sector?

Follow your passion, build a network and engage in it, work hard, move outside your comfort zone - do it again and again, and remember to keep following your passion ;o)

Greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

Without a doubt, it is the meeting with a colleague/ superior, who works against you.

Why did you decide to focus on dispute resolution in sport?

I have a huge passion for legal analysis, writing and process - and to delve into complexy to find the right conclusion. Dispute resolution has also for me always stood as a fundamental core of law, and process has always had my interest.

What benefits / How has WISLaw helped you in your career?

WISLaw is a very active association with extremely skilled and passionate people behind it. I have not yet taken advantage of very many of the association’s many offers – I will get better at that in future. No doubt, that the association is an important association truly helping woman within our industry.

What do you do in your spare time / any favourite sports?

I have 3 children, and spare time – just for myself – is a rarity. I love to read a book, hike in nature, ride my mountainbike, swim in the ocean and spend time with my family and friends. My favorite sports are mountainbiking and skiing. I have also fallen in love with padel tennis, like the rest of the Danish population ;o)

If you weren't a sports lawyer, what do you think you would be and why?

I would probably work full-time + within energy law and utility law. If I didn’t depend on having an income, I would dedicate my working life to volunteering for people who have the odds of life against them.