We are delighted to announce our Member of the Month, Janie Soublière.

Janie Soublière: Principal at Soublière Sport Law, Attorney-at-Law, Arbitrator and Investigator.

How did you get involved in sports law?

As soon as I decided to go to law school, I knew that I wanted to practice Sport Law. I perceived it (and still do) as a perfect balance between my two passions – Sports and the Law. Initially, the goal was to become an athlete-agent… life had other plans for me.

What was your most memorable achievement in the sector?

There are many, of varying impact, to be honest. But the most “thrilling” ones include when I was informed that I had won my first case before CAS as Advocate/Counsel and, once I had transitioned to being an Arbitrator, when I opened the letter from CAS which informed me that I had been selected as a member of the CAS Ad Hoc Division to go to the OGs. I am pretty sure I let out a few yelps and danced around the house both times.

Any advice for someone trying to break in to the sector?

This sector is certainly more crowded and competitive than when I entered. My advice is: work hard, be yourself, keep learning and always focus on the positive.

Greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

This is a loaded question.  I think we all face challenges everyday, big and small. How we approach them and overcome them is how we grow. The greatest challenge I had to overcome in my professional career to date was being wrongly accused of something a while back. It was a tremendous learning experience because there was nothing I could do about it. I just had to learn to let it go and not let it make me bitter. I was determined to just look ahead by (see above!) - working hard, being myself, continuing to learn and focusing on the positive.

Why did you decide to focus on anti-doping?

When I first started to work in sport law (over 20 years ago) I put all my eggs into the anti-doping basket because WADA had just been created; it proved to be a good decision. But over time (over 10 years ago) I wanted and needed to  keep growing and learning and challenging myself but also needed to feel that my work was meaningful. Integrity seemed like a logical way to go and I think it's also proved to be a good decision.

How has WISLaw helped you in your career?

I have met some of my closest work colleagues through WISLaw. It is because of WISLaw that I now I have a network and community of strong, intelligent, competent and motivated colleagues that I can rely on and call upon to assist in various work ( and non-work-related) situations.

What do you do in your spare time?

I move!  My main seasonal sports are downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter and in the summer I play tennis, bike and swim. I also always love a good book, a nice glass of wine and good food, and spending time with my boys.

If you weren’t a sports lawyer, what profession do you think you would have?

I’d be a retired professional athlete and/or a sports broadcaster. As the decisions I have made in my life (none of which I regret) veered me off those paths.