Paul Tagliabue has had a wide-ranging career over five decades. He joined the firm in 1969 after nearly three years on international security affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He became a partner in 1974, served on the firm’s Management Committee, and continued as a partner until he withdrew from the firm in November 1989 to become the NFL’s Commissioner.
From 1969 until departing in 1989, Paul represented a broad range of domestic and international clients on litigation, advisory and legislative matters. When the firm opened its first overseas office, in London, Paul—then on the Management Committee-- served as liaison. Paul’s practice eventually focused on sports business but also included litigation of Federal court and agency cases involving the regulation of agriculture, antitrust/price fixing, business acquisitions, contracts with the Departments of Defense and Energy, international trade and racial and gender discrimination.
Over decades, the firm’s sports practice--begun in the late 1950’s and early ‘60’s by Gerhard Gesell (later a distinguished Federal judge), Ham Carothers, Harry Shniderman and others—grew exponentially and became nationally renowned. Today the firm’s practice, in professional, collegiate and all other sports sectors, is recognized as exceptional and comprehensive in the U.S. and international markets.
In 17 years as Commissioner (1989-2006), Paul supervised all manner of sports league issues, including players union-management agreements, television contracts, the NFL Network, league expansion and governance. His leadership was featured in leading journals, including The Economist, Fortune and Business Week.
In 2007, Paul returned to the firm as senior of counsel. In recent years, he has been engaged in many pro bono activities, principally on voting rights and Federal election integrity issues as well as reform of the Electoral College. He has also served on the Georgetown University Board for 12 years (six as Chair); on the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics; and on boards of not-for-profits and companies in the United States, Japan and elsewhere.
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