Paul J. Greene brings over 17 years of international sports law expertise to the Sports Conflict Institute as a Senior Advisor. As Founder of Global Sports Advocates, LLC, he has established himself as one of the world’s leading sports lawyers, recognized by Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, and Who’s Who Legal as a Global Elite Thought Leader in Sports Law for seven consecutive years. His unique position as an approved advocate for the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the Sports Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada, and the United States Olympic Committee provides unparalleled insight into high-stakes athlete representation and sports governance matters.
Greene has successfully represented athletes from more than 70 countries across 70 different sports, handling complex matters before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne—often called the “Supreme Court for Sports Law.” His landmark victories include securing one of the largest attorney’s fee awards ever at CAS for Olympic gold medalists Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, achieving the first-ever “No Fault” finding for meat contamination for Olympian Jarrion Lawson, and enabling Russian athlete Darya Klishina to compete as the sole Russian track and field athlete at the 2016 Rio Olympics. His expertise spans anti-doping proceedings, SafeSport misconduct allegations, NCAA eligibility disputes, contract negotiations, and intellectual property matters.
Beyond his practice, Greene serves as a Professor of Sports Law at the University of Maine School of Law and teaches in ISDE’s International and Comparative LLM Program in Madrid and New York. A prolific writer and speaker, he has authored numerous articles on sports law topics and presented at conferences worldwide. His commitment to justice extends to pro bono work with the Immigration Legal Advocacy Project, and his athletic background as a former Division I team captain at Brandeis University informs his deep understanding of athlete perspectives and the competitive mindset.
International Panels & Arbitration Appointments
- Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – Approved Advocate (2008-Present)
- Sports Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada – Approved Counsel (2010-Present)
- United States Olympic Committee – Approved Arbitration Counsel (2008-Present)
Professional Experience
Current Positions
Senior Advisor
Sports Conflict Institute | 2023-Present
Providing strategic counsel on athlete rights, SafeSport proceedings, anti-doping matters, and international sports arbitration for elite athletes and sports organizations.
Founder & Managing Partner
Global Sports Advocates, LLC | 2007-Present
Leading international sports law firm representing athletes from 70+ countries in high-stakes disputes before CAS, USADA, SafeSport, and international federations.
Professor of Sports Law
University of Maine School of Law | 2010-Present
Teaching “Law and Sports” seminar, mentoring law students, and serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Professor, International and Comparative LLM Program
Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía (ISDE) | 2015-Present
Teaching sports law in Madrid and New York, focusing on international arbitration and comparative sports governance.
Selected Previous Experience
Law Clerk
Hon. Kermit Lipez, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit | 2006-2007
Drafted judicial opinions and conducted legal research on complex federal appeals.
Managing Editor
Maine Law Review | 2005-2007
Oversaw publication of legal scholarship and authored seminal article on Olympic doping prosecution.
Areas of Expertise
- Anti-Doping Proceedings & WADA Code
- Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Advocacy
- SafeSport Misconduct Allegations
- NCAA Eligibility & Compliance
- Olympic & Paralympic Eligibility
- Athlete Contract Negotiations
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Rights
- Sports Governance & Policy
- Team Selection Disputes
- International Federation Appeals
- Intellectual Property in Sports
- Crisis Management for Athletes
Academic Credentials & Teaching
Education
- J.D., cum laude – University of Maine School of Law (2007)
- M.A., Communications – Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School (1995)
- B.A. – Brandeis University (1993)
Teaching & Academic Appointments
Professor of “Law and Sports” at University of Maine School of Law; Professor in ISDE’s International and Comparative LLM Program (Madrid/New York); Instructor of “Legal Ethics in Business” at University of Southern Maine School of Business; Guest lecturer at Georgetown Law School, University of North Carolina School of Law, and international conferences worldwide.
Publications & Thought Leadership
Selected Articles & Papers
- “United States Anti-Doping Agency v. Montgomery: Paving a New Path to Conviction in Olympic Doping Cases” – Maine Law Review (2007)
- “How Athletes’ Rights Can Be Better Protected When It Comes to Retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemptions” – The International Sports Law Journal (2019)
- “Why WADA Should Reclassify Cocaine as a ‘Non-Specified Substance'” – LawInSport (2018)
- “Should Marijuana and Cannabinoids Still Be Banned for Use in Sports?” – LawInSport (2017)
- “Is the International Olympic Committee Above The Law?” – Entertainment and Sports Lawyer (2010)
- “NCAA College Football Players: Students or Employees” – LawInSport (2014)
Notable Achievements & Recognition
- Named WWL Global Elite – Thought Leader for Sports Law (7 consecutive years)
- Recognized by Chambers USA as Leading Lawyer in Sports Law: Athletic Disputes (6 consecutive years)
- Selected as Super Lawyer for Entertainment & Sports Law
- Named one of Maine’s 10 Most Intriguing People (2016)
- Secured one of the largest attorney’s fee awards in CAS history (Powell/Simpson v. JADCO)
- Achieved first-ever “No Fault” finding for meat contamination at CAS (Jarrion Lawson case)
- Successfully represented sole Russian track athlete at 2016 Rio Olympics (Darya Klishina)
- Captain, Brandeis University Cross Country and Track Teams
Professional Service & Leadership
- Board of Directors – University of Maine Law School Alumni Association
- Member – Immigration Legal Advocacy Project (Pro Bono)
- Contributing Author – LawInSport
- Contributing Author – World Sports Advocate
- USA Soccer Certified Coach – Youth Programs
- Bar Admissions – Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado
Speaking & Consulting Topics
Paul Greene is available for keynote speaking, workshops, and consulting on:
- Navigating Anti-Doping Proceedings and the WADA Code
- SafeSport Compliance and Athlete Protection
- Court of Arbitration for Sport: Process and Strategy
- NCAA Eligibility and Compliance Issues
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in College Sports
- International Sports Governance and Policy
- Crisis Management for Athletes and Sports Organizations
- Building Effective Athlete Representation Programs
- Ethical Considerations in Sports Law
- The Future of Olympic and Paralympic Sport
Personal Interests
A former Division I athlete who captained the Brandeis University Cross Country and Track teams, Paul continues to run marathons and maintains his connection to competitive athletics. He serves as a USA Soccer certified youth coach in Falmouth, Maine, where he coaches his son and daughter’s teams. His athletic background provides unique insight into the pressures and challenges faced by competitive athletes at all levels.
Paul J. Greene, Esq.
Senior Advisor | Sports Conflict Institute
International Sports Law Expert
Connect & Learn More
Leverage expertise in anti-doping proceedings, SafeSport matters, and international sports arbitration.
Sports Conflict Institute | Portland, Oregon | info@sportsconflict.org