Bridged Community Member Tirivashe recently gained hands-on experience during a one-week work placement at Level Law. In her final year of a law degree at Queen’s University Belfast, she aspires to build a career in Sports and Entertainment Law. We caught up with her to hear about her experience and key takeaways from Level.
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Can you give our readers a bit of background on yourself?
My name is Tirivashe, but most people call me Tiri. I come from a Zimbabwean (Shona) background but was born and raised in Slough, a small yet lively town. I am currently in my final year of my law degree at Queen’s University Belfast, and I hope to pursue a career in Sports and Entertainment Law after graduation.
When did you know you wanted to work in the Sports and Entertainment industry?
Growing up as an only child, I watched sports with my dad, including football, tennis, Formula 1, and wrestling. Despite supporting Chelsea while my dad is a die-hard Arsenal fan, our shared love for sports has always been a thing. One of my earliest football memories is staying up at nine years old to watch Chelsea win the 2012 UEFA Champions League final – an experience that solidified my passion for the game. Sports runs deep in my family. My dad played and coached junior football teams in rural Zimbabwe, and my mum was an accomplished runner who was even offered the opportunity to compete for Zimbabwe. So, in a way, my love for sports was inevitable.
I did not always want to be a lawyer—my dream was to play football professionally. But coming from a Seventh-Day Adventist African household, that path wasn’t encouraged, so I found the next best thing: Sports Law. Initially, I set out to become a divorce lawyer, though I honestly can’t say why – I just thought it would make my family happy. But then, through my love for wrestling, I discovered sports law. Watching wrestlers like Bray Wyatt, Bianca Belair, and Asuka made me want to be in that world.
My passion for sport was not just about watching – it was about playing, too. I started playing football at seven years old, often with the boys in my year group, earning the nickname “Drogba” because of my hairstyle, love for Chelsea, and position up front. I played and earned awards in football, cricket, athletics, and cross-country throughout school and university. I’ve also dabbled in basketball, hockey, and my personal favourite, dodgeball. Beyond playing, I’m a devoted sports fan. I’ve attended the ATP Finals to watch Nadal vs. Murray, been to a WWE pay-per-view and a house show, and, to this day, I firmly believe WWE is absolutely real. Sports has always been my first love, so it only feels right that I build my career in the industry – even if I won’t be England’s next women’s football captain.
You just finished a one-week work experience at Level Law. Can you tell us more about your role?
For one week, I took on the responsibilities of a trainee solicitor, gaining hands-on experience in sports law and an inside look at life in a specialist firm. I was paired with a partner and trainee buddy, allowing me to gain valuable insights into reputational management, data ownership, and motorsport law through presentations by associates.
Additionally, I engaged in a variety of realistic trainee tasks, including reviewing player and club image rights agreements and sponsorship deals to identify and amend problematic clauses, delivering a presentation on the evolution of sports data, both on and off the pitch, and completing a marketing exercise on personal branding and client base expansion as a sports lawyer. Additionally, I participated in a negotiation exercise focused on Copyright and Intellectual Property Law and wrote an analysis of key legal issues affecting the sports industry. For this, I chose to explore disparities in betting procedures. This experience provided invaluable mentorship and exposure to real-world legal challenges, further solidifying my ambition to pursue a career in sports law.
What did a typical day look like?
My day began with the usual battle through the busy London Underground. No matter how hectic the journey, I always made time for a Krispy Kreme doughnut and an iced latte before arriving at the office at 9 a.m. Each morning kicked off with a check-in with a Partner and trainee buddy, where we discussed our progress and outlined the tasks for the day. At the end of the day, we would regroup to reflect on challenges, share insights, and highlight our favourite moments. Some days, I would have lunch with our trainee buddy, and on one occasion, I even went out for drinks with the whole office – an experience that gave me a glimpse into the firm’s culture beyond legal work.
No two days were the same. One day might have been packed with sessions led by associates and partners; the next could have involved a court visit or completing hands-on tasks like reviewing contracts. The variety made each day exciting and reinforced my enthusiasm for a career in sports law.
What did you enjoy most from this work experience opportunity?
I had several standout moments during the week, but a few highlights come to mind. Visiting the Royal Courts of Justice and sitting in two hearings was an incredible experience. I was captivated not only by the legal proceedings but also by the stunning interior of the courts. Secondly, a particularly meaningful moment was when a talk with a partner in reputation management helped me finalize my dissertation topic. During this scheme, everything clicked, and I knew exactly what I wanted to explore.
The negotiation task was another highlight. While those close to me would describe me as extroverted, speaking tasks always make me slightly shy. I had to negotiate alone against two others, but I was proud of how I held my ground with an evidence-based strategy—especially after receiving praise for it. And if I may be a little cheeky- taking daily mirror selfies in the bathroom! My outfits were on point, and I couldn’t resist capturing them.
What were some of your biggest takeaways from your time at Level?
One of the biggest takeaways from my internship at Level was embracing the 80:20 rule – passion is essential, but mastery sets you apart. You won’t get hired just because you love sports; what truly makes a difference is being exceptional at what you do. I also learned to believe in my potential. This internship made me realise that I have more to offer than I often give myself credit for and that having confidence in my abilities is just as important as building them.
Another key lesson was to pace myself—not to run before I could walk. In a fast-moving industry, it’s easy to want to take on everything at once, but success comes from steady, intentional growth. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a T-shaped lawyer. Specialising in a niche area is valuable, but having a broad skill set and commercial awareness is just as crucial. Finally, I learned the power of asking when you don’t know. Seeking help isn’t a weakness – it’s how we grow, refine our judgement, and become better professionals.
How did you get this opportunity?
I came across this opportunity on LinkedIn as I have “Sports Law” as a notified search. The application process required me to submit a cover letter and a video response to the question, ‘Why Me?’ – which allowed me to showcase my skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role.
What do you think made your application stand out when applying for your internship?
Authenticity was key. I ensured my application reflected who I am, weaving in my love for wrestling to showcase my passion for sports law. I also carried this enthusiasm into my interview, ensuring I wasn’t just another applicant giving generic answers. If you’re not authentic about your interests, you blend in with every other candidate they interview. Beyond that, I took the time to refine my application, reviewing it multiple times and seeking feedback from past interns to ensure it was polished and impactful. Instead of simply stating why I was interested in sports law, I told a compelling story demonstrating why it should be a fundamental part of my career rather than just another area of legal practice.
What must organisations do to create a workplace that attracts and supports talent from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds?
Sports organizations must focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment beyond just meeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) quotas. One way of doing this is ensuring diverse leaders and decision-makers are present, especially in positions of power, and can inspire others to envision a future with the organisation. Representation sends a powerful message about the organisation’s values.
What advice would you give someone looking to get their foot in the door?
Being a fan isn’t enough – you need to actively seek opportunities to gain relevant experience. The sports industry values passion, but it also demands initiative and versatility. Look for any roles that get you involved, whether coaching a junior team, volunteering at events, or even managing a local club’s social media. Every experience helps build your skillset and network. Be proactive, stay informed, and don’t be afraid to start small – sometimes, the smallest roles can open the biggest doors.
If you were to choose one person to shine a light on in the industry, who would it be and why?
If I had to choose one person who is truly making a difference in helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds access the sports and entertainment industry, it would be Ella Ireri. As the founder of Bridged, Ella and her incredible team have played a pivotal role in providing young people like myself with invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and job prospects. Her mission to demonstrate that sports and entertainment are viable career paths for underrepresented groups has been instrumental in opening doors that might have otherwise remained closed. Thanks to Ella and the Bridged community, I’ve accessed a wealth of information and opportunities that have helped me grow personally and professionally. I truly believe her work is paving the way for many others to shine in industries that were once out of reach.