Marcus DeLuca
Graduate Diploma in Sports Law
Partner, Conari Partners Australia
What is your professional education and work background?
I qualified as a solicitor in the UK and worked in private practice and in house at a bank in London focussing on a range of corporate finance transactions. Left the law 12 years ago to move into executive search, establishing my own firm around eight years ago, focussing on the global infrastructure finance market with offices in London, Sydney and Melbourne.
How did you come about studying with Melbourne Law School?
I was keen to find a field of study which would allow me to encompass my legal background with my interest in sport and desire to become involved in the business of sport. When I discovered that such a highly regarded university was running the sports law programme I knew I had found the perfect course.
Describe your experience of studying in the Melbourne Law Masters. What have been the highlights so far? What have you enjoyed most?
All units on the course were thoroughly enjoyable, well presented and taught in an academically stimulating manner. The teaching was applied to current sports market activity meaning that many of the issues studied are extremely current, complex and often in print on the back pages of the daily newspapers. Meeting the other students and studying with them over the intensive study weeks has undoubtedly led to good friendships and excellent networking opportunities.
Why did you choose to undertake the subjects you did? Were they particularly relevant to your field of work, believed they would fulfill a passion in that area etc.?
I chose a variety of units to ensure that I would gain as broad an overview of the issues facing a number of sports at the moment covering commerce, governance, policy, medical regulation and even the quarantine of horses internationally.
Why did you decide to move to Australia and what differences in your field have you noticed from the UK?
I moved to Australia to set up an office here for the company I was running in the UK. At the same time my family and I were keen to enjoy an adventure in a new country. Apart from the significantly improved climate and the outdoor lifestyle the main thing we’ve noticed is the passion for sport and how accessible it is for people from all walks of life to partake in the sport of their choice.
What networking opportunities has the Melbourne Law Masters provided you with?
Lots! Because of the networking and the programme’s strong reputation I was able to secure a role as a Director on the Board of state sporting association, Victorian Water Polo Inc.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
My role at Victorian Water Polo Inc enables me to combine my legal and commercial backgrounds together with my recent studies on the sports law program, enabling me to work productively with the Board and the staff in contributing to the long term strategy of the Association…and to assist in dealing with various issues that arise from time to time.
How do you think your studies will help you in your current role and in the future?
The program provided a unique opportunity to study a variety of issues across numerous sports large and small, many of which are live issues we read about in the back pages. This experience has undoubtedly provided the solid foundation for me to contribute in my role on the Board at state sporting association Victorian Water Polo Inc.
What if anything, surprised you about studying with us?
It more than lived up to expectations; it was excellent and I would recommend it to anyone considering the course, whether for career development purposes or simply for interest. The passion of the lecturers was more than evident throughout.