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Paul J. Tagliabue

Senior Of Counsel

Washington +1 202 662 5100

  • About
  • Representative Matters
  • Credentials
  • About

    A long time Covington partner, Paul Tagliabue served as Commissioner of the National Football League from 1989 to 2006. Since returning to the firm in 2007, he has used his experience as chief executive and board member of businesses and nonprofits to advise clients on matters of public policy, litigation, organizational structure and governance.

    Paul has often engaged in business, higher education and public policy discussions in many countries, including Brazil, England, Germany, Japan, Qatar and elsewhere. He was a a member of the Board of Directors of Georgetown University for 12 years and of the law school and a public policy institute at NYU.

     

    Areas of Expertise

  • Practices and Industries
  • Representative Matters
    • Chaired the Olympic Committee Independent Advisory Committee to assess and revise the Committee’s governance structure and management responsibilities.
    • Advised national trade association on trends in board responsibilities for enterprise risk management.
    • Advised major global corporation operating in highly regulated regional and international sectors on emerging public policy issues.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Credentials
    Education
    • New York University School of Law, J.D., 1965
        • with honors
    • Georgetown University, B.A., 1962
        • with honors
    Bar Admissions
    • District of Columbia
    Government Experience
    • U.S. Department of Defense
    Judicial Clerkship
    • Hon. Oscar Davis, U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit, 1965 - 1966
    Accolades
    • Chambers USA - America's Leading Business Lawyers, Sports Law (2012, 2014-2023)
    • Legal 500 US, Sports (2014-2016)
    • U.S. Secretary of Defense Civilian Meritorious Service Award (1969)
    • Lifetime Achievement Award, Sports Business Journal (2012)
    • Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
    • Pro Football Hall of Fame
    • Jackie Robinson Foundation, Humanitarian Award (2012)
    • NCAA, Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award (2007)
    Memberships and Affiliations
    • Council on Foreign Relations, Member
    • Economic Club of Washington, DC
    • Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University Law Center 

    Not-for-Profit Boards

    • Georgetown University (2006-2018); Chair (2009-2015)
    • Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics (2016-2020)
    • RISE, sports coalition on racism and justice, Board Member and Chair (2017-2022)
    • State University of New York: Levin Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce, Board Chair (2005-2009)
    • United Way of America, Board Member, (1993-2002; Board Chair, 1997-1998)
    • National Urban League, Board Member
    • Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Board Member (2005-2009)
    Previous Experience
    • As NFL Commissioner from 1989 to 2006, Paul presided over an extended period of labor-management peace and record growth of fan interest and revenue in professional football. During his tenure, the league grew from 28 to 32 teams, secured the largest television contracts in entertainment history, and created the NFL Network. Paul also led the NFL in dealing with the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina on the New Orleans Saints and the league.

    Areas of Expertise

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