Press Release
| September 17, 2009
Dewey & LeBoeuf Retained to Protect Rights of South African Runner Caster Semenya
(Johannesburg, September 17, 2009) – Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP has been retained by South African runner Caster Mokgadi Semenya, at the recommendation of the Minister of Sports and Recreation South Africa. The firm will represent and advise Ms. Semenya on a pro bono basis on all legal matters relating to her human rights and her rights as an athlete.
In the coming days, the firm will quickly initiate contact with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that Ms. Semenya's rights are fully respected and that all legal rules are followed.
"The plight of Ms. Semenya is a great matter of concern not just to South Africans, but to fair-minded people around the world," stated Greg Nott, Managing Partner of Dewey & LeBoeuf's South Africa office. "We are going to do everything possible to make certain that her civil and legal rights, and dignity as a person are fully protected."
Dewey & LeBoeuf's lawyers have represented clients across the spectrum in the global sports industry. In particular, the firm has acted for South African double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius on a pro bono basis in his successful effort to overturn the IAAF's decision to ban him from competing in able-bodied track events and attempting to qualify for the Olympics.
Jeffrey Kessler, Chair of Dewey & LeBoeuf's global sports practice added: "We learned during the Oscar Pistorius case that the rule of law does prevail in international sports and that equality of opportunity can be achieved. Hopefully, the IAAF has learned from this experience and we look forward to working with it to ensure a just outcome here for Ms. Semenya. The world will be watching."
Dewey & LeBoeuf's team will be coordinated in South Africa by Greg Nott. The international team will be led by Jeffrey Kessler and David Feher from the New York office, who will be supported by Marco Consonni from the Milan office and Benjamin Sokoly from the New York office. The team also includes Rajen Ranchhoojee, Reitumetse Benedict Phiri, Yushanta Kandasmy and Brian Currin from the Johannesburg office. Rian Cloete from the University of Pretoria is also assisting.
This memorandum is intended only as a general discussion of these issues. It is not considered to be legal advice. We would be pleased to provide additional details or advice about specific situations. For additional information on this important topic, please feel free to call upon your Dewey & LeBoeuf relationship partner. No part of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form, without our prior written consent.
For further information on Dewey & LeBoeuf, please visit www.dl.com. +1 888 532 6383