Tony Dempsey

Tony Dempsey is the Principal of Dempseys Law Firm, a distinguished entity in the realm of commercial and sports law. With over three decades of legal expertise, Tony's career began at the renowned national law firm Clayton Utz, where he laid the foundations for his expansive legal repertoire. Tony's pivotal role in the professional rugby sphere is exemplified by his tenure as the founding President of the Rugby Union Players’ Association Inc. His leadership as Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel was instrumental in negotiating the world’s inaugural Collective Bargaining Agreement for professional rugby players in 1997, with subsequent agreements being secured in 2001 and 2005. His exceptional contributions to the sport were recognised in 2000 with the awarding of the Australian Sports Medal. Expanding his practice to include mediation, Tony was certified by the Australian Commercial and Disputes Centre in 2010 and became a valued member of the Law Society of NSW Mediation Panel in 2014. He also holds membership with the Resolute Institute of Australia. Tony's corporate experience includes his appointment as General Counsel and Company Secretary for the private equity-owned gym chain, Fitness First. His leadership within the Fitness and Lifestyle Group further demonstrated his legal acumen, overseeing legal affairs for multiple gym chains across South East Asia. In 2021, Tony's expertise was further recognised with his appointment to the National Sports Tribunal Legal Assistance Panel, where he provides legal assistance to athletes and sporting organisations in dispute resolution. His commitment to the legal profession is also reflected in his contributions to legal education. Tony has presented numerous papers at legal seminars hosted by the New South Wales College of Law and the Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct presenter at the College of Law, focusing on Negotiation and Dispute Resolution.