Adeleina Loto Meleisea

After completing her LLB, Adeleina spent several years working in the legal field, gaining valuable insights and practical experience. However, she found herself yearning for a deeper understanding of the commercial aspects of law, particularly in the context of sports. "I designed my LLB with a focus on criminal and human rights law, but over time, I realised that my true passion lay in the commercial side of Sports Law," she reflects. "Pursuing an LLM specialising in commercial and corporate law was the best way to bridge the gap in my knowledge and align my career with my passion.”

Returning to the University of Auckland for her postgraduate studies was a natural choice for Adeleina. Her positive experience during her undergraduate years, combined with the university's international reputation and the Faculty of Law's world-class lecturers, made it an easy decision. "Having been out of the study environment for some time, I needed a sense of familiarity when embarking on this new chapter," she explains. "The University of Auckland was the perfect place to continue my education and build on my professional experiences."

One of the most valuable aspects of Adeleina's LLM programme has been the flexibility to explore research topics that align with her interest in Sports Law. She has delved into intellectual property issues related to media licensing, branding, and athlete data, as well as financial market regulation concerning funding options for the professional sports industry. Adeleina researched competition and antitrust laws by undertaking a comparative analysis of business practices of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in North America and ONE Championship in Singapore. This ability to tailor her studies to her specific interests has not only deepened her understanding of commercial law but also equipped her with the skills necessary to excel in her chosen field.

Outside of the classroom, Adeleina is actively involved in her community, serving on the Board of Counties Manukau Rugby League and the Sistema Aotearoa Trust Board. She also consults with the New Zealand Mixed Martial Arts Federation, where she applies her legal expertise to support the development of combat sports in New Zealand. "I am working to become the combat sports law expert for New Zealand," she says, underscoring her commitment to this niche area of law.

For those considering studying at the University of Auckland, Adeleina offers practical advice:

Adeleina's professional life is equally unique and fulfilling. She previously worked as a Solicitor for Auckland Disability Law; a community law centre dedicated to assisting individuals with disability-related legal issues. Additionally, she has prepared Section 27 Cultural Reports for criminal sentencing, roles that were both client-facing and trauma-heavy. "These roles reminded me every day that many people in New Zealand are facing significant challenges, and I like to think that by pursuing my unorthodox career pivot and my LLM, I am doing my best to make a difference," she shares. In 2024, she founded Cornerman Sports Advisory, leveraging her legal and governance expertise, and her experience navigating the sports landscape in New Zealand, to support sports organisations with their regulatory and commercial aspirations.