Hilary Patricia Forde
Hilary Patricia Forde is a highly experienced international sports lawyer qualified in Ireland and in England and Wales, with specialist expertise in sports regulation and governance, integrity, anti-doping, controlled medications violations, and compliance. She holds a First-Class Honours LLM in International Sports Law from the Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía (ISDE), Madrid, and has built a distinguished career working at the intersection of law, sport, and integrity at both national and international levels.
Hilary is a Visiting Lecturer and Professor at ISDE Madrid and St. John’s University, New York, and a guest lecturer on the MSc in Sports and Exercise Management at University College Dublin, where she teaches International and Comparative Sports Law. Her academic work is complemented by extensive hands-on experience in disciplinary and regulatory frameworks across multiple sports and jurisdictions.
She currently serves as Vice-Chair and Legal Expert on the Football Association of Wales Club Licensing Appeals Body (Women’s UEFA and Tier 1), is a panel member of the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (USA), a Tribunal Clerk with the Fédération Equestre Internationale, and an Independent Legal Contractor with Sport Dispute Management in Canada. Previous senior roles include Director of Racing Governance and Compliance at the Irish Greyhound Board and Compliance and Anti-Doping Solicitor at the British Horseracing Authority.
Beyond her professional work, Hilary is an accomplished athlete, having represented Leinster and Ireland in hockey, completed multiple international marathons, and actively competes in tennis. She also plays piano and speaks intermediate French and Spanish.
Hilary is a Visiting Lecturer and Professor at ISDE Madrid and St. John’s University, New York, and a guest lecturer on the MSc in Sports and Exercise Management at University College Dublin, where she teaches International and Comparative Sports Law. Her academic work is complemented by extensive hands-on experience in disciplinary and regulatory frameworks across multiple sports and jurisdictions.
She currently serves as Vice-Chair and Legal Expert on the Football Association of Wales Club Licensing Appeals Body (Women’s UEFA and Tier 1), is a panel member of the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (USA), a Tribunal Clerk with the Fédération Equestre Internationale, and an Independent Legal Contractor with Sport Dispute Management in Canada. Previous senior roles include Director of Racing Governance and Compliance at the Irish Greyhound Board and Compliance and Anti-Doping Solicitor at the British Horseracing Authority.
Beyond her professional work, Hilary is an accomplished athlete, having represented Leinster and Ireland in hockey, completed multiple international marathons, and actively competes in tennis. She also plays piano and speaks intermediate French and Spanish.