Melissa Knox

Melissa Knox, B.A. (Hons), J.D., began her legal career at a small-sized civil litigation firm, gaining extensive hands-on experience servicing clients and appearing in court from the get-go.  Melissa joined the Sport Law in 2020 and brings to the team her skills in dispute resolution, governance and policy development, and specialized expertise in employment, human rights, tort, and sports law. Prior to returning to private practice, Melissa worked in-house at a Canadian university focusing on governance, policy development and policy management, and case management of student grievances and discipline matters.

Melissa graduated with Highest Honours from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Human Rights and Law.  While at Carleton, Melissa co-founded the Carleton University Legal Studies Society, was an active member of the Caribbean Students Association, and played varsity soccer, earning recognition as an Academic-All Canadian for each year of study. Melissa was motivated to obtain her Juris Doctor from Windsor University, Faculty of Law, due to its emphasis on access to justice and community service.  As a law student, Melissa was actively involved with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,  the Black Law Student Association of Canada and the Law Enforcement Accountability Project (LEAP), engaging in research, policy development and providing confidential policy recommendations, education, and training to government agencies and organizations across Canada toward enhancing police accountability and reducing racial profiling.

After a few years practising law in Ontario, Melissa moved to Europe and obtained a Master’s degree in International Sports Law, graduating second in her class.  This led to Melissa working in the sports industry on behalf of elite and professional athletes, coaches, teams and national, regional, and international sport organizations.  A memorable experience for Melissa was her involvement in the case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport between footballer Luiz Suarez, FC Barcelona, the Uruguay Football Federation, and FIFA arising out of the infamous “bite” during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Melissa has spent time in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean supporting sport and human rights development.  Through these and other experiences, and as a former soccer player for the Panama Women’s National Team, Melissa has a passion for promoting and fostering environments of inclusion, collaboration, and togetherness.  Melissa is currently enrolled in a Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program to enhance her already impressive knowledge and lived experience.