About Us

Dempseys Law Firm is a specialised commercial law firm founded by its Principal Tony Dempsey, a qualified lawyer of more than 30 years’ experience. He first  commenced his legal career with National law firm Clayton Utz before broadening his legal experience with several Sydney CBD law firms during which time he was Accredited by the Law Society of NSW as a Property Law Specialist.

The advent of professional rugby saw Tony become the founding President of the Rugby Union Players’ Association Inc where he later became its Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel. He negotiated and secured world rugby’s first ever Collective Bargaining Agreement for professional rugby players in 1997. Tony was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his services to the game in 2000.

In 2010 Tony was certified as a Mediator by the Australian Commercial and Disputes Centre and in 2014 became appointed to the Law Society of NSW Mediation Panel.

Tony was later appointed General Counsel and Co Secretary of private equity owned gym chain Fitness First before being elevated to the role of General Counsel of Fitness and Lifestyle Group – a owner of multiple gym chains throughout South East Asia that include Goodlife, Fitness First, Jetts, Zap and online digital offerings Loup and Centr. 

In 2021 Tony was appointed to the National Sports Tribunal Legal Assistance Panel. The Panel comprises experienced legal practitioners who provide assistance to athletes and sporting organisations who seek to resolve their disputes through the National Sports Tribunal.

Tony has presented a number of papers at various legal seminars for the New South Wales College of Law and the Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association. He has been an adjunct presenter at the College of Law on the subjects of Negotiation and Dispute Resolution.