November 2007

Since 2001, Libman has been general counsel and executive vice president for The HEAT Group, handling a broad range of legal matters including labor, employment relations, intellectual property, and contracts. "I am the attorney not only for the team but the American-Airlines Arena as well," Libman explained.

As a woman working in sports and entertainment law, Libman finds herself in a unique position. "When I came into this job, there were practically no women in this field," she said, "but The HEAT Group has by far the most diverse management team." Promoting diversity in her field is important to her, and she would like to see more women in the profession.

Libman earned her undergraduate degree from Yale University and worked for several years in the field of international trade and project development. After receiving her law degree, she was an associate at Kurzban, Kurzban, Weinger and Tetzeli, as well as general counsel for Continucare Corporation. The combination of business and law works for her. She especially enjoys the negotiating and problem solving that comes from crossing over between law and business.

Libman has the chance to rub elbows with some of the legal community's most talented lawyers. "I work with a lot of excellent attorneys in the community, including many UM alumni," Libman said. She has strong connections to a number of her former classmates and considers Professor Irwin P. Stotzky one of her most influential teachers. "He continues to be a valued friend and mentor," she said.

As if being a female lawyer in the sports and entertainment industry is not challenging enough, Libman is also a mother of two sons, ages seven and nine. She encourages other women to follow their interests, even if the doors seem closed. Standing tall in her legal career, Libman offers simple and direct advice. "In this field, you have to prove yourself."