Super Bowl LIX, set to commence in New Orleans this Sunday, will uniquely feature a referee with a robust background in law. Ronald Torbert, a Harvard Law School alumnus and former equity partner at the law firm Dykema Gossett, has been selected to lead the NFL’s officiating crew for this highly anticipated event. His remarkable legal career saw him serve as general counsel for companies such as AlliedSignal Automotive and Barton Malow, showcasing a breadth of experience that extends beyond the sports field.
Torbert honed his legal expertise while working out of Dykema’s offices in Detroit and Lansing, Michigan. Dykema’s CEO Leonard Wolfe expressed pride in Torbert’s achievements, describing him as a “star trial lawyer” who remains an important figure in the firm’s legacy. Torbert retired from legal practice in 2019, yet his contributions to the profession continue to be celebrated within legal circles.
As he takes the field for his second Super Bowl, Torbert exemplifies the dwindling number of legal professionals who also serve as NFL officials. His transition from the courtroom to the gridiron underscores the diverse applications of legal training, enabling individuals to excel in various domains. For more insights on this story, visit the Bloomberg Law article.