Geissmar, who trained with UK firm Lovells, was with MTV Networks Europe for more than 11 years, cumulating in the role of general counsel and senior vice president of business affairs in 1997. She left the television giant in 2006 to work as a self-employed legal consultant.

As reported by legalweek.com.au, Arsenal established the in-house position on the recommendation from Slaughter & May partner Nigel Boardman, who determined that the football club produced sufficient legal work to warrant having a full-time internal legal advisor.

For the latest news, views and analysis of issues affecting in-house lawyers, check out Lawyers Weekly's dedicated in-house site www.lawyersinhouse.com.au