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Hiram Marcos Arnaud is on the side of the athletes. As assistant general counsel at Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), Arnaud rallies for the players, helping negotiate for and protect both major league and minor league players through the collective bargaining agreement.
Before his time at the MLBPA, the Cornell Law School graduate worked as an associate at Chadbourn & Park, as well as at Cohen, Weiss & Simon. His time working at Cohen, Weiss & Smith, a union side labor law firm, helped prepare him to protect athletes between the union and the MLB.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about being an attorney or the legal function itself?
A major misconception I have heard repeatedly about lawyers is that we like to argue for the sake of arguing. That could not be further from the truth. Instead, the majority of lawyers are friendly individuals who are problem solvers looking to find the best possible solutions for their clients.
What’s a piece of unconventional advice you’ve received that was helpful?
You will find mentors and “champions” in the most unexpected places. Many times, they might not share your background or your lived experiences, but you will nonetheless find a common bond with them. For example, I am fortunate to be blessed by a strong circle of ethnically and culturally diverse attorneys who, like me, share a passion for advocating for workers’ rights. I am forever indebted to the previous generation of labor lawyers who continuously invest their time and energy to make me a better attorney and advocate for my clients.
What is the most meaningful case or pro bono experience you’ve worked on?
The last few years, I had the opportunity to work on the team that helped organize minor league baseball players and that assisted them in negotiating their first collective bargaining agreement with MLB. Observing the passion and determination of players as they advocated and fought for improved wages and working conditions has left a lasting impression on me. I am proud to have played a small role in their historic achievement, and I am grateful for the trust players and my colleagues at the MLBPA placed in me.
Find Hiram Marcos Arnaud on LinkedIn.
