United Kingdom > London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport
Index of tables
Sport
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- Baker & McKenzie LLP
- Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP
- Clintons
- Collyer Bristow LLP
- Covington & Burling LLP
- Davenport Lyons
- Davies Arnold Cooper LLP
- Eversheds LLP
- Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP
- Fladgate LLP
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
- Hogan Lovells International LLP
- McCormicks Harrogate
- Michael Simkins LLP
Leading individuals
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- Adrian Barr-Smith SNR Denton
- Morris Bentata Sheridans
- Mark Gay DLA Piper UK LLP
- Serena Hedley-Dent Farrer & Co
- Stephen Sampson Squire Sanders Hammonds
- Jonathan Taylor Bird & Bird
- Justin Walkey Bird & Bird
- Maurice Watkins Brabners Chaffe Street LLP
A ‘leader in his field’, Justin Walkey heads Bird & Bird’s ‘excellent’ practice, which advises national and international governing bodies, key rights holders and blue-chip clients across various sports. The ‘exceptional’ Jonathan Taylor recently led advice to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding ‘spot-fixing’ charges brought against several cricketers in 2010. The Football Association is a longstanding client for which the practice provides a range of services including sponsorship and media rights advice. Taylor and the ‘extremely hardworking’ Max Duthie, an expert in doping cases, advise Six Nations Rugby. Other clients include HSBC and the Premier League. Felicity Reeve is ‘fantastic’, particularly for sponsorship and commercial contracts.
DLA Piper UK LLP provides ‘clear, commercial and unequivocal advice’. Nicholas West and colleagues advise the FA Premier League on its domestic and international media rights strategy. The team is also active on the regulatory side, advising bodies such as the IAAF on disciplinary issues. The ‘hugely knowledgeable’ Nick Fitzpatrick recently advised Fuji Television on acquiring FIA Formula One World Championship broadcasting rights, and also advises clients on sponsorship. Football expert Patrick Mitchell is ‘brilliant on contractual issues’, and consultant Huw Roberts, who recently advised the British Horseracing Authority on doping control services, has ‘great experience and knowledge of sporting regulatory issues’. New clients include the NBA, the Badminton World Federation, and the Organising Committee of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games 2014
Brabners Chaffe Street LLP is very well regarded for its first-rate football practice; it advises numerous clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City and West Ham United. It also acts for individual sports stars, sponsors including adidas, and organisations including the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Joint senior partner Maurice Watkins heads the team, and is recommended along with litigator Jeff Lewis, Matthew Bennett, Lydia Edgar and associate Stuart Baird.
Sports law boutique Couchmans LLP advises on broadcast and media rights, player contracts and dispute resolution. The team regularly advises governing bodies including Celtic Rugby and the International Rugby Board. It also advised AEGON on sponsorship issues relating to the Masters tennis tournament at the Royal Albert Hall, and Carlsberg on sponsorship and trading agreements with the FA and Live Nation. The firm also acts for individuals including sprinter Usain Bolt (and his management company); footballers Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Theo Walcott, and Alan Shearer; and rugby player Jonny Wilkinson. Nic Couchman, Mark Whitehead, Andrew Price, Satish Khandke, Fraser Reid and Andy Korman are recommended.
Squire Sanders Hammonds had a successful year, and attracted new clients including Blackburn Rovers FC, Sheffield Wednesday FC and Birmingham City FC. The team has also recently advised the Scottish Football Association on anti-doping issues. Other clients include UEFA, Chelsea FC and Base Soccer Agency. The team is headed by the ‘calm, analytical, and very committed’ Stephen Sampson, ‘one of the best contentious sports lawyers in the UK’. James Hennigan is recommended for his ‘excellent industry knowledge’, and associates Mike Morgan – a ‘leading doping expert’ – and Alastair Purssell are also recommended.
Charles Russell LLP’s ‘first-class’ practice has been acting for the British Horseracing Authority in various High Court matters, and also represents the Hurlingham Polo Association. The ‘excellent’ team also advises other regulatory bodies, including the FA and new client the RFU. Jason Saiban and solicitor Chris Evans advise Manchester United FC on merchandising issues. Keir Gordon heads the department. The ‘excellent, responsive and commercial’ Ian Lynam, employment practice head Michael Powner, and solicitor Will Nash advised Gerard Houllier on his appointment as manager of Aston Villa FC in 2010. ‘Exceptional’ litigator Jonathan Ellis is valued for his ‘sensible, pragmatic advice’, and his ability to ‘always think of the bigger picture’. Jonathan Walters is an ‘up-and-coming’ associate.
Clarke Willmott LLP’s ‘brilliant’ and broad-based team won new clients including Birmingham City FC, The Jockey Club, the London Wasps rugby union club, and Middlesex County Cricket Club. Newly promoted partner James Earl, who is a ‘good communicator’, recently advised Northern Racing and Arena Leisure. The ‘impressive’ Ben Harris, based in Bristol, advises on niche commercial issues, such as using social networking as an advertising platform. Practice head Trevor Watkins advised athlete Richard Whitehead on his attempt to challenge an International Paralympic Committee decision.
Julian Pike and the ‘very experienced, skilled and knowledgeable’ Serena Hedley-Dent jointly head Farrer & Co’s ‘excellent’ team, which represents clients including the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the RFU. Hedley-Dent advises governing bodies on structural and administration matters, and has been advising on restructuring several large sports clubs and associations. The practice remains busy defending claims brought by individual sports persons. Clients also recommend David Hunt and Henry Sainty.
The ‘calm, perceptive and thorough’ Bob Mitchell heads Harbottle & Lewis LLP’s practice, which has recently advised individuals including swimmer Tom Daley and rower Matthew Pinsent on image rights issues. Paul Cairns, along with senior associate Paul Groves, recently advised Chelsea FC on developing a template for player image rights contracts. Other clients include tennis player Andy Murray, the Professional Cricketers’ Association, and sponsors such as Cadbury.
Olswang’s ‘excellent’ group advises on sports media rights and sponsorship deals, and represents broadcasters, sports clubs and governing bodies such as the British Horseracing Authority and FIFA. Team head David Zeffman – a sports media expert – and corporate partner Simon Morgan recently advised Tottenham Hotspur FC on its shirt sponsorship agreement with Investec. Managing partner David Stewart recently advised the ICC. Corporate partner David Roberts is also recommended.
Specialist sports law firm Onside Law LLP advised new client the 2018 Ryder Cup Europe organisers on finding a host country through a competitive tender process. The team also represents individual golfers, including Nick Faldo and Graeme McDowell. The ‘responsive, pragmatic and thoughtful’ Chris Walsh continues to advise the England and Wales Cricket Board on regulatory and other issues. The firm was appointed to the LTA’s legal panel, and advised new client Southampton FC on the departure of Alan Pardew and the appointment of Nigel Adkins as the club’s new manager. Department head Jamie Singer is highly recommended.
SNR Denton’s ‘very good’ five-partner practice advises clients on commercial and regulatory issues, as well as litigation, advertising and employment. The ‘hardworking and responsive’ Stephen Ridgway advised Qatar Sports investments on a major sponsorship agreement, and John Linneker worked with the IP department to advise Group Lotus in a trade mark dispute. Other key clients include the ECB and Endemol Sport. Adrian Barr-Smith is knowledgeable and experienced. Sam Szlezinger heads the team.
Addleshaw Goddard LLP represents sports equipment suppliers, supporters and sponsors, advising on sponsorship, litigation and corporate issues, and also advises governing bodies. The ‘outstanding’ James Whittaker, who heads the department from Manchester, advises adidas on sponsorship and advertising. Ian Hargreaves and Manchester-based Jonathan Davey are also recommended. The former recently advised Williams Grand Prix Engineering Ltd in disputes and regulatory matters, and the latter advised Sainsbury’s on sponsoring the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
The ‘excellent’ Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP advises on regulatory issues, including sports governance and anti-doping. Consultant Mike Townley, who co-leads the practice with Thea Longley, advised England Netball on a sponsorship deal with The Co-operative. The LTA and RFU are also clients. Kevin Groome is recommended for his ‘excellent customer service and extensive knowledge of sport’.
Warren Phelops heads K&L Gates’ team, which was strengthened by the addition of senior associate Andrew Danson from Olswang. Along with John Elgar, Phelops continues to advise the West Indies Cricket Board on all legal matters. Dominic Bray provides brand protection and litigation advice to World Wrestling Entertainment. Competition partner Scott Megregian advises Formula One management on antitrust matters. John Magnin handles disputes.
Lewis Silkin LLP’s sports practice was bolstered in 2010 with the arrival of Andrew Osborne from Squire Sanders Hammonds. The team regularly advises rugby clubs including Saracens RFC and Northampton RFC. It also represents individuals such as rugby player James Haskell and coach Andy Robinson. Practice head Dominic Farnsworth is recommended.
Macfarlanes LLP continued to advise Nike in a dispute with Commonwealth Games England 2010. The firm has a significant practice in Formula One, where practice head Jeremy Courtenay-Stamp is acknowledged for his expertise, and the team has been providing commercial and contentious advice to the 1Malaysia group (the owner of Team Lotus).
Headed by Nick Bitel and Louise Roberts, the team at Max Bitel Greene is noted for its litigation expertise. It also provides a full service advising on sponsorship, broadcasting and athlete/player contracts, for major events such as the London Marathon. The team also advises the organisers of Henley Royal Regatta.
A ‘true expert’, Adam Morallee heads the team at Mishcon de Reya, which has ‘good, in-depth knowledge’ of sports law. It acts for clients in litigation against governing bodies, and issues concerning reputations, and on sponsorship deals and transfers. New clients in 2010 included football manager Avram Grant, Marussia Motors and TW Steel.
‘One of the best lawyers in the sports field’, group head Morris Bentata at Sheridans advised Tour Racing on Team Sky’s sponsorship programme. The team also advises Pitch International on disputes; Ultimate Rugby Sevens on participation agreements and drafting rules; and former rugby player turned commentator Jonathan Davies on media agreements relating to his appearances on the BBC.
At Slaughter and May, Mark Zerdin advised Liverpool FC on its protracted takeover by New England Sports Ventures, and the 'excellent' Andrew Jolly advises on Arsenal FC’s on-pitch activity, and handles all contractual and disciplinary matters. Rob Sumroy continued to act for the ECB on the unauthorised use of its IP rights. The LTA is another client.
At Wiggin LLP, head of department Michael Brader advises sports entities on corporate and commercial issues, including advising Manchester United FC on its MUTV joint venture with Sky. Sean James advises on commercial issues, and Simon Baggs represents clients in litigation. The FA Premier League is a new client. Other clients include UEFA, Input Media, and the ICC.
Baker & McKenzie LLP’s ‘excellent’ team advises Nike, Orange and Polo Ralph Lauren on sponsorship deals. It is McLaren Group’s sole legal adviser.
Graham Shear leads the ‘highly experienced’ multidisciplinary team at Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, which advises football clubs and international sports stars.
The ‘highly experienced’ Mel Stein and Philip Stinson head the sports department at Clintons, which is instructed by clients such as England Netball and numerous high-profile individuals.
The seven-partner team at Collyer Bristow LLP advises governing bodies as well as sports industry professionals, including former FIA president Max Mosley and former cricketer Chris Cairns.
Michael Kingston heads Covington & Burling LLP’s European corporate department and its sports practice. The sports team advises major US and UK sporting entities on commercial rights.
Davenport Lyons recently acted for Millwall FC and the London Marathon on broadcasting issues. Department head Stephen Hornsby ‘regularly goes way above and beyond the call of duty’.
As well as having a well-known sports-related personal injury practice, Davies Arnold Cooper LLP advises on sports stadium development, licensing issues, and the drafting and negotiation of sponsorship agreements. Nick Taylor led a team that advised Brighton and Hove Albion FC on aspects of the construction of its £60m new stadium.
Eversheds LLP advises national and international governing bodies and agencies, event organisers, sponsors and individual athletes. It advised the London Development Agency on site possession and compensation issues relating to the Olympic Games and its regeneration legacy. Paul Pugh, Matthew Gough and solicitor Eve England advised the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 organisers.
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s clients include London Irish Rugby Union Club, Tottenham Hotspur FC and the Beckhams.
Fladgate LLP has a significant practice in motor racing; Force India and Eddie Jordan are key clients.
Christopher Mort heads Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s sports practice, which advises commercial organisations and financiers.
Hogan Lovells International LLP’s practice, led by Andrew Skipper, advised Sport England on allocating the £10.5m lottery grant for the Olympics Velopark project. Richard Welfare advised Mars on sponsoring the England and Scotland football teams, and is leading a team providing pro bono advice to ParalympicsGB.
McCormicks’ ‘very good’ Harrogate-based team has ‘thorough knowledge of the market and is commercially minded’. Clients include the FA Premier League and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Peter McCormick OBE heads the practice.
Niche firm Michael Simkins LLP advises on sports player and manager contracts, and transfer agreements between clubs. It also advises broadcasters and venues on broadcasting rights.
Norton Rose LLP’s five-partner team adopts an ‘excellent commercial approach’. Its clients include the West Indies Players Association, David Lloyd Leisure, and London Wasps rugby union club. The ‘practical and efficient’ Jonathan Ball heads the practice, and associate Ben Morgan is also recommended.
Richard Butcher heads the department at Payne Hicks Beach, which counts the British Olympic sailing team as a key client.
Pinsent Masons is the principal adviser to the Rugby League.
Jeremy Summers heads the team at Pitmans LLP, which advises sports bodies on brand infringement.
Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s cross-departmental team advises FA Premier League clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. It also handles public law issues for The Kennel Club.
Russell-Cooke LLP’s ‘excellent’ team advises the British Fencing Association in disciplinary tribunals, and Newcastle United FC is also a client. ‘Excellent strategic thinker’ Peter Cadman heads the team, and the ‘hardworking, diligent and bright’ Matt Bosworth is also recommended.
Paul Daniels, head of Russell Jones & Walker’s ‘excellent’ team, is well regarded for his work representing football managers. The ‘tenacious, dedicated, smart and commercially switched-on’ Tracey Benson advises on sports injuries. The team also advises various sports associations.
Schillings, which has a leading practice in defamation and privacy work, represents a number of high-profile sports professionals, and also advises agencies and sponsors.
Sidley Austin LLP’s ‘first-rate’ team advised a Premier League football club in a dispute with a major sponsor. Ken Daly, who heads the European practice, is well regarded.
Charles Lloyd heads the cross-departmental team at Taylor Wessing LLP.
George Castro, Martine Nathan and David Salisbury at Teacher Stern LLP advise on regulatory issues.
Thomas Eggar LLP advises commercial organisations and sports professionals, and also acts for a number of high-profile sporting academies.
Travers Smith LLP’s track record includes having acted for Force India Formula One team and TalkSport.
Wallace LLP advises Chevron Racing on various matters, and advises professional footballers on playing contracts and image rights agreements.