Next Generation Partners

Sport in North West

Brabners LLP

Representing a stellar client list consisting of Premier League and Football League clubs in the North and their community outreach organisations, the Lawn Tennis Association, Rugby League giants Wigan and Rugby Union high-flyers Sale Sharks, Brabners LLP is one of the region’s elite sports firms. A specialist area of the firm’s work is crisis management support for sportspeople and their families in the public eye, with the firm assisting Wayne and Coleen Rooney and Ben and Deborah Stokes in this capacity. Practice head Lydia Edgar is a sports employment law specialist, with a great deal of experience formulating major contracts, managing disciplinary issues and assisting with exits. Andrew McGregor leads the football division of the team, having experience representing clients in Premier League and EFL arbitration proceedings, FA Disciplinary Commission proceedings and the High Court. Expert on commercial rights in sport Jason Smith, sports regulation specialist Catherine Forshaw and IP lawyer Colin Bell are also key.

Practice head(s):

Lydia Edgar


Other key lawyers:

Andrew McGregor; Jason Smith; Catherine Forshaw; Colin Bell; Matt Lavelle


Testimonials

‘The team is particularly strong on sports governance, supporting many National and International Governing Bodies. Their expertise in this area is second to none.’

‘Catherine Forshaw is extremely diligent and conscientious. She is able to anticipate what sports clients want, even before they know it themselves.

Andrew McGregor’s knowledge of football’s regulatory framework is exceptional. He really is at the forefront of this area.

Key clients

The English Football League


England & Wales Cricket Board


SportAccord


Liverpool Football Club


Leicester City Football Club


Commonwealth Games Federation


Lawn Tennis Association


Gaimin Io Limited


Wasserman Media Group


British Swimming


British Ice Skating


British Canoeing


Sheffield United Football Club


Blackpool Football Club


Birmingham City Football Club


Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club


Bolton Wanderers Football Club


Wigan Athletic Football Club


Preston North End Football Club


Swindon Town Football Club


Cornwall RLFC


Michael Carrick Foundation


Triple S Sports and Entertainment Group


British Judo Association


PM Sport Management Limited


Michael Vaughan OBE


Manchester Sale Rugby Club Ltd


Midas Sports Management


British Basketball Federation


Basketball England


Dariusz Michalczewski


Manchester United Foundation


Ben Stokes


Wigan Rugby League Club Limited


Coleen Rooney


Professional Golfers Association


National Football Museum


Players Foundation


Everton In The Community


Work highlights


  • Advising the Commonwealth Games Federation on a number of matters, including their relationship with a sports marketing and entertainment agency and on arrangements which deal with all of CGF’s commercial, media and marketing rights relating to the 2022, 2026 and 2030 Commonwealth Games.
  • Advised Ben & Deborah Stokes (ECB affray and The Sun privacy cases), Wayne & Coleen Rooney (#WagathaChriste dispute), Michael Vaughan (Azeem Rafiq – racism allegations).
  • Advised an EFL Championship Football Club on various claims by the EFL that the Club enabled its potential purchasers to acquire control of the club without prior approval from the EFL which would consequently amount to a breach of the EFL Regulations.

Centrefield LLP

Boutique sports law firm Centrefield LLP advises some of the largest football clubs in the country on high level matters, including transfers and manager appointments, and dismissals. The 'enthusiastic' team is very experienced in the athletics sphere, acting on investigations into doping, as well as representing top rugby clubs and even foreign sports leagues such as the MLS and National Women’s Soccer League. Practice co-head Edward Canty is a football governance expert, while co-head Matthew Bennett advises on contentious matters such as football disciplinary cases. Team co-head Stuart Baird advises on international football transfers and sports immigration as well as disciplinary cases in various sports, with one standout matter being his representation for Samoan captain Junior Paulo in rapidly overturning a ban for a tackle which would have kept the player out of the Rugby League World Cup semi-final. Co-head David Bentham specialises in commercial sports work, including sponsorship agreements. Associate Phil Bonner is also key.

Practice head(s):

Edward Canty; Matthew Bennett; David Bentham; Stuart Baird


Other key lawyers:

Phil Bonner; Oliver Sadler; Deirdre McCarthy


Testimonials

‘Extremely approachable team who are enthusiastic and work extremely hard to find solutions to any problems we come over. Extremely commercial and open-minded which gives me confidence and belief in their work. Highly recommend Centrefield to anyone in need of sports law advice.’

‘The team at Centrefield is highly knowledgable with sector specific insight in the sports industry.’

‘I work with Deirdre McCarthy who is an extremely capable and dilligent lawyer, always willing to go the extra mile.’

Key clients

Manchester United Football Club


Manchester City Football Club


Liverpool Football Club


Chelsea Football Club


The Rugby Players’ Association


Super League


Major League Soccer


Leicester Tigers


Swim England


CJ Ujah


Work highlights


  • Advising the British sprinter, CJ Ujah in respect of an adverse analytical finding following an anti-doping test at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after Team GB won the silver medal in the men’s 4 x 100 metre relay.
  • Advising a variety of football club, player and agent clients on transfers with an aggregate value in excess of £1bn.
  • Advising Chelsea Football Club in respect of its dismissal of Thomas Tuchel and the appointment of Graham Potter.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP is known representing top footballers, with standout clients including Kevin De Bruyne, Leah Williamson and Kieran Trippier. The firm assists in managing investments and sponsorship deals for these players. The practice also has a broader range of expertise across sports including horse racing, Rugby League and cycling; assisting with transfers of commercial rights, facility redevelopments, disputes and more. The team is jointly led by the ‘innovative and committedCarol Couse, a sports specialist commercial ADR expert, and Mark Hovell, an experienced arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sarah Whyman, a sports data protection expert, and experienced employment lawyer Richard Barker are also integral. Associate Rustam Sethna is ‘extremely hard-working‘ and stands out for his expertise in cross-border sports litigation in areas ranging from football to sailing.

Practice head(s):

Carol Couse; Mark Hovell


Other key lawyers:

Richard Barker; Sarah Whyman; Rustam Sethna; Phil Hutchinson


Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable lawyers, both partners and associates, with huge experience of sports work.’

Carol Couse is an innovative and committed partner. Handles both litigation and non-contentious work. Also a mediator.’

‘Excellent commitment to their clients; highly knowledgeable.’

‘Carol Couse has in-depth knowledge of the sports industry. Mark Hovell- extremely highly regarded both for his work as a CAS arbitrator and hugely knowledgeable. Rustam Sethna is an extremely hard-working associate with excellent attention to detail.’

‘The team is incredibly strong. There is nothing that they won’t have encountered before. They are able to bring together a level of expertise matched by only a few other teams, either nationally or internationally.’

‘Phil Hutchinson is a brilliant sports lawyer. He understands the landscape like few others. He is able to identify both legal and commercial weaknesses in an opponents case like very few others, and has the ability to utilise this to his client’s benefit. Phil is particularly strong in relation to betting related regulatory offences and employment issues.

‘Mark Hovell  is a thought leader in the sports law sector. He is at the forefront of sports law developments, and is the person you want if you have a novel problem or are looking for guidance on the future development of the sector.’

Key clients

UK Sport


Kevin De Bruyne


Diogo Jota


Super League


Jockey World Championships


British Cycling


Divock Origi


Lucy Bronze


James Milner


Kieran Trippier


Leah Williamson


Court of Arbitration for Sport / Sport Resolutions


Professional Cricketers’ Association


Rangers Football Club / Burnley Football Club


Cambridge United Football Club / Norwich City Football Club


Podium Analytics /Eleven Sport


Rogon Football Agency


Work highlights


Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP represents a number of high profile clients, including several major North-Western football clubs, The Jockey Club, World Athletics and several international sporting investors. The practice specialises in corporate strategy and commercial deals in the sports industry, as well as providing compliance advice and media support. Julian Diaz Rainey, who is experienced in a range of commercial sports sector matters and regulatory sports dispute resolution, leads the team and counts both Everton and Manchester City among his clients. Samantha Livesey notably oversees a specialist horse-racing and equine industries sub team; one of the group’s standout features. Further key names include Andrew Mitchell and Alexander Richardson, who advise sports governing bodies on both contentious and non-contentious issues, including regulatory matters, reputation management and risk reviews. Jac Evans, who joined the firm from JMW Solicitors LLP in October 2022, is recommended for his expertise in commercial litigation.

Practice head(s):

Julian Diaz-Rainey


Other key lawyers:

Samantha Livesey; Andrew Mitchell; Alexander Richmond; Sam Hall; Jac Evans


Testimonials

‘Always the best sports firm in the North West. Huge knowledge, massively experienced. Great with clients. Serious, determined but decent and dedicated.’

‘Julian Diaz-Rainey is the go-to litigator. Clever, thoughtful, super experienced.

Andrew Mitchell is one of the best in the business. Calm, intelligent, all over the detail, with a great strategic brain. Clients are lucky to have him on on the team.’

Key clients

Manchester City Football Club


City Football Group


The Jockey Club Racecourses


World Athletics


The English Football League


Sport England


UK Sport


Liverpool Football Club


Everton Football Club


The English Golf Union Limited


Pacific Media Group


Work highlights


Brandsmiths

Brandsmiths is recommended for its football industry expertise, with the firm representing a number of well-known clubs and individual players, including retired greats of the game such as Roberto Carlos. The firm assists with matters ranging from employment and sponsorship deals to defamation. Tom Keane, who works on player transfers and branding matters, leads the team. Keane is supported by the ‘brilliantDavid Seligman, who has a strong record in disputes over players’ salaries and unpaid agents’ fees. Head of litigation Michael Forrester is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Tom Keane


Other key lawyers:

David Seligman; Michael Forrester


Testimonials

‘Very personal service that not many companies have now. Sound advice, just getting the right result.’

‘David Seligman is brilliant. His manor and knowledge stands out. Advice is delivered in an easy to understand way. Would highly recommend him.’

‘David Seligman’s knowledge, availability and proactiveness has been very helpful for us as we navigate the early years of starting a business. We have already recommended him to various contacts of ours as we appreciate how he goes about his work and relationships, his personal touch makes it feel like he is almost a part of our company.’

‘Strong depth across the team with a passion for the subject. Excellent advice provided on a consistent basis and pleasant to deal with.’

‘Michael Forrester is a tenacious litigator.’

Key clients

Manchester United FC


SCR Altach


Everton FC


Coventry City FC


Dundee United FC


John Hartson


Consilium Sports Group


Roberto Carlos


Joe Joyce


Guido Vianella


Kody Davies


New Era Global Sports Management Ltd


Wasserman


Mansa Sports Management


Ben Foster


Prodigy Sports Group


Michael Keane


Oldham Athletic (2004) Associated Football Club Limited


YMU


EMG Mundial


Jeremie Frimpong


Prolific Sports Group


Entourage Sports & Entertainment


Evolve Talent Group


Umbro


Work highlights


Fletcher Sports Law

Fletcher Sports Law is a go-to firm for football players and their agents, acting for a large number of notable names in the Premier League in a broad range of matters, including endorsement agreements and disputes. Managing director Paul Fletcher has longstanding experience in advising rugby (both League and Union), darts, snooker and football clients. Associate Tom Grant is an expert in boxing related issues, acting for a number of professional boxers in relation to promotional, bout and management agreements.

Practice head(s):

Paul Fletcher


Other key lawyers:

Tom Grant


Testimonials

‘Paul Fletcher is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the sports sector, especially in football. From commercial transactions and sponsorship deals to litigation and regulatory work, he has an excellent niche practice representing some of the best players and agents in the UK.’

‘Fletcher law stands out for providing clients with efficient services. The team’s strengths include their expertise in all areas of sports law, and their commitment to always offer a prompt service.’

‘Paul Fletcher is always very helpful, if we do not understand a certain situation or contract clause, Paul will take his time to make sure you understand.’

Work highlights


Gateley Legal

Gateley Legal provides a range of large organisations in the sporting world including City Group, the British Amateur Boxing Association and Sport and Recreation Alliance with ongoing advice on regulatory compliance, corporate governance and sponsorship agreements. Stadium development in the elite football space is also a major area of strength for the group. Nick Murrills is an experienced sports litigator and reputation management expert. John Burns has since left the firm.

Other key lawyers:

Nick Murrills


Key clients

NOQ Events Limited


The Royal Birkdale Golf Club


British Amateur Boxing Association Limited


City Football Group


Aguila Sport UK Limited


Newcastle United


Sport and Recreation Alliance


British Skateboarding


Reading FC


Commonwealth Games


Racecraft Motorsport Promotion Limited


World Sports Buddy Limited


FGX Sports Limited


Notts County FC


West Ham United


International Netball Federation


Supporters Direct (now Football Supporters Association)


Brighton and Hove Albion


ADI.tv


Pompey Supporters Trust


Sportstar Promotions Limited


FS3 Racing


British Wheelchair Basketball Association


Bournemouth Football Club Limited


British Triathlon


Clowes


Work highlights


  • Advising the Sport and Recreation Alliance on a range of matters including regulatory compliance, governance, with regard to their Women in Sport project.
  • Acting for City Football Group in an outsourcing arrangement to provide legal services on an ongoing basis, including providing a permanent secondee, particularly in relation to sponsorship agreements international licensing, sponsorship, and facility agreements.
  • Providing British Amateur Boxing Association Limited assistance with their agency and management offering.

JMW Solicitors LLP

JMW Solicitors LLP houses a varied practice with specialisms in media contracts, brand and sponsorship deals, sports tech and sports science (including nutrition) and sports related crypto. Practice head Stephen Taylor Heath is an expert in broadcasting agreements, primarily focusing on football and boxing. Experienced sports arbitrator Claire Brown and Mike Blood, a corporate lawyer with specialist sports finance knowledge, are also key. Ben Peppi heads the firm’s Barn Door UK initiative, a business platform for retired sportspeople. John Burns joined the group in early 2024, contributing his deep knowledge of sponsorship and naming rights agreements.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Taylor Heath


Other key lawyers:

Mike Blood; Claire Brown; Ben Peppi; John Burns


Testimonials

‘First class.’

‘Stephen Heath is exceptional.’

Key clients

Prenetics EMEA Limited


Leona Maguire


Ewen Ferguson


VSL Sport Limited


Modest Golf Management Limited


Kinetica Sports Nutrition


Queensberry Promotions Limited


Sportsscientia Limited


MagicTech Limited


Open Door Developments Limited


Pulseroll Limited


Inter European Sports Agency


Lit Sports Limited


Strike Sports Management Limited


Francis Warren


Tyrrell Hatton


Willpowders Limited


Kinetica Sports Nutrition


American Golf


Volute Sport Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised VSL Sport Limited on a project to mint and sell NFTs  featuring pixelated sections of the stadiums of Ukraine Premier League Football Clubs. The proceeds going to President Zelensky’s charitable foundation.
  • Advised American Golf Leisure Limited on a joint venture with Justin Rose and the Rose Foundation to develop branded golf centres including supporting the Rose Charitable Foundation.
  • Advised Irish Golfer Leona Maguire and her management team at Modest! Golf Management on major sponsorship agreement with KPMG Ireland.

DAC Beachcroft LLP

DAC Beachcroft LLP, which has a specialism for representing Irish clients including The Irish Horse-racing Regulatory Board, covers a range of matters, including employment issues, corporate restructuring and financing. The practice is headed by Jan Levinson, who has broad experience in acting in commercial sports disputes, with an emphasis on sports injury disputes.

Practice head(s):

Jan Levinson


Testimonials

‘Jan Levinson is one of the go-to sports injury lawyers. A huge knowledge and experience.’

 

Key clients

Government Legal Department on behalf of the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport


Sport Ireland


The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board


Zurich and its insured


Work highlights


  • Advised a former Manchester City youth player regarding acclaim for a career-ending injury as a result of a challenge made by an opposition player when playing for England under-16s against Northern Ireland under-16s.
  • Advised the Government Legal Department on behalf of the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in relation to an IT services dispute.

Farleys Solicitors LLP

At Farleys Solicitors LLP, practice head Daniel Draper has longstanding experience representing clients before FA Arbitrations, Football Disciplinary Commission panels and applications before the Premier League Board. Draper has also acted for a number of footballers in contract negotiations with English Premier League clubs, also counting disputes regarding injuries to high level academy and youth team football players as a further specialism. Athletics and boxing promotion are also areas of expertise for the group.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Draper


Testimonials

‘An excellent understanding of how the boxing world operates, including how to get deals done.’

‘Dan Draper’s knowledge of the boxing world is second to none. He is able to get deals done, and is the person you want in your corner if anything goes wrong.’

 

Key clients

Professional Footballers Association


Boxxer Ltd


Hennessy Sports


Toni Minichello


Work highlights


Excello Law

Excello Law specialises in representing football agents, players and coaching staff in high value disputes. Experienced sports litigator Dominic McGinn leads the team, and has previously appeared for clients before both FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Practice head(s):

Dominic McGinn


Testimonials

‘Dom McGinn – high quality and high value international football work from South America. He has taken on the best London firms and won.’

Key clients

World Sports Advisers S.L


Former Watford FC Football Coaching Staff


Lineroom


Pencilhill Limited


Europa Point Football Club


Laco Investments Limited


Hill Dickinson LLP

Hill Dickinson LLP represents a variety of clients in a range of sports, including football, cricket and taekwondo. The team has broad expertise spanning dispute resolution, regulatory compliance and  commercial sports contract work, including joint venture and partnering agreements. Experienced commercial litigator Paul Walsh leads the team. Walsh is supported by sports law specialist associate Jon Scally. Sue Russell and Ian Gillis are noted for their corporate expertise.

Practice head(s):

Paul Walsh


Other key lawyers:

Jon Scally; Sue Russell; Ian Gillis


Key clients

Tranmere Rovers FC


Block Asset Management Limited


Total Swimming Limited


Lancashire County Cricket Club


GB Taekwondo


New Brighton Cricket & Bowling Club


Work highlights