With expertise in endorsement, licensing, and sponsorship sporting agreements, the Derby-based practice Geldards LLP often advises a broad range of sporting entities on appearance agreements, media, and regulatory matters. Practice head Jamie Goldberg is a key port of call for various high-profile athletes on image rights and intellectual property issues. Rebecca Stojak is particularly proficient in equine law and often represents domestic and international sporting and Olympic professionals on competition disputes. She is also well-regarded for her experience in advising sports professionals on defamation issues.
Sport in East Midlands
Geldards LLP
Practice head(s):
Jamie Goldberg
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Stojak
Testimonials
‘Rebecca Stojak is outstanding for equine disputes. She works closely with excellent barristers in order to secure strong outcomes. Her superior subject knowledge of the equestrian world makes her our prime choice.’
‘Jamie Goldberg is knowledgeable and versatile.’
‘Excellent knowledge of the sport industry, football in particular. Coupled with media industry expertise, it’s a potent combo.’
Work highlights
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
With a broad caseload spanning brand protection, governance issues, immigration, and sponsorship agreements, Shakespeare Martineau LLP
is well-equipped to handle contract fallout, disciplinary, and doping disputes. Co-head of the practice Rhys Wyborn is an employment law specialist and is a key contact for sports clubs and governing bodies. Also co-head of the team, Ed Wright advises sports businesses on commercial contracts, data protection, and IP issues. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Nottingham.
Practice head(s):
Ed Wright; Rhys Wyborn
Key clients
British Orienteering
University of Essex
Boccia England
Wiltshire College and University
Incus Performance
Spirit Health Group/Spirit Digital
Ultra Sport Europe
PKKM
Replay Maintenance/Passport 365
Endurance Zone
Work highlights
- Advised Boccia England on its codes of conduct for all stakeholders involved with the charity/NGB.
- Advised Spirit Health Group/Spirit Digital on an R&D collaboration agreement with Waire Health and University of Strathclyde relating to a research project entitled ‘A novel method for remote assessment of exercise capacity using a telehealth platform and a wearable medical device.’
- Advising Endurance Zone in relation to the appropriate terms and conditions and privacy policies for the proposed National Fitness Day Rewards app.
Browne Jacobson LLP
Well-regarded for its amateur, motor sport, as well as non-motor sports expertise, Browne Jacobson LLP often advises football clubs on employment disputes. Based in Birmingham, Kevin Lawson is a sporting injury expert, and notably handles cases involving riders losing control on motocross courses. Also operating out of Birmingham, Rachel Lyne specializes in regulatory matters, and oversees the firm’s public inquiries practice. In Nottingham, Sarah Erwin-Jones is often engaged in abuse claims on behalf of sporting bodies.
Practice head(s):
Kevin Lawson; Rachel Lyne
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Erwin-Jones
Testimonials
‘I have worked with the BJ PI team extensively over many years as counsel on a number of complex and high-value PI cases in the sports sector. The team stands out for its outstanding client focus.’
‘The team is repeatedly instructed by its loyal insurer clients to the extent that I have seen in a couple of cases such insurer clients choosing to move work to the team from other firms. In addition, the BJ PI team stands out for the strategic way in which it approaches cases, always seeking the achieve the most pragmatic and commercial solutions for clients.’
‘I have worked with a number of individuals at BJ over a number of years. Kevin Lawson in particular stands out, he is an exceptional team player; working well with his team inside BJ and with counsel.’
‘Kevin Lawson has a laser-like focus on his clients and has an uncanny ability to think innovatively to achieve fantastic results. As an experienced litigator, he is also unique in the strategic approach he takes from the first moment any case that crosses his desk. He is also a talented negotiator.’
‘Sarah Erwin-Jones is adept at managing group litigation, managing client expectations, and achieving commercial results.’
Key clients
Hiscox Insurance Company
UK Sport
Sport England
The Lawn Tennis Association
Motor Sport Vision Limited
British Mountaineering Council