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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.