As a market-leading firm in the sports sector, McCormicks is retained by prolific UK and global football bodies, sports clubs and high-profile individuals. Philip Edmondson heads up the contentious side of the practice, handling disputes and regulatory investigations for The Premier League and Leeds United FC. Name partner Peter McCormick and new recruit James Towler handle the full breadth of non-contentious issues, ranging from sponsorship and broadcasting agreements, employment advice and corporate due diligence to charitable initiatives, sanctions and the purchase and development of sporting grounds. The team also provides unique advice to shoot proprietors including assisting with lease renewals, site operations and commercial terms and conditions.
Sport in Yorkshire And The Humber
McCormicks
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Testimonials
‘Phil Edmondson is a very user-friendly lawyer who is a pleasure to deal with.‘
‘Peter McCormick has great experience in football-related disputes.‘
‘In Phil Edmondson they have an excellent young partner: very easy to deal with, extremely smart and exceedingly hard working.‘
Key clients
The Premier League
The Premier League Charitable Fund
Leeds United FC
The Bostik League
Professional Game Match Officials Ltd
Visit Harrogate
Harrogate Town AFC
Walsall FC
McLaren Formula One
Otley RUFC
Leeds Rhinos RLFC
Yorkshire County Cricket Club
Norwich City FC
IDRS/The EFL (formerly the Football League)
Work highlights
- Trusted adviser to The Premier League.
- Representing Leeds United FC and its players in high-profile investigations brought by the FA and EFL.
- Retained by Professional Game Match Officials Limited to handle contractual arrangements, employment policies and disputes involving senior management and referees.
Walker Morris LLP
Walker Morris LLP fields an extensive team of highly praised experts in sports law under the leadership of David Hinchcliffe. Premier League and EFL football clubs engage Hinchliffe and senior associates Liz Coley and Katie Reed on commercial sponsorship deals, player transfers and loan licenses, financing issues, club acquisitions and club disposals. Director Alistair McHenry heads up the sports disputes team, which handles disciplinary proceedings, regulatory disputes and commercial arbitration proceedings. The group also acts for high-profile investors on acquisitions and the management of sports property portfolios.
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Walker Morris have one of the best all-round teams for sports law in the country, especially in relation to football disputes.‘
‘David Hinchliff is one of the most experienced and well-connected lawyers involved in football, especially with respect to insolvency, shareholder and ownership issues, and financing.‘
‘Liz Coley is extremely knowledgeable having herself previously worked for a number of football clubs on the inside.‘
‘A strong team on M&A work in football.‘
‘David Hinchliffe is best in the country on buying and selling football clubs.‘
‘Katie Reed is an excellent up-and-coming associate.‘
‘This is a dynamic and specialist team with a practical outlook for solving a clients’ problems.‘
‘Alistair McHenry is a brilliant and accessible lawyer, very knowledgeable in the football market. He is respected in the industry, especially for his commercial expertise acting for Clubs.‘
Key clients
Swansea City FC
Fulham FC
Bolton Wanderers FC
Burnley FC
Crystal Palace FC
AFC Bournemouth
Reading FC
Amir Khan
Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Nottingham Forest FC
Scunthorpe United FC
Sheffield United FC
Work highlights
- Acted for an individual on the acquisition of a majority shareholding of Blackpool FC, Blackpool Football Club Hotel and various properties including the stadium, training ground and several other sites.
- Advised Sheffield United on two international commercial partnerships: Al Wefaq Rent a Car and USG.
- Acted for Peterborough’s director on a betting charge handed down from the FA.
Clarion
Clarion’s sports practice fields experts from across the corporate, commercial, IP and dispute resolution departments. The practice, which is led by Richard Moran, advises high-profile individuals, clubs, leagues and retailers.
Blacks Solicitors LLP
Blacks Solicitors LLP assists individuals, agents, clubs and businesses with a range of matters including commercial, contractual, corporate and employment issues. Managing partner Chris Allen heads up the practice.
Keebles
Keebles' group has recently handled disputes arising from franchising agreements and PR events for a range of sports clients including football clubs, high-net-worth individuals and athletics bodies. Giles Searby leads the practice from Sheffield.
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Key clients
Chesterfield FC
Sheffield Sports Stadium Limited
Doncaster Knights RUFC
Gaming International Ltd
Brighton & Hove Triathlon Limited