Mills & Reeve LLP joins the ranking having continued to invest in its sports law capability. Clients describe it as ‘the go-to regional firm for sport’. The practice is led by Carol Couse, who works between Manchester and Cambridge, and vastly experienced Cambridge-based international sports lawyer Alastair Cotton, who previously served as head of legal at the International Paralympic Committee. Mark Hovell is a key name, and is a member of numerous sports arbitration panels, including the Premier League Judicial Board and the National Anti-Doping Panel. He is currently advising the PGA on the restructuring of its joint ownership of Ryder Cup Europe LLP. Paddy Lynam has extensive sports law expertise due to his interest in bloodstock and horseracing. John Shea, who joined from Lewis Silkin and who works in both London and Cambridge, adds experience in sports disputes on behalf of clubs, players, agencies, and governing bodies. He also advises on high-profile football transfers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Very knowledgeable about the sports industry and relevant legal issues; great to work with (excellent with clients and a lovely team to work with); work extremely hard for the client.’
‘Carol Couse - highly knowledgeable, particularly in relation to football disputes, and a pleasure to work with. Phil Hutchinson - already operates at Partner level; hard-working and knowledgeable. Rustam Sethna - v bright bright and hard-working.’
'Very strong team. very busy with sports work. The go-to regional firm for sport.'
'Carole Couse, Rustam Sethna, Phil Hutchinson, John Shea are all top-quality and leading sports law specialists.'
Key clients
- Commonwealth Games Federation
- International Paralympic Committee
- International Tennis Integrity Agency
- International Tennis Federation
- The Ryder Cup Europe LLP
- British Cycling
- British Canoeing
- British Fencing
- England Golf
- Sport England
- UK Sport
- Cole Palmer
Work highlights
Advised World Business Media on its sale to Thomson Reuters.
Advised the Professional Golfers’ Association on restructuring its joint ownership of Ryder Cup Europe LLP, including amending the LLP Agreement and drafting new ancillary agreements. This work aims to protect the Ryder Cup amidst professional golf's evolving landscape, particularly negotiations involving the PGA Tour, DP Tour, and LIV Golf. We collaborated with Ryder Cup Europe's other partners to future-proof this prestigious competition.
Assisted the International Paralympic Committee with matters for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, including negotiating a new multi-million-pound investment deal with the Toyota Mobility Foundation, a media rights deal with NBC Universal, and a content licensing deal with TikTok. Advised on the media marketing agency agreement for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games and assisted in prosecuting Para athletes for anti-doping violations.
Practice head
Carol Couse; Alastair Cotton
Other key lawyers
Paddy Lynam; John Shea; Rustam Sethna; Phil Hutchinson