TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Farrer & Co boasts notable expertise in safeguarding, reputation management, and employment-related advisory work, regularly counselling a range of significant sports clients. The team is routinely instructed by national governing bodies, professional clubs, and international federations. The group has acted on safeguarding audits, investigations, and appeals, often involving complex case management and cross-border regulatory considerations. It also regularly advises on high-profile reputation issues and handles employment investigations linked to safeguarding and misconduct. Julian Pike is recognised for his longstanding work at the intersection of sport, media, and reputation management. Tom Bruce leads the practice and is a key contact for a number of major international clients. Katie Fudakowski leads the safeguarding branch of the practice, whilst Owen O’Rorke continues to advise on data privacy and confidentiality issues.
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Work Department
Disputes.
Position
Julian heads Farrer & Co's reputation management practice. He has more than 20 years' experience of advising high profile individuals, corporations and institutions who find themselves the subject of attention, whether from mainstream media, online attacks or campaigning/ obsessed individuals. Often Julian will work with public relations advisers, in-house and external, to achieve the best outcomes. This recognises that the law has its limitations, but also that there is a need to take account of the client's long term business and strategic interests, as well as dealing with immediate issue. Having also represented major UK media organisations throughout his career, Julian knows the "art of the possible" and how best this is achieved.
Career
Joined Farrer & Co 1990; Partner 1999.
Memberships
Society of Editors; Media Society Council Member; British Association of Sport and the Law; MCC; Harlequins FC
Education
Southampton University (LLB).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Farrer & Co has a long history of engagement with sports clubs and governing bodies across a range of legal issues including safeguarding, equality and diversity and sports regulation. The firm has very good strength in depth of partners and associates with expertise in legal issues which impact on sport and associated issues.’
‘The team have always worked collaboratively with me and my team in a really timely manner; they all have an awareness and understanding of the nuances of each case and clearly explain options for me to manage situations.’
‘I have always found Julian Pike to have an excellent knowledge of sports law and how this is applied in a regulatory setting; in particular in a very challenging case on which he has worked with me. Julian always takes the time to talk through legal matters on cases and support the safeguarding team in a proportionate response; Julian consistently provides this support in a digestible and straightforward manner.'
‘I was impressed by how carefully they listened to our needs and responded to them sympathetically. The approach is neither 'one size fits all' nor 'all bells and whistles'; rather it falls in that sweet spot in between where experience derived and understanding of the client make for an assured delivery of the product.’
‘Tom Bruce as a partner and India Benjamin as a senior associate. They work together well and there is a clear understanding of roles. Tom brings experience and common sense to the task; India is very diligent and sets out advice and documents in a clear and concise manner.’