Linklaters LLP‘s sports practice has emerged as one of the firm’s fastest-growing sectors, boasting a client base that includes significant stakeholders in a range of sports. The firm remains the go-to legal adviser to the English Premier League, acting across some highly complex regulatory matters. Elsewhere, the team has developed a strong track record in motorsport, recently advising on the entry of Audi and General Motors/Cadillac into Formula 1. Tom Cassels is the global co-head of the sport sector, and his litigation background positions him to act as a skilled adviser to the firm’s high-profile clients. Associate Shamin Choudhury leads alongside Cassels and focuses his practice on strategic M&A transactions and structured finance arrangements. Partners Reza Taylor and David Martin contribute to the firm’s sports offering.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Has an excellent sports team, particularly strong in football, one of the main lawyers to the Premier League.’
- ‘Tom Cassels is a truly great disputes lawyer, particularly for anti-trust.’
- 'Extremely experienced team in the Sports sector, especially around regulatory and competition matters. They have worked on nearly all of the most high-profile regulatory enforcement cases in football so have exceptional experience. They have incredible depth of high-quality resources that can come onto any engagement to deliver to the required timelines. Very hard-working team that will work at any hour or day to deliver high quality service to their client.'
- 'Ben Carroll - very smart and very knowledgeable partner. Exceptional at being able to absorb information, ask the necessary pointed questions and being able to strategise cases. Georgina King - very engaged in the wider sector especially in women's football. Extremely knowledgeable in the Sports sector and delivers exceptional client service. Benja Arnott - very knowledgeable in the sports sector having worked on many of the high-profile regulatory cases.'
Key clients
- The Football Association Premier League Limited Audi AG Internationales Bankhaus Bodensee AG General Motors Norfolk FB Holdings
Work highlights
Advised Audi on its entry into Formula 1, including in relation to its investment into the Sauber Formula 1 team.
Advising the Premier League on issues relating to a number of strategic, disciplinary, regulatory and policy matters.
Advised Norfolk Holdings on its follow-on investment to acquire a majority ownership interest in Norwich City FC.
Practice head
Tom Cassels; Shamin Choudhury
Other key lawyers
Reza Taylor; David Martin