Mills & Reeve LLP provides a full-service sports law offering with a strong national presence. With a multidisciplinary team that advises clients across the commercial, regulatory, disciplinary, and contentious spectrum, the team advises on major international player transfers, image rights, training compensation, and anti-doping, acting for clubs, governing bodies, agents, and athletes. Practice head Carol Couse maintains a profile as a FIFA mediator, whilst also regularly acting for high-profile players and managers, including Cole Palmer- and having deep knowledge of the women’s football landscape. Mark Hovell has vast experience before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while boosting the team’s contentious capabilities. Paddy Lynam is active in the real estate transaction space, often in horseracing. Phil Hutchinson is a key member of the practice and has strong anti-doping knowledge. The arrivals of Alastair Cotton and John Shea in 2023 and 2024 have further boosted the breadth and capability of the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘An exceptional team, which is one of the leading firms in sports law. Mills & Reeve have a particular strength in international disputes, especially football, with multi-lingual practitioners.’

  • ‘Mark Hovell - a titan of sports law. Carol Couse - probably the leading female sports law partner in the country. John Shea - probably the leading principal associate in sports law. Phil Hutchinson - an outstanding principal associate for sports law.’

Key clients

  • Commonwealth Games Federation
  • International Paralympic Committee
  • International Tennis Integrity Agency
  • International Tennis Federation
  • The Ryder Cup Europe
  • British Cycling
  • British Canoeing
  • England Golf
  • Sport England
  • Cole Palmer
  • Kieran Trippier
  • Kyle Walker

Work highlights

Advised Palmer Management Limited on Cole Palmer’s personal brand protection strategy, including the registrability and enforcement of his brand assets as trade marks.
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.
Assisted the International Paralympic Committee with high-profile 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.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Carol Couse

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Mark Hovell

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Phil Hutchinson
John Shea

Practice head

Carol Couse

Other key lawyers

Mark Hovell; Phil Hutchinson; Alastair Cotton; Paddy Lynam; John Shea