From advising numerous football clubs on regulatory frameworks to assisting governments on sports-related investments, the Mishcon de Reya LLP team provides ‘user-friendly, up-to-date’ advice on the whole spectrum of transactional and contentious sporting issues. Head of practice Simon Leaf ’goes above and beyond’ when handling digital rights agreements and sponsorship arrangements, primarily in the boxing and football spheres; Lewis Cohen is an expert on commercial contracts; while Maria Patsalos is an immigration law specialist. Peter Nunn focuses on IP and commercial disputes, and Michael Frost is experienced in crisis management issues. Tom Murray, Reema Sharma and Oliver Millichap are also noted as key.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Their advice is user-friendly, up to date and comprehensive.’
‘Simon Leaf goes above and beyond in his role as legal counsel by using his connections in the sports industry to connect players and agents.’
‘Mishcon's people are its power. They have managed to make such a big firm feel boutique and personalised. Their head office is warm and modern, but informal and from the welcome on reception through to my lawyer, my experience was first class.’
‘The individual I worked with cared. He was proactive, kept me constantly informed, and went above and beyond his remit to ensure I had the best outcome. The lady on the front door, who is the first contact when entering, is always smiling and polite which is so refreshing.’
‘Exceptionally responsive, articulate, fair and communicative.’
‘I work directly with Simon Leaf, he has exceptional depth of knowledge, is a wonderful communicator and out-of-the-box thinker.’
Key clients
- Socios.com
- TikTok
- Formula 1
- Azeem Rafiq
- BLAST ApS
- DAZN
- Alex Albon (Formula 1 Driver for Williams Racing)
- IndusInd Bank
- Newcastle Rugby Limited, Saracens Limited, Bath Rugby Limited and others
- The family of the late Gianluca Vialli
Work highlights
Advised Marcus Rashford and his family on a variety of legal-related matters – including one of the three largest Premier League playing contracts and image rights deals in the history of the league.
Advised fast-growing Danish esports events organiser Blast on some of its largest international deals including a multi-year deal opposite Epic Games that will see Blast organise the Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) and Rocket League Championship Series.
Advised former Yorkshire CC player Azeem Rafiq on all legal matters arising from the high-profile racism scandal that dominated English cricket in recent years.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Simon Leaf
Other key lawyers
Lewis Cohen; Maria Patsalos; Peter Nunn; Michael Frost; Tom Murray; Anne Rose; Reema Sharma; Oliver Millichap