Bates Wells advises a diverse client base across the sports sector, with a particularly strong presence in the governance and charitable arms of national governing bodies and grassroots clubs. The firm continues to act for sports organisations of all standards, including the England and Wales Cricket Board, on charity formation, restructuring, and governance framework. Thea Longley is a vastly experienced charity lawyer and often counsels sport clients on their matters. Associate Ben Thomas also specialises in the area, and is described as ‘a very good technical lawyer’ by clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ben Thomas was the lead on our account and he immediately understood what our needs were.'
‘We have worked with Bates Wells for over 3 years now on many different legal matters re ownership, takeovers and other things. We have found them fantastic to deal with.’
‘We have worked with 4 different lawyers at different times and found them all fantastic and easy to work with and at our service when needed.’
Key clients
- Letchworth Rugby Football Club
- Rugby Football Union
- Football For Future CIC
- Peterborough United Football Club Limited
- The Football Foundation
- The Sharks Foundation NPC
- Fair Game CIC
- Everybody Health & Leisure
- England and Wales Cricket Board
- England and Wales Cricket Trust
- Royal Yachting Association
- Girls United Football Association
Work highlights
Advised the England and Wales Cricket Trust to prepare template contracts with regional county boards for distribution of grassroots cricket funding.
Advised Fair Game CIC (a leading campaigning organisation representing professional football clubs) on the text of proposed legislation to introduce an independent Football Regulator.
Advised Letchworth Rugby Football Club (a community rugby club) on conversion from CASC to charitable status and the establishment of a trading subsidiary.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Thea Longley; Ben Thomas