Headed up by Jason Saiban, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s sports, retail and technology group and is a key contact for both sponsors and sports entities. Key engagements for the team see them working with major multinational apparel companies and national governing bodies on sponsorship, marketing and advertising matters. Nic Couchman – who heads up the sport department – advises high-profile athletes on commercial, brand, and image rights matters. Edward Craig is the first port of call for equine matters, advising governing bodies in horseracing on contentious and non-contentious matters. Nick White advises clients on NFTs, ambush marketing issues, the assignment and transfer of trade marks and supports on sponsorship deals in tennis. Richard Davies and Danielle Sharkey support the team on a range of sponsorship, media rights and marketing instructions. Sharkey, in particular, leverages her experience of working as a legal and compliance adviser at the British Horseracing Authority.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are very much experts in their field. They understand the needs of the client and ensure the wider organisational matters are considered. CRS meet deadlines and work well with the in-house team, ensuring that others learn and are not side-lined during the process.’
‘Danielle Sharkey remains our go-to lawyer when we need external advice. She is incredibly knowledgeable, diligent and produces work which is exactly what is asked for, in a way that can be quickly and easily applied in the industry. She makes herself available when we need assistance and anticipates problems.'
- 'Edward Craig is an exceptional leader of the dispute resolution team. He is approachable, knowledgeable and delivers work which is exactly what the client requires. As an organisation, we cannot recommend him enough.’
‘Responsive, pragmatic and knowledgeable. Burgeoning sports practice with experience across a range of disciplines.’
Key clients
- Nike
- The International Tennis Federation
- International Cricket Council
- Marcus Rashford
- Ascot Racecourse
- ATP
- Sage
- British Swimming
- Premiership Rugby
- British Horseracing Authority
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.
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Danielle advises on a range of contentious and non-contentious issues including breaches of Regulatory Rules, breaches of procedure, good governance, integrity, integrity education, welfare and doping. She has experience of prosecuting before Sports Disciplinary Tribunals, both in person and as junior to leading Counsel.
Danielle is admitted to practice in England and Wales.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Edward has 20 years’ experience in advising a broad range of clients on high value, complex litigation often with an international dimension. His background and approach to litigation are grounded in his experience of advising household name retailers and other key clients of the firm, giving his advice a strong commercial edge. As head of the firm’s retail and leisure sector, he acts for an enviable array of major brands, however his broader commercial contentious practice includes advising sports regulatory bodies, companies and private individuals on a wide range of commercial disputes, including professional negligence matters.Recent cases have included dealing with a high value manufacturing dispute for a luxury brand, acting against professional service advisors for negligence, and representing clients against HMRC. Edward is a well known figure within the world of luxury brands, where he leads the firm's relationship with Walpole (the leading British luxury brands consortium) and is a regular advisor and contributor within that sector.Edward is admitted to practise in England and Wales.Experience highlights: Acting alongside other partners as External Administrator of an insolvent Middle Eastern bank in relation to alleged multi-billion dollar fraud Running a high value banking dispute involving a complex repurchase agreement for a financial product (CDO) Handling a dispute with HMRC and professional advisors in relation to the issue of advance payment notices relating to a film finance scheme Advising a regulatory body in relation to an arbitration
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Jason is a commercial contracts specialist, with a focus on TMT, sport, and retail and leisure. In TMT, he has particular expertise in outsourcing, managed services, logistics, procurement and licensing, and acts for a number of software developers and procurers of technology. In sport, Jason has significant experience in sponsorship, digital media, merchandising, endorsements and event management work. He is the relationship partner for a number of the firm’s key sports clients, ranging from international sports brands to leading sports agencies. His retail practice is focused on franchising, distribution, supply and logistics. Clients in the retail space include brands, restaurant chains and manufacturers. Jason’s client base ranges from large multinationals to start-ups and entrepreneurs. He regularly speaks at conferences, particularly on sponsorship matters.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Richard specialises in commercial contracts, with a particular focus on the sports and technology. Richard has particular expertise in sponsorship, personal endorsements, media rights, e-commerce and digital content. He has experience drafting and negotiating agreements for a range of businesses including start-ups, major UK PLCs, athletes and sports organisations.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jason Saiban, Nic Couchman