Brabners LLP has a broad sports practice spanning governance, commercial, regulatory, and employment matters. Lydia Edgar leads the team with expertise in employment-related issues, particularly in relation to high-profile appointments and exits. Paul Lunt is experienced in sports-related disputes, often with a media element, while Jason Smith advises international federations and national governing bodies, focusing on the exploitation of commercial rights including sponsorship, merchandising, and broadcasting. Colin Bell handles a wide range of commercial and contractual matters for clubs, agents, governing bodies, and individuals. Andrew McGregor specialises in football-related contracts, transfers, and regulatory compliance, and the ‘brilliant’ Catherine Forshaw focuses on regulatory and integrity issues, including anti-doping, safeguarding, and athlete welfare matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Amongst the market leaders for this kind of work. Excellent knowledge and contacts in the industry.’
'Lydia Edgar is very pleasant to deal with on a personal level and always takes the time to correspond and interact in a way which goes above and beyond and puts you at ease. She also displays both a warmth and strong knowledge base in the sports law arena.'
‘Andrew McGregor - an astute lawyer and litigator and excellent negotiator. Very well-connected in football in particular.'
‘One of the top dogs in the sports sector, particularly in relation to governing body disputes. They have a long history of being involved in the sector and are able to use that experience to help their clients.’
‘Catherine Forshaw - A brilliant associate who will be a market leading partner in the near future. She is extremely knowledgeable about the sports sector, and committed to helping her clients. I would highly recommend her to any sports governing body involved in a dispute.'
- 'Andrew McGregor is incredibly personable. He is sought out for his experience in football agent disputes and has very sound judgement.'
Key clients
- Rezzil
- Skateboard GB
- Port Vale Football Club
- Port Vale Football Club Foundation
- Plymouth Argyle Football in the Community Trust
- Hull FC Super League RFLC
- England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
- SportAccord
- Liverpool Football Club
- Leicester City Football Club
- Commonwealth Games Federation
- Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)
Work highlights
Advised several sports tech and esports businesses as well as Chester Racecourse Company and Basketball England in respect of their technology developments and innovation projects.
Instructed by Plymouth Argyle Football Club and Plymouth Argyle Football in the Community Trust in connection with its £23m development of youth academy and community facilities in the city.
Advised several National Governing Bodies, high-profile clubs and participants in respect of sensitive safeguarding issues and case management.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Andrew McGregor
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Catherine Forshaw
Practice head
Lydia Edgar
Other key lawyers
Paul Lunt; Jason Smith; Colin Bell; Andrew McGregor; Catherine Forshaw; Matthew Lavelle