Acting for clients across a variety of sports – namely football, golf, boxing, and darts – the ‘amazing’ practice at BTO Solicitors LLP specialises in advising on complex commercial disputes and production agreements. Operating out of Edinburgh, practice head Will Cole is noted for his expertise in real estate and commercial contract work. Dawn Robertson focuses on constructive dismissal and discrimination claims, while Lynn Richmond is knowledgeable on IP issues. Other key figures include Michael Cox, who concentrates on sponsorship agreements. Former partner Andrew Sleigh retired in September 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has a lot of experience in the sports sector and understands the challenges that we face, which helps them to provide strategic advice.’
‘Will Cole always makes himself available and uses his experience of our sector to give well-thought out advice.’
‘The team were amazing in both securing new premises and drawing up complicated and complex contracts.'
- 'We used the two separate departments but they worked together seamlessly, both contributing and cooperating as a single team.'
- 'The advice given was exceptional and I felt that they were working to my best interests at all times.’
‘Mark and Michael were very professional, but friendly and good to talk to. They were helpful and gave good recommendations for other solutions out with their speciality.’
Key clients
- Scottish Football Association
- Quipu TV (trading as QTV)
- Lenzie Rugby Football Club
- Aberlady Inn Limited (Wirefox)
- Armadilla Accommodation Limited
Work highlights
Acted for the Scottish FA in Court of Session proceedings for interim interdict (injunction) and judicial review brought by Park’s of Hamilton (Holdings) Limited (a car dealer).
Advised QTV on the production agreement with the SPFL and SFA which is an example of the commercial contracts that we routinely advise on in the Sporting sector that relate to cutting edge issues, in this instance the creation of hosting venue and associated services for the operation on VAR.
Acted for Moray College in the successful defence of a claim arising from an injury sustained at a sports day, in a case where the Court had to consider the scope of the duty of care owed by a sports event organiser.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Will Cole
Other key lawyers
Dawn Robertson; Lynn Richmond; Michael Cox