The sports law practice at Burges Salmon LLP leverages extensive industry expertise and is praised for its ‘very commercial and efficient approach’. The multidisciplinary team advises clients on a wide range of regulatory, litigation, and commercial issues, with standout strengths in motorsport, polo, and horseracing, while steadily expanding its presence in the football sector. In Bristol, the practice is spearheaded by Jeremy Dickerson, who specialises in sponsorship, advertising and merchandising matters, alongside a robust sports litigation, and anti-doping practice. Helen Scott-Lawler lends IP expertise, while corporate finance-expert Dominic Davis advises sports sector clients on mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Andrew Matheson is a key contact for commercial disputes, notably within football, tennis and golf.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The team is pragmatic, highly qualified and operate with the highest possible degree of integrity.’
‘The practice is very responsive to our needs. They are quick to pick up on issues and to suggest suitable solutions. They understand us well and are quick to react and provide advice.’
‘Excellent lawyers with great knowledge, but also a very commercial and efficient approach.’
‘The team is very pragmatic and willing to offer practical advice. This is very refreshing as many firms strictly adhere to legal language, forcing the client to make their own interpretation.’
Key clients
- Wasps Holdings Limited (in Administration)
- Play Sports Network
- Brooks Running
Work highlights
Acted alongside the joint administrators from FRP Advisory in relation to the administrations of the Wasps Rugby and Coventry Arena group companies.
Advised a non-departmental body across the full suite of data protection issues concerning its procurement of research services into three funded Cultural Programmes of Major Sporting Events: the Commonwealth Games 2022, Women’s Euro 2022 and Rugby League World Cup 2021.
Acting for US sportswear brand Brooks Sports, Inc in High Court trade mark infringement proceedings issued against it by Puma.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jeremy Dickerson
Other key lawyers
Helen Scott-Lawler; Dominic Davis; Andrew Matheson