The ‘very strong’ sports team at Clarke Willmott LLP acts for an impressive roster of leading organisations, clubs, managers, and athletes, handling a broad spectrum of high-profile sports-related matters. Core areas include contractual issues and terminations, sports sponsorships, sport employment, insolvency and regulatory advice. Regarded as ’one of the best in the market for sports-related employment disputes’, Tim Copplestone advises Premier League footballers and managers, as well as Premiership rugby players, on the full scope of sport employment law issues. Robert Ridd is a key contact for corporate governance and football finance matters, handling corporate transactions across professional football, cricket and rugby. Regulatory expert Tim Williamson joined the team from Foot Anstey in October 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very strong West Country sports team.'
- 'Tim Copplestone: One of the best in the market for sports-related employment disputes.'
Key clients
- The Rugby Players’ Association
- Wasserman
- Decathlon
- Somerset County Cricket Club
- Surfing England
- The F.A. Group and Wembley National Stadium
Work highlights
Advising the Rugby Players Association on player protection contractual matters including Premiership player employment disputes, disciplinary issues, and player terminations.
Acting for global sports agency Wasserman on its acquisition of other pro-sports agencies, including Volante Sports leading women’s football player talent representation agency.
Successfully defending judicial review application against the Bristol Sport Ashton Gate Stadium Phase 2 Arena development.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Tim Copplestone
Other key lawyers
Robert Ridd; Tim Williamson