This team combines the niche expertise and sector dedication of a specialist sports team with the resources and reputation of an international firm. The breadth of its sports coverage sets it apart from many of its peers, and the team works with major clients across cricket, football, rugby union, tennis, motor sport, golf, horse racing and Olympic movement sports. The team's stature can also be measured by the profile of work which it undertakes. One notable recent example came with the team's representation of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the high-profile spot-fixing charges against Pakistan international cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.
Client Service "In this industry we work 24/7, and they are always available – client service is never an issue with Bird & Bird."
Commercial Awareness "Whoever you work with at Bird & Bird, they all know the sector incredibly well, which is hugely important in sports law. They all have a genuine passion for sport."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Taylor is a titanic figure within UK sports law. He advises a broad range of sporting clients on commercial, contentious, regulatory and disciplinary issues. He is also a seasoned advocate, and has represented his clients in proceedings before a wide range of sports tribunals, including before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Sources acknowledge that "on the disciplinary side in particular, there is no one better in sport." The praise is near-universal, with commentators describing a "phenomenally good lawyer: he is ferociously bright, exhibits great judgement and commands total loyalty from his clients." He recently led the group in its work on the ICC spot-fixing case. Alongside Taylor on this case were Max Duthie and Jamie Herbert. Duthie is a contentious and regulatory specialist with a genuine focus on sports work. He is "highly sensible, very commercial, willing to help," and draws considerable praise from clients for his dedication to top-class service. Herbert is one of the team's rising stars. He works with a broad range of clients on an equally wide variety of sporting issues, encompassing the full range of commercial and regulatory work. Felicity Reeve is a veteran sports lawyer, who brings considerable corporate and commercial expertise to bear on behalf of her clients within the sector. She is highly regarded for her expertise in sports rights issues. She continues to lead the group's advice to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), which has recently included advising on the staging of the FIBA 2010 World Championships in Turkey. Justin Walkey is both the leader and the founder of the sports group at Bird & Bird. He is highly regarded in the sector, and his experience is such that client sources view him not just as a leading lawyer, but "as an incredibly valuable sports business adviser." He is particularly highly regarded in the sports media and marketing rights area.
Couchmans remains easily the UK's leading sports boutique law firm, as even peers are forced to concede: "Couchmans are sport – that's what they do." Now in its tenth year, the group has expanded to the stage where it represents both national and international sporting clients across a truly diverse spectrum of sports law issues. The team remains predominantly recognised in the market for its fantastic commercial advice, and yet this year one of its members played a central role in one of the most prominent acquisitions and disputes in football – the disputed takeover of Liverpool FC. The group can also provide top-level expertise across sports broadcast and media rights, sponsorship, regulatory, image rights and has the market's leading sports data advice group. However, the real strength of the Couchmans firm remains its strength in depth, with sources praising an "outstanding team of sports law professionals."
Client Service "They do things as quickly as is possibly – the speed is really really important in this business. The ease with which they get us to where we want to be is impressive."
Commercial Awareness "Of all the firms, they are the one which is most focused on sport."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Firm co-founder Nicholas Couchman is a seasoned sports law campaigner. He continues to advise a range of clients across sporting contracts, sports media and IP matters. Andy Korman focuses on commercial issues within the sports sector, and is particularly well regarded for his expertise in sponsorship and endorsement work. He scores highly with clients in terms of the commerciality and pragmatism of his approach, so much so that some see him as "very much a part of our team from a business point of view – he's exactly what we need: we can bounce commercial ideas around with him, and get valuable feedback." Satish Khandke is a corporate and commercial specialist, and he maintains a broad brief, advising clients on a range of issues, including corporate finance, corporate acquisitions and disposals, commercial agreements and the rules and regulations of sports. Khandke has been particularly prominent over the last twelve months through his role advising on the high-profile sale of Liverpool FC and the ensuing attempts of its former owners, Hicks and Gillett, to prevent the sale. Sources are unanimous in acknowledging his status as "top-notch – definitely a great deal lawyer." Steven Burton has a real niche in sports data work, an area where even his rivals concede that "his knowledge and understanding of the marketplace is frankly outstanding." In partnership with his colleague Andrew Price he forms the leading sports data practice in the market, and they act for prominent clients such as the ATP Tour and Football DataCo. Price is another member of the team who neatly demonstrates the level of client service for which Couchmans has become synonymous, with one source noting that "if you want to work with a lawyer you can talk to commercially, who understands what you want, and who will help you do it in the most efficient way – Andrew is your guy." Jon Higton is the firm's head of broadcasting, and continues to advise governing body clients on the structuring and development of their media rights programmes. One commentator noted four reasons for choosing Higton: "First he's a great lawyer, second he works fast, third he's well connected in the industry, and really understands it – and fourth, well, he has a great sense of humour." Nick White works across a variety of areas, including IP, sponsorship, broadcasting, regulatory and social media. Peers admire a "softly spoken lawyer who gets maximum returns for his clients through his excellent relationship skills."
DLA Piper is universally acknowledged to be a market leader within the sports sector, and its role as the key legal services provider to the Premier League deftly underscores this. The firm has represented the league since its inception in 1992, and advises it in relation to its domestic and international media rights strategy, the largest by some distance in the UK market. The team also remains prominent across a wide range of sports, and in a broad array of legal areas. The group has developed a strong reputation for working with major sports events organisers; it continues as the sole legal adviser to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games organising committee, and has also advised the English Hockey Board and Sport England in event-planning procedures.
Client Service "They are really really fantastic. Highly intelligent, very commercial, and they care about their clients."
Commercial Awareness "We chose DLA Piper because it has specific sports broadcast experience which is difficult to find."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Levine is the joint global head of the firm's IP and technology practice group, and is widely regarded as "a top pick for IP and copyright issues in the sports sector." Nick Fitzpatrick has tremendous expertise in the field of sports and media rights exploitation. He recently led the group in its advice to the Scottish Rugby Union on the sale of its broadcast rights for Scotland's Autumn Internationals to the BBC, and also worked with the Premier League on its title sponsorship agreement with Barclays Bank, and on its new technology partner agreements with Electronic Arts. Fitzpatrick was assisted in both pieces of work by senior associate Patrick Mitchell. Mitchell is one of the rising stars of the firm's sports practice, and specialises in the exploitation of media rights across all platforms. Nicholas West is universally accepted to be "a truly fantastic broadcasting lawyer." He has a tremendous track record in working on the broadcasting and audio-visual exploitation of sports. Catherine Beloff is another of the sports team's real rising stars. She is particularly experienced in advising governing bodies on regulatory issues.
Brabners Chaffe Street has unquestionably the pre-eminent sports group outside of the capital. Its client base includes entities from a variety of sports, but the team's reputation is founded on its prominence in football. Commentators view this group as one of the obvious choices for football regulatory work, and clients obviously agree, as the team's roster includes Manchester United FC, Manchester City FC, Liverpool FC, the Professional Footballers Association and a host of other top-flight clubs. On the commercial side, the team has continued to advise British Cycling on sponsorship agreements, including its relationship with Sky, and also advised Molson Coors in respect of its sponsorship agreement with the Scottish Football Association.
Client Service "They have a clear culture and client-driven approach. They are very accessible at all times and work well as a team."
Commercial Awareness "The firm is very highly rated as a sports law practice through its many years' focus on football."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Matthew Bennett is a highly regarded sports lawyer, particularly within the football industry. He regularly advises the Premier League, along with a range of clubs, agents and players, on regulatory issues. Clients from within the football business are delighted, noting that "he has the knowledge, the experience; he's clear, constructive and calm in a crisis." Senior partner Maurice Watkins is universally acknowledged as "a huge name in the field of sport." He has a long and distinguished track record in sport, which is underscored by his position as director of Manchester United FC, as well as his chairmanship of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain. He has a vast amount of regulatory expertise which he continues to put to use on behalf of both clubs and governing bodies. Michael Blood brings a wide range of expertise to bear for his sporting clients. Sources commend him for his adroitness in dealing with sports media and brand rights exploitation and also value his work advising on the acquisition and disposal of sports entities. Clients are quick to voice appreciation for his work, noting that "he's a pretty unique blend of understanding the sport, of expertise in corporate and litigation, and of being able to find practical solutions." Jason Smith is recognised for his expertise in the protection and exploitation of sports brand rights. He regularly assists clubs, as well as national and international governing bodies. Clients are especially enthusiastic about the service they receive, noting that he "has shown a tremendous capacity to follow our wishes, and yet still judge when it's best to be tough, and when it's best to be more amenable to the other side." Carol Couse is noted by a number of sources as a genuine star of the future. Commentators describe "a really top lawyer – she's so switched on in terms of the FA rules, she knows regulatory law and CAS inside out." Stuart Baird undertakes a range of sports work, including assisting football and rugby clients with disciplinary and regulatory cases, but it is his work with specialised sports immigration issues which draws the most praise. As one client suggested, "in sport we need answers – and he's been right every time."
The Charles Russell brand has had a strong profile in the sports sector for some years, but the last twelve months have seen its sports group expand and significantly raise its standing in the sports market. The firm's increased sports focus is reflected with new clients wins, including the RFU, the Welsh Rugby Union and the Greyhound Board of Great Britain. The team is principally recognised for its strength in regulatory work, and it continues to advise The FA on regulatory and disciplinary issues. The group also undertakes commercial work in the sports sector, and recently advised Hampshire Cricket on the establishment of Royals 2020, a global cricket franchise led by the Rajasthan Royals.
Client Service "Charles Russell is as professional a firm as I've ever dealt with – we've had real clarity about terms of engagement and transparency, and its members are always available."
Commercial Awareness "They offer knowledge of our industry and its regulations. It's great that we don't have to spend time getting them up to speed because they know how it works, they've been working in this industry for so long."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Patrick Russell is acknowledged as an expert in advising sports governing bodies on regulatory issues, and has advised the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), The FA and the Hurlingham Polo Association extensively. He is roundly lauded by clients from within sports, who highlight his "knowledge and responsiveness," suggesting that "he really cares about sport – he's hugely enthusiastic and very easy to work with." His colleague Edward Craig regularly advises governing bodies – including the BHA – and sports individuals in relation to regulatory issues. Sources state that "he knows sports procedures inside out, and gives us reliable, solid and practical advice." Jason Saiban heads up the technology, telecoms, media and sports sector group at Charles Russell. He is highly regarded for his contracts expertise, and impresses clients, who describe him as a "highly business-focused, practical, great lawyer." Ian Lynam maintains a broad sports brief, advising clients across a wide range of sports on issues such as financing, governance and regulatory issues. He impresses clients as "he has an obvious depth of knowledge and knows his subject matter really well, but he also brings a really positive and businesslike attitude – he's a great guy to do business with." Jonathan Ellis is one of the group's rising stars. He is "an exceptional litigator, who is superb when the stakes are at their highest."
As part of the January 2011 merger of Hammonds and Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, the sports team has become a part of the firm-wide sport and entertainment group. The team is widely held to be one of the finest football groups in the market and continues to act as the main supplier of legal services to Chelsea FC, Aston Villa FC and Fulham FC. The team is highly regarded for its regulatory and disciplinary expertise, and continues to act in some of the leading football disputes, including acting for Chelsea in its dispute with Romanian international Adrian Mutu, as well as acting for Ghanaian international Stephen Appiah in his dispute with Fenerbahçe. Sources say the team is "down to earth, and really understands the business of football."
Client Service "They are extraordinarily diligent – they work with great speed and accuracy."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Sampson is the head of the group. Principally a litigator, he works with a wide range of sports clients on disputes, arbitrations and commercial issues. Sampson continues to advise Chelsea FC in relation to its commercial activities, and also continues to act – in conjunction with his colleague Peter Limbert – for Chelsea in its high-profile dispute with former player Adrian Mutu. Limbert is widely regarded as a future star of the sports practice, with sources stating that "he knows absolutely everything about how football works – not just the sport itself, but the player relationships, the clubs, the works." He continues to act for Stephen Appiah in his dispute with former club Fenerbahçe. Mike Morgan has swiftly become "the absolute leading expert on anti-doping." He works with both governing bodies and individual athletes.
Lewis Silkin is seen as "the emerging group" in the sport market. The firm has invested heavily in the sector, and last year brought in immigration specialist Andrew Osborne from Squire Sanders Hammonds. The team represents clients across a range of sports, including football and athletics, but commentators emphasise the group's strength in rugby disciplinary work.
Client Service "Lewis Silkin has been outstanding; they don't just offer advice when we ask for it, they are pro-active in warning us of changes within the legal landscape to watch out for."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Owen Eastwood is rapidly building a strong reputation for his employment, disciplinary and regulatory work in the sports field. He was formerly the managing director of Esportif, Saatchi & Saatchi's sports marketing group, and this expertise impresses client sources, who believe he displays "genuine understanding and a real empathy for sport." He is particularly highly regarded for his work in rugby, and he was instructed by the New Zealand All Blacks, the Australian Wallabies and the South African Springboks on disciplinary issues during their autumn international tours. Andrew Osborne heads Lewis Silkin's immigration team. He has built a tremendous niche in sports immigration work, and is especially active in football, where he deals with the full gamut of issues relating to player transfer work.
Onside Law has successfully cemented its position within the highly competitive UK sports market. As a boutique sports and entertainment firm, it is able to offer its clients highly specialised advice, which has been key to its attracting and maintaining client relationships with prominent sports bodies such as the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Ryder Cup Europe. This year the team advised Ryder Cup Europe on all aspects of the 2018 Ryder Cup bidding process. The group also continues to advise the ECB on all aspects of its legal affairs. Sources say: "All four main partners are highly charismatic individuals, all are young, enthusiastic and energetic, and all work exceptionally well together as a team."
Client Service "They deliver for their clients a very personal and a very thorough service."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Commercial specialist Jamie Singer works closely with a number of the team's notable clients, including the ECB, the French Tennis Federation and the International Tennis Federation. He was previously in-house counsel at IMG, and sources say: "His background means he understands the market incredibly well – which is really valuable from a client perspective." Chris Walsh handles a blend of both commercial and contentious work. He works especially closely with the ECB, and impresses his clients with his "practical, current and cost-effective advice." Oliver Hunt is principally recognised for his expertise in golf. He works with both the PGA European Tour and the Ryder Cup, and recently worked extensively on the 2018 Ryder Cup bid. Sources say he is "loyal, diligent and always provides sound advice." Simon Thorp is the team's corporate specialist, and is lauded by sources who describe "a very client-oriented lawyer – it's always an easy and productive relationship." He works with a number of sporting clients, including Betfair, Opta Sportsdata and Srixon Sports Europe.
Harrogate-based McCormicks is highly influential in the football sector, where it maintains strong relationships with the Isthmian League, Leeds United FC and the Premier League. Market observers say: "They have a really thorough knowledge of football, both the market and the law."
Client Service "Immensely responsive, very prompt, very quick, respond carefully to all the requests we've made."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter McCormick is a towering figure within football. His prominence stems largely from his role as the chairman of the Legal Advisory Group of the Premier League. Opponents, colleagues and clients alike are quick to attest to the value of the "practical, common-sense advice," provided by "a lawyer who not only understands football, but always sees the commercial realities as well." James Martin makes his debut in the Chambers rankings following tremendous feedback from the market. Client sources enthuse about a "fantastic lawyer, who was immensely responsive, always prompt and always responded thoroughly to all the requests we made."
Burges Salmon LLP recently made a significant move in the market with the hire of star individual
Mark Gay. Gay is a "legendary sports specialist." He has considerable experience of advising governing body clients across disciplinary proceedings, particularly in relation to anti-doping work.
Graham Shear of Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP is widely renowned for his expertise in sports litigation, particularly on behalf of athletes and players, where peers place him
"at the top of the tree." He vast experience of the sector impresses clients, who value working with
"a great litigator who makes things happen, and is unerring in finding a way to achieve our aims." Nicholas Bitel co-heads the sports and commercial group at Max Bitel Greene. Sources view him as being
"the clear market leader in sports ticketing issues," and his extensive sports expertise recently saw him appointed to the board of Sport England.
Julian Diaz-Raineyof Hill Dickinson LLP of Hill Dickinson LLP is a dispute resolution specialist with a strong focus on the sports sector. His expertise has been called upon by The Football League, and by both Premier League clubs and players. Sources suggest that
"he acts for the top clubs for two reasons; first, he's an exceptional lawyer, but also he has a fantastic grasp of the nuances of sports law." Chris Farnell of IPS Law LLP is
"exceptionally commercial, and knows the football business very well." He works with a broad range of not just Premier and Football League clubs, but also agents and sports professionals across a wide spectrum of sports-related issues. Sources are keen to highlight that
"he really understands football regulatory matters – he doesn't just know the rules and the legal issues, but he also knows the right tactics to use." Morris Bentata heads the sports law group at Sheridans. His principal focus is on sports media rights issues, and he receives praise from clients who describe
"a good detail guy, and a very good all-round performer." Other sources concur that
"the quality of his work is outstanding – always very commercially balanced." He recently led the team in its advice to BSkyB subsidiary Tour Racing on the sponsorship programme for Team Sky.
Peter Cadman heads up the sports team at Russell-Cooke LLP. Sources praise this
"highly competent, confident, smooth operator," pointing to his work on behalf of Newcastle United FC as evidence of his standing in the sector.
Andrew Ford of Withers LLP is a much-vaunted
"heavyweight commercial litigator," for whom sport is only one aspect of his impressive practice. Nevertheless his high-profile work on behalf of Renault F1, as well as his recent representation of former snooker world champion John Higgins' manager, Pat Mooney, in John Higgins' high-profile sport resolutions tribunal, place him firmly on the sports law map.
John Verrill of Dundas & Wilson is an insolvency specialist who has a long-standing relationship with The Football League. He has recently advised on the insolvency of Portsmouth FC, and also advised the league on the company voluntary arrangement of Crystal Palace FC.
Lewis Cohen of Mishcon de Reya has become highly regarded for his work in sports sponsorship matters. He impresses clients, who consider him to be
"highly knowledgeable, efficient, thorough and also extremely personable." At the same firm,
Liz Ellen is fast building a name for herself in the sports sector. She is the first – and currently only – female lawyer in the country who is also a licensed FA Players Agent, and she utilises this expertise to assist players in a wide range of sports law issues.
Trevor Watkins recently joined Pinsent Masons. Sources are quick to praise his deep understanding of the sports sector, particularly of football. He is a former chairman of AFC Bournemouth, and this hands-on experience ensures that
"he's a great adviser for football clubs, a creative thinker who is adept at getting them out of difficult situations." Sources add that he
"is a well-connected rainmaker, who is well equipped with the broad knowledge."