Sports law advice for individuals

Our expert team of sports lawyers specialises in supporting talented individuals of all disciplines across the sports industry. From athletes, players and coaches to managers, club backroom staff and members of their families, we can deal with any legal issues that may arise throughout their careers or personal lives.

Many of our dedicated lawyers have gained direct experience of the sector by working within leading sporting bodies and organisations or advising extensively at club or regulatory level.  This very specific knowledge gives a unique insight into the industry and enables us to provide clear, commercially realistic and practical legal advice to sporting individuals on a wide variety of situations and scenarios.

As sports professionals can now reach global audiences through technology and social media, public interest is often focused as much on their personal brand and lifestyle as on sporting performance. This has resulted in a shift of power from clubs and federations towards the individuals themselves. It is therefore imperative that the best legal advice is obtained to protect not only career contracts and relationships but also the sports professional’s entire lifestyle and image, together with that of their family.

Our comprehensive range of services for athletes and sports professionals includes employment, immigration, family, matrimonial and private family issues, safeguarding matters, private client (including tax and estate planning), personal injury, property transactions, commercial contracts and disputes, sponsorship deals, brand protection, reputation management, media law, image rights, fraud and tax investigations.  We are one of the few legal firms that can fully support international non-domiciled athletes and players coming into the UK who need specific and complex wealth management and tax planning.

Our clients cover a diverse cross-section of the sports world, from Premier League footballers and club owners, professional rugby players, motorsports drivers, e-sports competitors and tennis players to Team GB Olympic and Paralympic athletes, football managers, agents and other international sportspersons.  We understand the distinctive challenges that they face and offer a carefully tailored response.

As a member of the Sports Resolutions panel, we regularly assist individuals in arbitrations and disciplinary hearings. We also work closely with the League Managers Association (LMA), advising its individual members on employment and complex contractual disputes, reputational management and insolvency matters. Our lawyers are ranked individually and as a team by the leading legal directories which praise their ‘real depth of knowledge’ and ‘commercially astute’ approach.