With expertise in endorsement, licensing, and sponsorship sporting agreements, the Derby-based practice Geldards LLP often advises a broad range of sporting entities on appearance agreements, media, and regulatory matters. Practice head Jamie Goldberg is a key port of call for various high-profile athletes on image rights and intellectual property issues. Rebecca Stojak is particularly proficient in equine law and often represents domestic and international sporting and Olympic professionals on competition disputes. She is also well-regarded for her experience in advising sports professionals on defamation issues.

With a broad caseload spanning brand protection, governance issues, immigration, and sponsorship agreements, Shakespeare Martineau LLP is well-equipped to handle contract fallout, disciplinary, and doping disputes. Co-head of the practice Rhys Wyborn is an employment law specialist and is a key contact for sports clubs and governing bodies. Also co-head of the team, Ed Wright advises sports businesses on commercial contracts, data protection, and IP issues. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Nottingham.

Well-regarded for its amateur, motor sport, as well as non-motor sports expertise, Browne Jacobson LLP often advises football clubs on employment disputes. Based in Birmingham, Kevin Lawson is a sporting injury expert, and notably handles cases involving riders losing control on motocross courses. Also operating out of Birmingham, Rachel Lyne specializes in regulatory matters, and oversees the firm’s public inquiries practice. In Nottingham, Sarah Erwin-Jones is often engaged in abuse claims on behalf of sporting bodies.