McCormicks stands out for its extensive expertise in the sports sector, advising a slew of leading football clubs and sporting bodies on a wide range of matters. Peter McCormick stands out in this area, with extensive experience working closely with football associations. McCormick leads the practice, that notably includes sports litigator David Birks and James Towler, who is well versed in handling the full range of corporate and commercial transactions. Peter Minnikin is also noted, specialising in game shooting matters, and Iain Jenkins is noted for his employment expertise.

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s sports practice is ‘incredibly responsive and user friendly’, and uses its extensive sector knowledge to advise football teams, leading fitness brands, and major sponsors on a slew of matters. Matthew Clayton-Stead and Joe McMorrow lead the practice; Clayton-Stead has extensive finance expertise which he leverages to advise on working capital and acquisition finance, and McMorrow has vast knowledge of employment law. Charlotte Harman is key to the team, also with employment experience, while Scott Oxley is noted for his intellectual property knowledge.

‘Expertise, dedication, and a results-driven approach’ differentiates the practice at Tyr, which has extensive regulatory and litigation expertise across the sector, as well as football finance knowledge; commercial sponsorship and employment work are also key strengths of the team. The ‘very impressive and knowledgeable’ Alistair McHenry is a skilled advocate and leads the practice, with vast arbitration experience. Rebecca Dodds works closely with international sports integrity agencies, sporting clubs, and high-profile athletes.

The sports practice at Walker Morris LLP acts on the full gamut of matters, including sports employment and litigation work, as well as complex regulatory and immigration matters. Intellectual property cases, including IP portfolios and brand protection strategies are also a strength of the practice. Charlotte Smith leads the practice, with experience dealing with high-profile sports matters, spanning manager appointments, terminations, and sports litigation. Carly Thorpe acts on leading sports related construction disputes, including the extension of football stadiums. Sarah Ward has competition expertise, while Philip Scott is noted for his football finance knowledge.

Ward Hadaway LLP has a notable sports law offering, often advising high-profile football clubs, sports competitions, and national governing bodies. Team head Philip Edmondson specialises in sports disputes, with particular experience in professional negligence and defamation disputes. Dan Lyon and Paul Scope are key to the practice, along with Laura Darnley and Nick Wells.