Sport
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7415 6000Chambers Review
Bird & Bird has a market-leading group of specialist lawyers instructed on the most complex and high-profile regulatory matters in world sport, including disputes and compliance. The team acts for an enviable client base of leading international federations, governing bodies, sports clubs and corporate entities. Its stellar commercial team advises on media rights acquisitions, tenders and sponsorship deals, as well as sport-related acquisitions and divestments. It has experience throughout a wide range of sports including athletics, rugby union, football, motorsports and cricket, and is internationally revered for its performance on large-scale investigations and external reviews.
Work Highlights
- Bird & Bird acted for Arsenal FC on the renewal of its shirt sponsorship and stadium naming rights agreements with Emirates.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Specialists were available to support in all areas. The work was performed to an exemplary standard to tight deadlines, and Bird & Bird's responsiveness and ability to operate were first rate."
"They are the gold standard for football cases."
"Their baseline level of knowledge, without research, is extremely vast. Younger partners and senior associates have been very well trained, which leads to efficiency in process and billing."
"Bird & Bird have deep sports law expertise and the size and heft to be able to deal with big litigation."
"A go-to firm for regulatory work. They are very, very strong on that, and always have been."
"Specialists were available to support in all areas. The work was performed to an exemplary standard to tight deadlines, and Bird & Bird's responsiveness and ability to operate were first rate."
"They are the gold standard for football cases."
"Their baseline level of knowledge, without research, is extremely vast. Younger partners and senior associates have been very well trained, which leads to efficiency in process and billing."
"Bird & Bird have deep sports law expertise and the size and heft to be able to deal with big litigation."
"A go-to firm for regulatory work. They are very, very strong on that, and always have been."
Notable Practitioners
Jonathan Taylor is head of Bird & Bird's sports group in London. He is a market-leading sports solicitor who offers governing and regulatory bodies the benefit of his expertise in tribunals, investigations and reviews.
"Top of class in all aspects. I am very pleased with his advice, informed by his understanding of the blend and balance of law and politics in international sports."
"Jon Taylor is outstanding and stands alone in terms of his level of experience, judgement and sophistication."
"An absolute star."
Max Duthie handles a range of significant matters for major governing bodies in football and rugby including governance reviews, disciplinary proceedings and investigations.
"A true trusted adviser in every sense."
"A razor-sharp litigator who provides brilliant client service."
Craig Giles advises on all aspects of media rights and marketing in sport, taking in myriad commercial agreements and also regulatory compliance and proceedings.
"A fantastic commercial lawyer and a really nice person to deal with."
Lauren Pagé is recognised for advising international sporting bodies on governance and regulatory issues. She also represents clients in contentious governance and misconduct matters.
"Lauren is bright, responsive, knowledgeable and a very hard worker. She is always there for her clients and provides excellent advice."
"An exceptional lawyer in the field of international sports law."
Richard Bush is a respected practitioner highlighted for his expertise across a broad range of sporting matters. His practice covers the likes of anti-doping, eligibility of transgender athletes and governing body investigations.
"Richard very friendly, understated and one of the best I have worked with. He is also, in my view, now the most experienced lawyer in safeguarding."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bird & Bird
UK-wide