About

Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Harbottle & Lewis’ dedicated Sports team offers clients the full range of sport law services including sports marketing and sponsorship, broadcasting and event staging, reputation management, agency and media services, regulatory, team issues and eSports.

We have represented some of the biggest names across all sports, in both the domestic and international markets, and remain at the cutting edge of sports law – innovating with creative sponsorship deals, establishing and enforcing rules and regulations, negotiating rights across new channels and representing elite athletes facing new challenges and opportunities arising from changes to technology.

Our strength lies in the fact that we understand the sports industry from both a legal and a commercial perspective. This allows us to give the best possible advice to our clients who include governing bodies, sports rights owners, sponsors, teams, individual sports personalities and player associations.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Sport - UK-wide
3
Band 3
What the Team is Known For

Harbottle & Lewis continues to handle a variety of matters across sports law, with expertise in sponsorship, media rights and reputation management work. It has particular strength in providing specialist advice on sports technology, e-sports, ticketing platforms and digital content. The team acts for high-profile individuals and clubs in a variety of sports and is valued for its advice on major sports events and long-term sponsorship contracts. Also offers regulatory expertise including rule interpretations and disciplinary advice.

Work Highlights

Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP
  • Harbottle & Lewis advised on Diageo’s long-term renewal of its major title sponsorship of the men’s rugby union Six Nations, and its additional title sponsorship of the women’s Six Nations.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Bob Mitchell
2
Bob Mitchell
Head of Sport
2
Band 2

Bob Mitchell is held in high regard for his longstanding presence as a high-end sports lawyer. He handles commercial and regulatory work for clients across all areas of sport from governing bodies to individual athletes.

"Bob is an exceptional sounding board for any matter requiring legal attention and has been a massive support to the business. Any support needed, he has it covered."

"Bob is a strong negotiator and brings clever and creative thinking to each round."

"Bob is well connected, always highly commercial and an astute lawyer."

"A trusted professional with a personal touch that makes him a key part of our team."

Michael Lister
4
Michael Lister
4
Band 4

Michael Lister specialises in sports marketing and provides expertise in the full range of sponsorship and endorsement matters. His clients include footballers and e-sports athletes as well as their respective teams.

"Michael is diligent, thoughtful and an excellent communicator backed up by all the knowledge I need for my growing business."

"Michael has been brilliant since the start of our relationship. We hugely value his counsel and knowing he is there if we have a problem."

"I can't recommend him highly enough."

Sam Purkiss
Sam Purkiss
Star Associates

Sam Purkiss is a senior associate in the sports team at Harbottle & Lewis. He advises clients on commercial contracts and sponsorship deals, and acts for a range of prominent athletes and sporting bodies in the areas of cricket and e-sports.

"Sam is fantastic - friendly, professional and a pleasure to deal with."

"I feel very reassured by Sam's expertise and experience, and his ability to explain everything in plain English is fantastic. He is supportive, and communicates very clearly and in a timely manner."

Ranked Lawyers at
Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Sport

Bob Mitchell
2
Bob Mitchell
Head of Sport
2
Band 2
Michael Lister
4
Michael Lister
4
Band 4
Sam Purkiss
Sam Purkiss
Star Associates

Members

Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP