Sport
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 161 2355420Chambers Review
Mills & Reeve has a notable sports practice with an outstanding offering in football. It frequently represents individual players in contract negotiations, disciplinary hearings and high-profile employment disputes, including discrimination claims. Well known for representing professional footballers in the set-up of image rights agreements, and regularly represents players from overseas playing for English clubs. Noted for the strength of its presence in women's sport. Strong focus on significant doping cases arising in football.
Work Highlights
- Mills & Reeve represented Harry Toffolo of Nottingham Forest FC in relation to charges brought by The FA under its betting regulations.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Due to their high levels of expertise and market know-how, the lawyers always have very strong commercial awareness."
"Their flexibility and broad expertise over a lot of different elements of the law - not only sports - is of a really high standard."
"The legal team consistently provides thoughtful and very thorough consideration of the legal requirements. The team is responsive and works to prioritise time-sensitive workload."
"They've always been ahead of the game in giving us what we need."
"They are highly attuned to the client's goals and are commercially savvy, even with international players with differing approaches."
"Due to their high levels of expertise and market know-how, the lawyers always have very strong commercial awareness."
"Their flexibility and broad expertise over a lot of different elements of the law - not only sports - is of a really high standard."
"The legal team consistently provides thoughtful and very thorough consideration of the legal requirements. The team is responsive and works to prioritise time-sensitive workload."
"They've always been ahead of the game in giving us what we need."
"They are highly attuned to the client's goals and are commercially savvy, even with international players with differing approaches."
Notable Practitioners
Carol Couse is a Manchester-based sports solicitor with a strong football practice. She primarily advises sports clubs and athletes on disciplinary proceedings and regulatory matters.
"Carol Couse is top quality in all departments and explains everything clearly. She sets the standard in this industry."
"Great at her job, she has a good international awareness and understands how the law is there to support the business opportunity."
"She offers excellent client service, a highly sophisticated and international approach, and commercial savvy."
Mark Hovell is held in high regard for the depth of his expertise as a sports arbitrator, with extensive experience of acting as an arbitrator at CAS.
"Mark Hovell is an excellent lawyer and has a very approachable style."
John Shea is a senior associate in the sports business team at Lewis Silkin. He has considerable experience advising clients on sports investments, disciplinary proceedings and player contracts.
"John has been exceptional and really does take his duty of care above and beyond. In chaotic situations where we feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel, he has a way of keeping everyone calm."
"John is always available, combines his knowledge with a great personality and is someone we implicitly trust."
"I view him as one of the standout associates in the market; other people would say that too."
"John has been a real asset for us, dealing with complex matters."
Philip Hutchinson is a principal associate in the Mills & Reeve sports team. He is adept at assisting professional associations, sports clubs and individual athletes with regulatory and contentious issues and has a particular focus on the football industry.
Ranked Lawyers at
Mills & Reeve LLP
UK-wide