James Earl leads Fladgate LLP‘s commercial, sports and IP team, working with various asset management companies on financial investments in the football sector. Earl also advises football clubs on corporate and financial transactions, as well as negotiating various licensing, sponsorship and partnership agreements for motorsport clients. Alex Haffner advises clients across a range of sports on the expansion and acquisition of technology-led solutions, and is also a key contact for clients seeking advice on competition law. Dispute resolution specialist Mark Buckley takes on a range of contentious instructions, including fraudulent misrepresentations involving the sale of sports broadcasting rights.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Top firm in all aspects related to sports, with particular knowledge and experience in financing and corporate deals.'
- 'James Earl is the key man. Totally excellent.'
Key clients
- Close Brothers Group plc
- Watford Football Club
- Jota Developments Ltd.
- Ace Urban
- Limelight Sports Group Ltd
- Rugby Players Association
- Frederik Vesti
- Round Room Live
- Scottish Professional Football League
- Guild Esports plc
- AI Health
- Swimming Nature
Work highlights
- Advising Close Brothers Group plc on finance and investment transactions within the football sector in the UK, Europe and globally.
- Representing two individual defendants in a c.USD$700 million claim for fraudulent misrepresentation and unlawful means conspiracy relating to the sale of a sports television broadcasting rights business.
- Supporting Watford FC on a range of transactions during 2021, including a very significant financing and a number of transfer receivable transactions.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
James Earl, Alex Haffner, Mark Buckley