Harbottle & Lewis LLP's workload regularly covers sports marketing and sponsorship. regulatory disputes, disciplinary proceedings, and reputation management issues - namely advising sports bodies on how to protect their privacy and information rights. Team head Bob Mitchell, regularly working in conjunction with Mike Jones, focuses on the intersection between sports, technology and entertainment. Mitchell is also a key contact for cricketers playing at the national level, who are seeking advice in relation to commercial, employment and disciplinary matters. Alongside Mitchell, Sam Purkiss advises both sponsors and sports entities, while Michael Lister focuses on athlete contract, sponsorship and endorsement arrangements. Dalton Odendaal is a key name to note for work concerning the hosting and staging of major sporting events, including merchandising, ticketing, and ceremonies.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘All of our interactions with the Harbottle Lewis team have shown them to be a highly professional and personable team - a pleasure to work with.'
- 'They are extremely well credentialed in our space, which always gives us full confidence.’
‘Michael Lister and Sam Purkiss have been excellent to work with, providing considered advice and counsel to us.’
‘Bob Mitchell and Sam Purkiss are superstars.’
'Harbottle's team has a deep understanding of the law and its intricacies. They are well-versed in legal precedents and regulations, and can provide expert advice on a wide range of legal matters. Strong analytical skills, showcase a wide range of excellent communicators, work collaboratively, and pool their expertise and knowledge to achieve the best outcomes for their clients. Harbottle's team are skilled problem solvers, using their legal expertise, analytical skills, and creativity to develop innovative solutions to complex legal issues.’
‘Very quick and professional with their responses. They always take a very collaborative approach and as such we have enjoyed a long-term relationship with them.’
‘Michael Lister is outstanding. He is an expert in the sports field and has helped us with a huge variety of work covering all aspects of sponsorship and management.'
Key clients
- Nissan Formula E
- Kai Havertz
- England Cricket Team
- Romelu Lukaku
- England Hockey
- Stoffel Vandoorne
- The Rugby Football Union
- Electronic Arts
- Emirates
- Diageo
- Cricket West Indies
- Isa Guha
- Gumball 3000 Entertainment
- Match Fit
- Kindred Concepts Limited
- Verbal Solutions
- Secutix
- Sporting Events
Work highlights
- Advised Nissan Formula E on the acquisition by Nissan of the e.dams Formula E racing team and acted as its commercial and corporate counsel throughout the year.
- Advised Kindred Concepts on all key aspects of its launch and operation of their F1 Arcade, a new immersive social entertainment venue concept incorporating Formula 1 racing simulators.
- Advised the England cricketers on employment, disciplinary and commercial arrangements, including in respect of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Bob Mitchell