John Shea
Lewis SilkinLeveraging a strong commercial offering, alongside contentious expertise in contractual disputes and sexual misconduct investigations, Lewis Silkin specialises in sports immigration and tech law proceedings. The practice routinely represents athletes, federations and investors involved in appointments and transfers, with Alex Kelham co-heading from London, being an expert in sports sponsorship and commercial rights deals. From Belfast, Stephen O’Flaherty co-leads, consistently advising football clubs and governing bodies, while Oxford-based Jonathan Carr is experienced in employment and safeguarding matters. John Shea often focuses on sporting arbitration tribunals, and JJ Shaw handles IP issues within sport.
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Key clients
- Rugby Football Union
- Arsenal Football Club
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Northampton Rugby Football Club
- Ascot Racecourse
- CAA Base Limited
- Supponor
- Ange Postecoglou
- Welsh Rugby Union (WRU)
- British Swimming
Work highlights
- Advising the Rugby Football Union (RFU) on the establishment of a new league structure for the highest level of women’s domestic rugby in England – Premier Women’s Rugby (PWR).
- Advised and represented Ange Postecoglou in relation to his high-profile appointment as head coach of Tottenham Hotspur FC in June 2023.
- Advised CCA Base on various high-profile player contracts and transfers and regulatory compliance, including in connection with the new FIFA agent regulations which came into force in January 2023.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Alex Kelham
Lewis SilkinPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alex Kelham, Stephen O’Flaherty