Bringing specialist knowledge in sports litigation and arbitration, primarily in the football, motorsports and boxing spheres, Payne Hicks Beach LLP is described as an ‘impressive boutique practice’. Former partner Mark Gay has transitioned to a consultancy role, boasting experience in High Court sports proceedings, while Jonathan Gatward routinely advises on image rights issues. Dominic Crossley is a privacy and media law expert, Hanna Basha is knowledgeable on crisis management matters, and Nick Grant is also noted as key.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Impressive boutique practice, with strong reputation in sports and reputation management fields. Strong partners including Dominic Crossley, Hanna Basha and Nick Grant.’

  • ‘Hanna Basha – one of the most respected partners in the crossover between sports and reputation management. Nick Grant – a leading partner of the future in this field. Highly respected, extremely hardworking, super bright and very pleasant to deal with.’

  • ‘Great team who always go that extra mile.’

  • ‘Kim Crangle – always responsive and a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

  • Kyle Walker
  • Otmar Szafnauer
  • Nelson Piquet Jr.
  • UK Athletics
  • Pineapple Dance Studios
  • The English Football League
  • IIAA Limited
  • Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust
  • Giles Scott

Work highlights

  • Advising Kyle Walker (who plays football for Manchester City and England) and his wife in relation to media and litigation issues arising from the press coverage generated by Lauryn Goodman, the mother of two of Kyle’s children.
  • Acting for IIAA Ltd on the appointment of distributors to its international network for its advanced nutritional programme supplement range.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mark Gay, Jonathan Gatward, Dominic Crossley, Hanna Basha

Other key lawyers

James Townsend, Andrew Willan, Nick Grant, Kim Crangle