Leveraging ‘exceptional professional skills’ and a strong network of international offices, RPC specialises in handling HMRC criminal investigations alongside negotiating settlements regarding interim applications. The practice also shows strength in stadium acquisitions and regulatory compliance, with team lead Jeremy Drew being an expert in sponsorship deals and sports regulation matters. Josh Charalambous is knowledgeable in complex commercial issues – with clients praising his ’excellent judgement’ – while Neil Brown routinely acts for buyers and investors in sport. Oliver Bray is an advertising and marketing specialist, and Adam Craggs is also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Strong commercial and sector knowledge, coupled with determination to get the best result for the client.’

  • ‘Josh Charalambous stands out in the sports market. Solid, determined lawyer who I have worked closely with and who strives to get results for clients.’

  • ‘The team is a strong one, with excellent industry knowledge and a practical, strategic approach to litigation.’

  • ‘I enjoy working with Josh Charalambous in particular – he is very fun to work with, has excellent judgement and is great with clients.’

  • ‘Besides deep knowledge and exceptional professional skills, the team is highly supportive, collaborative and is as interested in the result as members of our team are.’

  • ‘We're working mainly with Joshua Charalambous and Jeremy Drew who are successfully assisting in high-profile cases with complex issues.’

Key clients

  • Premiership Women’s Rugby
  • Harlequins RFC
  • Northampton Saints RFC
  • Arsenal Women’s FC
  • Manchester City Women’s FC
  • Chelsea Women’s FC
  • Manchester United Women’s FC
  • Tottenham Hotspur Women’s FC
  • Sports Direct
  • Newcastle United FC
  • Budweiser
  • Excel Esports
  • England Lacrosse
  • Soft Construct
  • Slazenger
  • Dunlop
  • Sport Industry Group
  • The Sports Podcast Awards

Work highlights

  • Represents all 24 women’s football clubs which participate in the Barclays Women’s Super League/Championship competitions, in establishing a new company (which will own, operate and deliver the BWSL and BWC in the future).
  • Advised all participating clubs in the newly formed Premiership Women’s Rugby in the creation and transfer of ownership, management and operation of the competition previously run by the RFU.
  • Selected as the sole legal adviser to Saracens, and represents the club on a range of sports regulatory, commercial and company matters.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jeremy Drew

Other key lawyers

Josh Charalambous, Neil Brown, Oliver Bray, Adam Craggs, Michelle Sloane, Samuel Coppard, Joseph Akwaboa, Ellie Chakarto