Bird & Bird LLP
Client SatisfactionHeavily praised for its ‘knowledge and experience’, Bird & Bird LLP’s sports group leverages cross-departmental expertise in commercial, IP and dispute resolution issues, when tackling complex advisory, transactional and contentious matters for its blue-chip sports client base. The firm’s offering is diverse, covering doping violation claims, regulatory breaches in football, and major corporate financings for investors in the sporting field, with practice head Jonathan Taylor KC being an expert in representing both global and national governing bodies. Max Duthie specialises in handling disciplinary proceedings across the rugby and footballing spheres, Craig Giles is knowledgeable on media rights arrangements, while the ’astute’ Robert Turner primarily focuses on shirt sponsorship agreements and commercial contracts. Andy Danson concentrates on data rights affairs, while Joss Hargrave and Richard Bush each stand out for their work in acquisitions and arbitrations. Lauren Pagé is noted for her contributions on governance issues, and Will Deller is a key contact for media rights affairs. Chris Lavey is highlighted for his insights into anti-doping proceedings, and both Emma Drake and Lereesa Easterbrook are also integral members of the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Strong and varied experience across sports areas and practical approach to advice.’
‘Rob Turner is one of the finest partners I have had the privilege to work with. He is astute, responsive, commercially focused and highly intelligent. He has a deep knowledge of Premier League football (with respect to the commercial operations of clubs) which makes him a standout in the industry.’
‘Richard Bush is recommended, primarily on safeguarding matters. Very responsive, calm, assured manner. Good at communicating with non-lawyers.'
- 'Emma Drake is recommended, on data privacy. The only DP lawyer I have ever known who makes the subject genuinely engaging.’
‘B&B's sport practice continues to be market-leading and populated with brilliant and personable lawyers. There is a good blend of personalities and gender diversity. I have always felt listened to as a client, and the firm is always seen to be making an effort to respond to particular requests.’
‘I have always viewed Max Duthie and Craig Giles as genuine extensions of my team. Both take the time to listen and make an effort to be proactive with communications. What sets them both apart from the "competition" is a genuine sense that they care.’
‘B&B's sports lawyers' knowledge and experience in this sector is second to none. Lauren Pagé is a rising star partner with deep knowledge and a second-to-none work ethic, and is great with clients. Chris Lavey and Alasdair Muller are outstanding associates in the anti-doping area in particular. Tiran Gunawardena is an expert in both football and other sports' regulations.’
‘Chris Lavey has a lovely manner and really knows what he is talking about.’
Key clients
- The British & Irish Lions
- Six Nations Rugby
- World Athletics
- The Football Association
- DAZN
- The Premier League
- World Aquatics (fka Fédération Internationale De Natation, or FINA)
- Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
- Arsenal Football Club
- The Lawn Tennis Association
- English Football League
- Fédération Equestre Internationale
- International Paralympic Committee
- World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association (WPBSA)
- International Tennis Federation
- Legends International
Work highlights
- Advising ITF in its dispute with the International Padel Federation (FIP) regarding the governance of the sport of padel.
- Advising Athletics Integrity Unit in the prosecution of over 50 athletes charged with anti-doping rule violations or breaches of integrity rules, including in first instance hearings before the independent Disciplinary Tribunal for Athletics and in appeal proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
- Advising the FA on its media rights arrangements for the FA Cup and Community Shield, including the tender of its worldwide domestic and international rights and its arrangements for licensing archive footage.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
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.
Jonathan Taylor KC