England - London • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance LLP’s sports team is a go-to for a number of high-profile clients - including elite football clubs and sports investors - seeking assistance on both contentious and non-contentious matters, ranging from sensitive investigations to transactions concerning emerging technologies. Following his promotion to partner in April 2023, James Cranston continues to handle a wide-ranging workload, including NFT-based mandates, corporate disputes, and appeals against substance abuse allegations - acting for both athletes and governing bodies. Christopher Yates, head of the sports dispute team, advises on high profile arbitration, Commercial Court and Court of Appeal proceedings. Other names to note include Jamie Andew, who works with blue-chip corporate clients on sponsorships, crypto issues, financing and governance. Jeremy Kosky, Tim Lewis and Jennifer Chimanga are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'All very impressive.’
‘They have surrounded us with specialists covering all areas of the action and keep us updated on a regular basis.’
‘Partner on the job very hands on and accessible. Explains everything in a clear and understandable way.’
‘A great team with great industry knowledge. Highly engaged and professional and made up of great individuals.’
‘They have all become natural extensions of our small and hard-working team. By doing that, they have become a multiplier to our international effect.’
‘Teamwork, professionalism and reliability truly sum up our incredible experience with Clifford Chance. At every level they understand the role of our organisation as one that focuses on sports recovery for a global community of wounded, injured and sick service personnel.'
‘An outstanding team capable of dealing with the most complex and challenging of matters.’
‘Chris Yates - superb ability in marshalling a large team.'
Key clients
- Mercedes F1
- Arsenal Football Club
- International Paralympic Committee
- E Stanley Kroenke and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
- Manchester City Football Club
- City Football Group
- World Rugby
- Southampton Football Club
- Pakistan Cricket Board
- Invictus Games Foundation
- Sixth Street
- Real Madrid
- ITV
- Centre for Sport and Human Rights
- Sport Resolutions anti-doping panel
Work highlights
- Representing Manchester City Football Club in proceedings arising from a Premier League investigation into compliance with its rules.
- Advising the IPC on a joint venture dispute in the Commercial Court.
- Advising Manchester City on two premier league firsts in the crypto world.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Christopher Yates