Fielding a multi-disciplinary team of experts in sports disputes, finance, and immigration matters, the Burness Paull LLP practice showcases ‘highly developed experience’ when being instructed by football clubs and national sporting authorities. Edinburgh-based head Stephen Farrell - ’well established’ in the footballing disputes sphere - brings extensive arbitration capabilities to the outfit. In Glasgow, Fraser MacKinven specialises in the media and entertainment aspects of the sports sector. Jamie Kerr is a specialist in immigration law matters, while Megan Briggs primarily focuses on IP issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘One of the leading Scottish practices for Sport disputes.’

  • ‘Stephen Farrell is well established as a leader in the market particularly in football disputes.'

  • ‘The team has longstanding and highly developed experience of our sector and our business. This allows them to give considered advice in relation to complex matters, which takes into account our strategic requirements.’

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Key clients

  • Scottish FA
  • Scottish Rugby Limited
  • The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL)
  • Aberdeen FC
  • Sir Alex Ferguson/ACF Sports Promotions
  • Sky Limited (Sky Sports)
  • Elite Sports Group Limited
  • Queens Park FC
  • Hibernian FC
  • The Renaissance Club at Archerfield LLP

Work highlights

  • Advised Elite Sports Group Ltd in a high-profile kit manufacturing dispute against Rangers Football Club.
  • Advised the Renaissance Club at Archerfield LLP with immigration needs, including business visas for executives, facilitates intra-company transfers, advises on sponsor license compliance, and provided guidance on inward investment and strategic operations for the US Board of members.
  • Advised Hibernian Football Club on the terms of a proposed minority investment by Black Knight Football Club (“BKFC”), a partnership led by Bill Foley and majority owned by Cannae Holdings, Inc.

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.

Stephen Farrell

Other key lawyers

Fraser MacKinven, Jamie Kerr, Megan Briggs, Benjamin McGlinchey