Addleshaw Goddard

Based in Edinburgh, Addleshaw Goddard routinely advises a range of sporting clubs, governing bodies, and individual athletes on complex regulatory requirements and data protection insurance. The practice is especially experienced in the football sector, frequently handling contractual disputes and unpaid sponsorship issues. Simon Catto and Helena Brown co-head the team; Catto primarily focuses on contentious matters within the athletics, rugby, and rowing arenas, while Brown stands out for supporting football clubs and sporting bodies on commercial and regulatory affairs. Erin Grieve is noted for her experience in arbitrations.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Helena Brown takes the time to really understand our business which allows her to provide appropriate risk based advice, which is invaluable.'
'The team have a great knowledge of the subject matter and offer a very pragmatic approach to the advice they provide. They are extremely approachable and are able to provide advice and support at short notice. Billing is fully transparent and they offer hourly and fixed rate services, to suit our needs.'
'Highly commercial team with lots of experience.'
'Erin Grieve stand out in sports and general commercial litigation.'

Key clients

Celtic Football Club
The Scottish Football Association
St Mirren Football Club
Motherwell Football Club
Kilmarnock Football Club
Heart of Midlothian Football Club
Sheffield Steelers
Scottish Ice Hockey
Hibernian Football Club
Southbank Asset Finance Limited

Work highlights

Obtaining expenses on behalf of Heart of Midlothian Football Club following the successful defence of a compensation Tribunal claim by Dundee United Football Club.
Advised Hibernian Football Club on procurement of key services in a multi-million pound deal, including assisting the club in negotiating, reviewing and drafting the contracts.
Advising Hibernian Football Club on a potential third-party investment.