Tom Barnard
Irwin MitchellHeaded up by the ‘unflappable’ Tom Barnard, the Irwin Mitchell team stands out for its work with sporting governing bodies, high-profile professional athletes, and major sports brands on complex commercial and corporate matters. The practice’s contentious offering ranges from wrongful termination and personal injury claims to proceedings at the High Court. In Gatwick, Barnard is an expert in corporate disputes and high-value regulatory arbitrations. Chichester-based Michael Taylor is knowledgeable on wealth and estate planning affairs. In Southampton, Hannah Clipston is a specialist in complicated commercial litigation and mediation issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Tom Barnard is excellent and leads a top team.’
‘Tom Barnard is excellent and would not be out of place at any top sports practice. He is unflappable and provides a top service on both simple and complicated cases.’
Key clients
- UK Athletics
- Otmar Szafnauer
- James Ellington
- Millwall FC
- Pure Gym
- Gravity Fitness
- British Rowing
Work highlights
- Acting for UK Athletics across its entire business, including on high-profile disciplinary cases prosecuted by UK Athletics (e.g Fuzz Caan).
- Advising Otmar Szafnauer, Formula 1 CEO and team principal of Aston Martin F1 Team and Alpine F1 Team, in connection with his departure from Aston Martin F1 Team.
- Advised Millwall Football Club planning permission for a new football academy and training ground in West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks.
Lawyers
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.
Thomas Barnard
Irwin MitchellPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Tom Barnard, Michael Taylor, Hannah Clipston