Hugh James

Although Hugh James previously had a not insignificant presence in the sector, it was the merger with sports boutique Loosemores Solicitors in July 2023 that truly propelled the firm to the pinnacle of the market, ensuring that clients, be they governing bodies, rights holders, sponsors or individual sportspeople, can count on a multidisciplinary offering provided by a large full-service team, as well as niche pure sports-focused expertise. ‘Exceptional’ team head Mark Loosemore draws upon ’sharp commercial acumen’ gleaned from his many years’ expertise in the sector, both in-house and in private practice, and has ‘a deep understanding of sports law’, including on relevant regulations, contractual issues, intellectual property rights and general commercial matters. Other key practitioners include ’very astute lawyer and tactician’ Tracey Singlehurst-Ward, who has deep expertise of dispute resolution mechanisms specific to the sports industry, and Gerallt Jones, who regularly handles corporate and commercial work for sports clients, including Welsh Rugby Union. Banking and finance head Dominic Marshall provides support in financial matters while Karl Thomas aids with employment procedures and contracts in this sector. Rebecca McCarthy left the firm in June 2024.