Mills & Reeve LLP acts for a diverse range of clients with a specific focus on the sports industry, routinely advising premier league football clubs and international sports agencies on various commercial matters. Practice head Simon Garbett, who joined from Squire Patton Boggs in May 2023, has notable experience advising on cross-border disputes, while Claire Crawford, who joined in July 2023 from Capsticks LLP, acts in contentious procurement mandates. Phil Hutchinson specialises in sports disputes, in particular the football industry, and Preena Lal is also a key team member.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Everyone I've worked with at Mills & Reeve have been friendly and helpful. They are always on hand to help us with any queries and work very quickly. They are transparent and know the Education sector well.’

  • ‘Simon Garbett was confident and knowledgeable on the matter we required his services on. He was also thorough in his work.’

  • ‘Mills & Reeve’s Birmingham litigation practice punches well above its weight, regularly acting in substantial litigation and arbitration in London and internationally. A superb team.’

  • ‘Preena Lal is a first-rate senior associate. She is all over the detail of her cases and leaves no stone unturned, whilst always having her client’s commercial objectives in mind. A partner of the future.'

  • ‘Very good team that has been strengthened by the addition of Simon Garbett. Cases with an international element are a particular strength, including those in arbitration.’

  • ‘Simon Garbett - Great addition to the team. A rare thing in that he is a partner on top of the detail of a case. Approachable and commercial.'

  • 'Preena Lal - Extremely diligent. Able to manage and present extremely complex cases in an easy to understand way.'
  • 'Phil Hutchinson - Brilliant lawyer with great commercial sense. Destined for the very top.’

Key clients

  • Mazars LLP
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Odeon Cinemas
  • Triumph Motorcycles
  • Luton Town FC
  • Imecon Engineering S.R.L.
  • Horiba Mira
  • Sussex Transport Limited
  • Bosch
  • The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
  • Birmingham City FC
  • Rangers Football Club
  • Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA)
  • Wonderful Homes Limited
  • Webbs of Wychbold

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Simon Garbett

Other key lawyers

Claire Crawford, Phil Hutchinson, Preena Lal