Department profile
Bird & Bird

Sport

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

Share profile

Bird & Bird

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Sport - UK-wide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Bird & Bird has a market-leading group of specialist lawyers instructed on the most complex and high-profile regulatory matters in world sport, including disputes and compliance. The team acts for an enviable client base of leading international federations, governing bodies, sports clubs and corporate entities. Its stellar commercial team advises on media rights acquisitions, tenders and sponsorship deals, as well as sport-related acquisitions and divestments. It has experience throughout a wide range of sports including athletics, rugby union, football, motorsports and cricket, and is internationally revered for its performance on large-scale investigations and external reviews.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bird & Bird advised the Rugby Football Union on its long-term Professional Game Partnership with Premiership Rugby, its clubs and the Rugby Players Association.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Their roster of clients across the sports industry makes them well placed to advise on what market standard is and where it is going.

    Sport respondentUK

  • The team have litigation experience, but baked into the offering is an understanding of the sports context as well, which has been invaluable.

    Sport respondentUK

  • First-class industry knowledge and a detailed understanding as to how governing bodies operate. The team rapidly build trust through the quality of their work.

    Sport respondentUK

  • Our main contact provides a great level of service and is usually very quick to respond, even if that is out of regular office hours.

    Sport respondentUK

  • It is the only firm that has really deep industry knowledge, which you can only get working on day-to-day high-level transactions or regulatory disciplinary cases.

    Sport respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Jonathan Taylor
    Jonathan Taylor

    Jonathan Taylor

    Jonathan Taylor is head of Bird & Bird's sports group in London. He is a market-leading sports solicitor who offers governing and regulatory bodies the benefit of his expertise in tribunals, investigations and reviews.

    • He's pre-eminent in his own right; I think he's a go-to lawyer. A very intelligent individual, and clients respect him.

      Sport respondentUK

    • He's an outstanding lawyer.

      Sport respondentUK

    • Jon Taylor is one of the best-known and classiest sports lawyers in country. He has more knowledge of sport than almost anyone I can think of.

      Sport respondentUK
    View profile
  • Max Duthie
    Max Duthie

    Max Duthie

    Max Duthie handles a range of significant matters for major governing bodies in football and rugby, including governance reviews, disciplinary proceedings and investigations.

    • He provides solid legal counsel when asked to attend a hearing, and you know he will pick up on anything that doesn't align with the relevant rules or has not been considered.

      Sport respondentUK

    • An incredibly wise head, he knows the sports regulatory landscape inside out. He's really easy and a pleasure to deal with. When you're in the trenches you want someone like Max with you.

      Sport respondentUK
    View profile
  • Craig Giles
    Craig Giles

    Craig Giles

    Craig Giles advises on all aspects of media rights and marketing in sport, taking in myriad commercial agreements and also regulatory compliance and proceedings.

    • It is always reassuring to have Craig in your corner. He is an industry expert with a proven track record across a range of complex matters.

      Sport respondentUK
    View profile
  • Richard Bush
    Richard Bush

    Richard Bush

    Richard Bush is a respected practitioner highlighted for his expertise across a broad range of sporting matters. His practice covers the likes of anti-doping, eligibility of transgender athletes and governing body investigations.

    • A trusted adviser with excellent personal manner and the ability to work hand in hand with senior leaders.

      Sport respondentUK

    • He has a deep understanding of how sports businesses operate and the risks they face. He's calm and brings clarity of focus in times of pressure and can be relied upon to get matters over the line.

      Sport respondentUK
    View profile
  • Lauren Pagé
    Lauren Pagé

    Lauren Pagé

    Lauren Pagé is recognised for advising international sporting bodies on governance and regulatory issues. She also represents clients in contentious governance and misconduct matters.

    • Lauren is very impressive.

      Sport respondentUK
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Bird & Bird (5)

UK-wide

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership