Department profile
Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Sport

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

Share profile

Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Harbottle & Lewis’ dedicated Sports team offers clients the full range of sport law services including sports marketing and sponsorship, broadcasting and event staging, reputation management, agency and media services, regulatory, team issues and eSports.

We have represented some of the biggest names across all sports, in both the domestic and international markets, and remain at the cutting edge of sports law – innovating with creative sponsorship deals, establishing and enforcing rules and regulations, negotiating rights across new channels and representing elite athletes facing new challenges and opportunities arising from changes to technology.

Our strength lies in the fact that we understand the sports industry from both a legal and a commercial perspective. This allows us to give the best possible advice to our clients who include governing bodies, sports rights owners, sponsors, teams, individual sports personalities and player associations.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Sport - UK-wide

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Harbottle & Lewis continues to handle a variety of matters across sports law, with expertise in sponsorship, media rights and reputation management work. It has particular strength in providing specialist advice on sports technology, e-sports, ticketing platforms and digital content. The team acts for high-profile individuals and clubs in a variety of sports and is valued for its advice on major sports events and long-term sponsorship contracts. It also offers regulatory expertise including rule interpretations and disciplinary advice.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Harbottle & Lewis advised F1 driver Oliver Bearman on his driver agreements with Haas F1 and Ferrari.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team have a relatable, practical approach to legal terms, and take time to fully understand issues and discuss them to come to a fair outcome.

    Sport respondentUK

  • Great sector-specific experience. I have no concerns about them tackling any complex matter.

    Sport respondentUK

  • Exceptional attention to detail. Great ability to review each situation in a very pragmatic way and provide balanced advice, even if at times it may not be what one wants to hear.

    Sport respondentUK

  • They have a great understanding of the commercial risks and how best to tackle key issues while always maintaining a personable approach when negotiating with key stakeholders.

    Sport respondentUK

  • The team provided exceptional support and attention to detail, as well as a broad knowledge of the subject area and a capacity to advise on the journey to forming new agreements.

    Sport respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael Lister
    Michael Lister

    Michael Lister

    Michael Lister specialises in sports marketing and provides expertise in the full range of sponsorship and endorsement matters. His clients include footballers and e-sports athletes as well as their respective teams.

    • Hugely knowledgeable in the sports industry and always on hand to help. I highly recommend.

      Sport respondentUK

    • Incredible level of support and understanding of my situation, whatever the problem may be.

      Sport respondentUK

    • I was referred to Michael, and it was an easy decision after my introductory call. His knowledge of the sports industry and his integrity are among the many reasons we're happy with our choice.

      Sport respondentUK

    • A steady and reliable lawyer.

      Sport respondentUK

    • Michael's experience makes his advice invaluable.

      Sport respondentUK
    View profile
  • Sam Purkiss
    Sam Purkiss

    Sam Purkiss

    Sam Purkiss is a managing associate in the sports team at Harbottle & Lewis. He advises clients on commercial contracts and sponsorship deals, and acts for a range of prominent athletes and sporting bodies in the areas of cricket and e-sports.

    • An extremely impressive lawyer.

      Sport respondentUK

    • Sam is a brilliant lawyer with a great depth of industry knowledge. He is also very responsive and personable, which makes him a pleasure to work with.

      Sport respondentUK

    • Sam has been incredibly helpful and supportive over our time working with Harbottle.

      Sport respondentUK

    • A great commercial lawyer.

      Sport respondentUK
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Harbottle & Lewis LLP (2)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Harbottle & Lewis LLP

What success is built on

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

Explore thought leadership