Department profile
Hugh James

Sport

UK Guide 2026 : Wales

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Hugh James

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About

Provided by Hugh James

As a firm we are passionate about sport. We are widely recognised as the leading sports law firm in Wales and our sport lawyers provide services to individuals and sporting organisations, including major governing bodies.

We offer a comprehensive service to sportsmen and women, helping them to manage life on and off the field.

We advise on:

  • contracts;
  • disciplinary hearings;
  • the legal consequences of sporting injuries;
  • image rights;
  • asset management;
  • property; and
  • financial services.

Sports organisations need lawyers who understand their game. For more than 20 years our sports lawyers have dealt with high profile matters, often controversial and sensitive in nature, for a range of sporting organisation to whom we provide informed and commercially focused advice on:

  • governance issues;
  • commercial and sponsorship rights and agreements;
  • disciplinary and regulatory hearings;
  • property;
  • construction (in particular stadium construction);
  • merchandising and licensing;
  • ambush marketing; and
  • funding.

We have worked with a broad range of clients including numerous former international rugby players, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), the British Boxing Board of Control and Ffos Las Racecourse. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Sport - Wales

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Hugh James has a market-leading sports law group with an excellent portfolio of some of the most prominent clients in Welsh and British sport, including a number of major clubs and governing bodies. It is consistently instructed on major disciplinary matters and commercial agreements, especially in boxing and rugby.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Hugh James advises the Football Association of Wales on various matters, such as commercial contracts, governance review and regulation, and advice and training in safeguarding matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The added value that's provided is greatly appreciated. Hugh James supports our industry events, networking sessions and provides ad-hoc industry expertise when needed.

    Sport respondentUK

  • They have technical and deep subject matter expertise and are able to move quickly and nimbly, maximising clients' time and money.

    Sport respondentUK

  • The team is methodical, provides sound advice and works efficiently. Its communications skills are excellent, they approach all of their areas of work in a highly professional and friendly manner.

    Sport respondentUK

  • Excellent knowledge of sport and how the law applies to our own organisation. They provide timely, helpful advice that is practical to apply.

    Sport respondentUK

  • They were a very good sounding board. The team gave straightforward and efficient advice.

    Sport respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Mark Loosemore
    Mark Loosemore

    Mark Loosemore

    Mark Loosemore is a sports sector specialist of many years' standing, and advises mostly on commercial matters at the intersection of sports and media.

    • Always willing to provide support, guidance and advice of the highest level.

      Sport respondentUK

    • He's extremely knowledgeable, approachable and contactable, and one of the best in the business. He has this ability to cut through noise and get right through to the core of any issue you have.

      Sport respondentUK

    • Simply, Mark is an extension of our business. An invaluable legal heavy-weight, with strong commercial acumen and superb interpersonal skills and attention to detail.

      Sport respondentUK

    • Exceptional service based on his breadth of knowledge and experience. He provides a high level of service with timely responses and is always able to either advise or signpost to expert colleagues.

      Sport respondentUK

    • Mark has extensive knowledge in a range of different sports and he is very well connected. His service is exceptional and he provides a great deal of clarity around the commercialisation of the deal.

      Sport respondentUK
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  • Gerallt Jones
    Gerallt Jones

    Gerallt Jones

    Gerallt Jones is primarily a specialist in corporate M&A but also has notable experience in the sports sector, having acted for the Welsh Rugby Union over many years on their biggest commercial matters.

    • Excellent corporate lawyer, vast experience.

      Sport respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Hugh James (2)

Wales

Members

Provided by Hugh James

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