LAWYER PROFILE

Christopher Yates

UK 2026

Clifford Chance LLP

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Commercial and Corporate Litigation

London (Firms)

3 years ranked

Sport

UK-wide

5 years ranked

About

Provided by Clifford Chance LLP

Practice Areas

Chris Yates is a senior commercial disputes partner acting on the firm's highest profile corporate, banking and sports litigation. Like the firm's global platform, his practice is international - Chris regularly acts on cross-border disputes involving concurrent litigation in multiple jurisdictions, differing regulatory regimes and arbitration.

Chris co-leads the firm's global Entertainment & Sports Group, where he represents investors, owners and stakeholders on industry defining matters. Chris is also one of the main partners in the firm’s securities litigation practice; an area where the firm leads the market.

His client base is similarly broad; Chris advises private equity, FTSE 100 companies, SOEs, financial institutions, hedge funds, C-suite executives, founders and HNW clients.

Chris enjoys an excellent market profile and is highly regarded for his practical and commercially strategic advice.

Career

King's College London (LL.B) 2000

King's College London (PGCert) 2002

Admitted as a solicitor in England & Wales 2004

Joined Clifford Chance 2010

Admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong 2011

Partner since 2016

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Commercial and Corporate Litigation - London (Firms)

Band 4

Individual Editorial

Christopher Yates has experience advising clients across a broad array of disputes, including those related to contested joint ventures and SPAs. He is particularly noted for his work for clients in the sports sector.

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Sport - UK-wide

Band 4

Individual Editorial

Christopher Yates is a sports lawyer with a strong contentious practice that covers the full gamut of commercial and regulatory disputes in the sector. He regularly advises sports clubs and event organisers in relation to sponsorship, broadcasting and branding disputes.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Chris is a really serious player who does so much complex big ticket work. I cannot answer my phone fast enough when he calls, he is really nice guy and barristers love him.
Commercial and Corporate LitigationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Chris Yates is a real star and is very highly regarded.
Commercial and Corporate LitigationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Chris Yates is a very good commercial litigator.
Commercial and Corporate LitigationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Chris provides outstanding advice at the strategic and partner level which always adds critical value to the business.
SportChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Chis is undoubtedly an impressive, experienced and knowledgeable lawyer. He can react and tailor advice very quickly to new problems, and is a great asset to any external organisations he works with.
SportChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
An outstanding lead partner and colleague.
SportChambers Guide to the Legal Profession