Sport | UK Bar

Blackstone Chambers is a market-leading set of barristers able to deftly support clients worldwide on all manner of sports law issues. The barristers, praised for their "razor-like focus on commercial goals", frequently appear in all UK courts and in arbitrations regarding commercial disputes, disciplinary proceedings, broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals and other disputes. Sources say: "Blackstone are second to none at handling complex and sophisticated matters," which is emphasised by recent instructions, including high-profile representations of governing bodies, including the FA, FIFA, the RFU, the ICC, UK Athletics, UEFA, the Horserace Betting Levy Board and many others. Members have experience and expertise regarding a wide variety of sports, including football, rugby, cricket, sailing and tennis.

4 New Square Chambers is a well-resourced set known for its broad offering of sports law services. The set is known for its extensive representation of sports governing bodies, agents, individual athletes and other related organisations. The "excellent" barristers are able to support both domestic and foreign clients at all levels of the UK court system and regularly appear in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. One source calls the set "a go-to for complex and sophisticated sports matters." Members have deep knowledge of the legal issues arising in many sports, including football, cricket, horse racing, boxing, rugby, cycling and athletics. Members have handled cases including those relating to betting regulations, anti-doping issues, rule breaches, professional misconduct and disqualifications. Members have recently been instructed by the ITIA in relation to anti-doping proceedings brought against an athlete.

Lizzy Stewart is senior clerk and CEO.

The barristers at Littleton Chambers have a strong pedigree when it comes to sports law disputes. Sources praise their ability to "easily navigate complex matters at short notice." They act for sporting organisations and individuals on commercial, employment and sport-specific regulatory issues. Members are "trusted to handle the most complex sports cases," such as those involving anti-doping charges, wrongful dismissals, defamation, breaches of contract and others. The set has broad experience across many sports, such as football, rugby, athletics, cycling, gymnastic and boxing. Members regularly appear in the UK courts as well as before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. Members of the set have been involved in the Scottish Women's National Football Team's employment case against the Scottish FA.

Jason Drakeford is the senior clerk.

11KBW is a multidisciplinary set that wins acclaim for its barristers' level of experience in sports law matters. They are praised for their "great grasp of the complexities of cases" and for their ability to "cut through issues to make complex cases navigable for the client." They are frequently called upon to advise and represent individual athletes, sports clubs and governing bodies in matters spanning across football, rugby, cricket, motor racing and boxing. Members are regularly engaged in sports-related litigation. It has recently defended a Formula 1 team in an unfair dismissal claim.

Mark Dann is senior clerk.

The barristers at 2BR are well suited to complex cases at the intersection of sports law and criminal law. One source praises their "promptness, diligence and great deal of expertise," while another highlights the "extremely knowledgeable yet friendly" barristers. The set has been instructed in many high-profile cases regarding leading sports clubs, governing associations and individuals active in sports such as football, tennis, cricket and others. Members often act in cases concerning corruption, match fixing and betting, regulatory breaches and other disciplinary proceedings. Members recently acted for the EFL in its prosecution of Birmingham City FC and 3 individuals for breaches of the Owners and Directors test.

John Grimmer is senior clerk.

Monckton Chambers fields an experienced roster of barristers able to assist clients with all manner of sports law issues. Members are regularly instructed by sports governing bodies, sporting clubs, sponsors and individuals. The set takes on a broad range of cases, from disputes arising in international athletics to horse racing matters. The barristers handle an array of disputes concerning rule breaches, breaches of contract and licensing issues. Members were recently involved in a transfer dispute involving a Leeds United FC player.