Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP joins the ranking having continued to invest in its sports law capability. Clients describe it as ‘the go-to regional firm for sport’. The practice is led by Carol Couse, who works between Manchester and Cambridge, and vastly experienced Cambridge-based international sports lawyer Alastair Cotton, who previously served as head of legal at the International Paralympic Committee. Mark Hovell is a key name, and is a member of numerous sports arbitration panels, including the Premier League Judicial Board and the National Anti-Doping Panel. He is currently advising the PGA on the restructuring of its joint ownership of Ryder Cup Europe LLP. Paddy Lynam has extensive sports law expertise due to his interest in bloodstock and horseracing. John Shea, who joined from Lewis Silkin and who works in both London and Cambridge, adds experience in sports disputes on behalf of clubs, players, agencies, and governing bodies. He also advises on high-profile football transfers.