At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on football disputes and represent clients in high-stakes regulatory matters.
- Company: Join a respected boutique law firm with an international reach.
- Benefits: Flexible working, operational support, and the chance to shape your own practice.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on respect, excellence, and integrity.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting expansion in sports law and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior level experience in sports law, particularly football, with strong dispute resolution skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 € per year.
Location: 16 Curzon Street, Mayfair, London (Hybrid/Remote)
Contract: Consultancy
Experience: Senior level | Specialist Sports Lawyer
About Linkilaw Solicitors
Linkilaw Solicitors is a London-based boutique law firm advising high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and international businesses in complex, high-stakes matters. Our work is frequently cross-border and often sits at the intersection of law, reputation, and strategic decision-making.
We are expanding our Sports Law offering, with a particular focus on football dispute resolution, Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) proceedings, and regulatory sports work. We provide senior consultants with a sophisticated, well-resourced platform and the autonomy to build and expand their specialist practice while benefiting from the strength of an agile and respected boutique.
Opportunity: Sports Law with a Football Focus
We are seeking a high-calibre senior sports lawyer with expertise in football and a demonstrated track record advising on complex disputes before regulatory bodies, local and international courts, in particular the CAS. This position is ideally suited for a solicitor/barrister or foreign qualified lawyer trained at a leading global firm or a top-tier sports law boutique, who is seeking the freedom, flexibility and strategic platform that a boutique law firm provides, while maintaining a sophisticated and international client base.
Key Responsibilities (Football and International Sports Disputes)
- Representing players, clubs, intermediaries, and agents in disputes before:
- The FA
- Premier League Panels
- Managers’ Arbitration Tribunals
- FIFA Players’ Status Committee
- FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC)
- Other national/international sports governing bodies
- Representing clients in CAS proceedings, including drafting submissions, preparing evidence, and coordinating experts.
- Handling disputes involving transfers, registration, intermediaries, image rights, commercial arrangements, compensation mechanisms, and contractual breaches.
- Advising clubs on professional football compensation mechanisms and training compensation.
- Managing arbitrations and mediations relating to sports governance, contractual disputes, or regulatory challenges.
Commercial & Regulatory Sports experience is desirable
In particular the ability to draft, negotiate, and advise on:
- Player contracts
- Transfer agreements
- Sponsorship and endorsement deals
- Licensing and image rights
- Broadcasting and commercial arrangements
Advise on regulatory and compliance requirements across domestic and international bodies including FIFA, UEFA, FA, Premier League, and other federations. Support clients with governance, disciplinary matters, safeguarding, financial regulations, and broader integrity obligations.
Who We Are Looking For
- Experience at a leading sports or football boutique law firm, or a recognised sports department within a top-tier or well-regarded firm.
- Deep knowledge and experience in sports law, with a strong focus on football.
- A proven track record of disputes work, including CAS, FIFA, FA, and league proceedings.
- Qualified in England and Wales and/or another competent jurisdiction.
- Strong professional standing.
- Commercially astute, discreet, and strategic in approach.
- Comfortable advising high-profile clients in reputation-sensitive and cross-border contexts.
- Collaborative and aligned with a firm culture built on respect, excellence, and integrity.
- An existing client following or strong industry relationships are advantageous, but we are equally open to discussing strategic growth opportunities.
Why Linkilaw
- A respected boutique law firm platform with international reach
- Access to high-calibre clients and cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Strategic, human, and intellectually rigorous working environment
- Operational and administrative support tailored to complex, multi-jurisdictional work.
- Flexibility in working location and engagement structure
- Opportunity to shape and grow a specialist football practice within the firm
This is an opportunity to join a growing boutique at an exciting moment of expansion, shaping the future of our sports law offering and playing a key role in the firm’s strategic development.
Confidential Application
If you are a senior football law specialist seeking a sophisticated, flexible, and internationally focused platform, we would welcome a confidential conversation. Please submit your CV or get in touch directly to explore the opportunity further.
Consultant Lawyer - Sports Law (Football & CAS Specialist) | Join a Strategic, International Boutique in London employer: Linkilaw Solicitors
Linkilaw Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a sophisticated and flexible working environment in the heart of Mayfair, London. With a focus on high-calibre clients and cross-disciplinary collaboration, we empower our senior consultants to build their specialist practices while providing tailored operational support for complex, multi-jurisdictional work. Join us to shape the future of sports law within a respected boutique that values respect, excellence, and integrity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant Lawyer - Sports Law (Football & CAS Specialist) | Join a Strategic, International Boutique in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend sports law events, and engage in discussions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website highlighting your experience in football disputes and CAS proceedings. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you see a position that excites you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email. A little persistence can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current sports law issues and recent cases. Being well-informed will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Consultant Lawyer - Sports Law (Football & CAS Specialist) | Join a Strategic, International Boutique in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your experience in sports law, especially football. Highlight any relevant cases or disputes you've handled, and don't forget to mention your expertise with CAS proceedings!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Linkilaw. Share your passion for sports law and how your background aligns with our firm's values and goals.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don't be shy about your successes! Include specific examples of complex disputes you've navigated, particularly in football. This will help us see the value you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linkilaw Solicitors
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in sports law, especially around football and CAS proceedings. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and regulatory changes that could impact your potential clients. This will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in contentious sports matters. Be ready to talk about how you've successfully represented clients in disputes and what strategies you employed to achieve favourable outcomes.
✨Understand the Firm's Culture
Research Linkilaw Solicitors and understand their values and approach to client relationships. Be prepared to explain how your professional ethos aligns with theirs, particularly around respect, excellence, and integrity. This will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the firm.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the firm's strategic direction and growth in sports law. Inquire about their vision for expanding their football practice or how they handle complex cross-border disputes. This will reflect your proactive mindset and genuine interest in contributing to their success.