Sports Disputes Partner

We are exclusively instructed on a confidential Partner search for an elite London-based boutique law firm, seeking to appoint a Sports Litigation Partner to lead and grow its sports practice as part of its ambitious expansion strategy.

Our client is a highly regarded specialist practice, recognised in leading legal directories for its work on high-value, complex disputes. The firm acts for corporations, high-profile individuals, and HNW / UHNW clients on significant multi-million-pound matters, including cases before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

As part of its strategic growth in London, the firm is looking to appoint a Senior Sports Lawyer to establish and lead a dedicated Sports Litigation offering, with the remit to build a team and develop the firm’s profile in this space.

The Role

This is a senior leadership position, with responsibility for:

• Developing the firm’s Sports Litigation practice
• Advising athletes, clubs, agents, governing bodies and commercial stakeholders
• Handling contract negotiations, disputes, regulatory and disciplinary proceedings
• Acting on arbitration matters and complex contentious sports issues
• Developing and mentoring junior lawyers and Associates
• Playing an active role in business development and firm-wide growth

The firm is open to Senior Associates or Legal Directors ready to step up into a Partner role, as well as established Partners.

The Candidate

• Specialist Sports Lawyer with strong disputes experience
• Background gained at a reputable City or recognised sports practice
• Deep knowledge of sports law, ideally with a focus on football and regulatory issues
• Proven ability to generate work and build a client base
• Entrepreneurial, commercially minded and confident leading a practice area
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across the firm
• A client following is essential for this opportunity

Culture & Platform

• Ambitious but down-to-earth partnership
• Collegiate, open and non-hierarchical culture
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and remote options
• Genuine autonomy to shape and grow a practice
• Supportive infrastructure to enable Partners to focus on clients and strategy

Benefits & How to Apply

• Excellent base salary, dependent on experience
• Hybrid working – typically 2–3 days in the office
• Supportive and collaborative environment

Apply in the strictest confidence online or via telephone.

Contact: Alice Winter (Retained Consultant)

Direct Dial: 0203 918 1665

Email: alice.winter@williamjamesrecruitment.com