Sports Law

The experience of the members of our Sports Law Team enables us to provide a broad spectrum of support to all our sporting clients. As well as being able to provide advice and representation to individuals and clubs facing disciplinary proceedings, the breadth of our experience also enables us to represent clients in criminal proceedings at the most serious level. We are conscious that not only is it possible for events on the field of play to give rise to criminal charges but that any allegations may have a significant impact upon a professional reputation. One of the great strengths of our Sports Law Team is the mastery of not just written and oral advocacy but also sound tactical decision making and the ability to see the big picture, involving both commercial and reputational concerns. With experience of disciplinary proceedings in a range of jurisdictions and a track record of securing positive outcomes for clients who have faced a variety of allegations, the team continues to go from strength to strength and are proud to sponsor Leeds United Women F.C.’s players, Kirstie Hunt and Stacey Buxton for the 2019/20 season.

Notable Cases

Yorkshire RFU Disciplinary – Appeared on behalf of a rugby club following a number of players being sent off during a match and the match itself being cancelled. The club was concerned that a points deduction would result in relegation but Mr Quinn succeeded in persuading the Disciplinary Committee to deal with the matter by means of a Reprimand, which avoided any points deduction and the devastating consequences that may have followed.

R v. B – 18 year old Defendant of good character acquitted of Causing grievous bodily harm to an opposing player during a football match. Miss Rafter focused on issues of self-defence within the context of a match. After a very short deliberation the jury were persuaded to find the Defendant not guilty.

R v. W – Mr Quinn represented a professional wrestler who was alleged to have caused grievous bodily harm with intent by punching a member of door staff in the face. He successfully argued that the punch was delivered in pre-emptive self-defence, which resulted in the jury finding the Defendant not guilty of the charge.

Team Head: Conor Quinn