Chambers & Partners 2008
Sports



London
Continuing to grow beyond its core horse racing base, this firm has won interesting instructions for regulatory bodies in football and hockey, sporting individuals, broadcasters and other commercial entities. Within horse racing, the firm has maintained its prominent market position, with highlights including well-publicised disciplinary cases. Clients describe the team as "commercially aware and astute - the lawyers create a good friendly relationship which makes it easy for you to just pick up the phone to them."

"Always a true gent and a true professional," Patrick Russell dominates the horse racing scene, and his position as senior partner has not diminished his workload. In the past year he successfully defended the Horseracing Regulatory Authority's (HRA) decision to suspend Kieren Fallon from racing in Britain. Russell is also increasingly active in football, with one peer stating: "He's my first choice for football doping work. He really understands how to deal with the FA." Edward Craig continues to work closely with him and is recommended as "a very solid lawyer who is learning a lot." On the commercial side Jason Saiban joins the tables this year. Clients regard him as "quick, personable and intuitive in knowing what we want." He has been acting for the Youth Sport Trust in the first ever UK Schools Games.

Clients/Work Highlights: Other clients include Honda Racing F1 Team, Bolton Wanderers and IMG.