Sports Disputes Partner

Company: William James Recruitment
Apply for the Sports Disputes Partner
Location: London
Job Description:

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.

Find out more about the daily tasks, overall responsibilities, and required experience for this opportunity by scrolling down now.

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. xwzovoh

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:

Email:

Posted: March 26th, 2026