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)
We are seeking extensive experience in contentious sports matters, including:
* 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.