Location: 16 Curzon Street, Mayfair, London (Hybrid/Remote)

Contract: Consultancy

Experience: Senior level | Specialist Sports Lawyer

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.