Described as a ‘boutique firm’ with ’magic circle firm skills and attention’, the Northridge Law LLP team has extensive experience of advising on multi-jurisdictional strategic investments, global sponsorship programmes, and player transfers within the football space. The practice demonstrates significant strength on the contentious side, handling alleged regulatory breaches and complex HMRC enquiries, with Jonathan Ellis and the ‘tenacious’ James Eighteen being strong commercial litigators. On the non-contentious side, Ian Lynam is a 'great commercial deal maker', while Paul Shapiro and the ’very pragmatic’ Jon Walters are regulatory experts, routinely overseeing governance issues. Jamie Feldman heads the firm’s employment offering, providing valuable insights during sports-based acquisitions. George Willis is a data protection specialist, Sarah Boulton regularly acts for governing bodies in restructuring competitions, and both Mike Herbert and Oliver Harland are cited as key contacts, predominantly for financing and regulatory proceedings.
L’éditorial du Legal 500
- Profil
Distinctions
La satisfaction du client
Témoignages
Collectés indépendamment par l'équipe de recherche du Legal 500.
‘What makes Northridge unique is that they are a boutique firm with magic circle firm skills and attention. Not only is their knowledge of the law top-tier but their knowledge of the sporting industry is unique and specialised, giving them an edge when it comes to advising my company on its sporting sponsorships.’
‘Jon Walters, who is a founding partner, is our relationship contact and is always directly involved or right there on overseeing junior partners or associates. He is always available when we need him.'
‘All of the partners are expert in sports law, some focusing more on the commercial side, such as Ian Lynam and Jon Walters, some on the regulatory side, such as Jon Ellis and Sarah Boulton, and some covering both, such as James Eighteen. This additional focus means that the firm is able to provide individuals who are extremely experienced and expert in relation to the specific question that a sports client faces from time to time. Both partners and associates exhibit a can-do attitude to any issue, inspire confidence that they will be able to deal with the issue, and then have the ability to do so. All are friendly and open, and interaction is a pleasure as well as productive.’
‘Mike Herbert and Ian Lynam are very clever lawyers, who can combine commercial and legal points very well.’
‘James Eighteen – a tenacious litigator who has an eye for detail, understands the various rules and regulations but balances technical excellence with commerciality. Excellent communicator. Ian Lynam – non-contentious sports law around. Whilst having an engaging personality he has an excellent mind with a vast array of knowledge and experience. Always gives concise and thoughtful advice.’
‘Ian Lynam – great commercial deal maker, well-rounded adviser. Jon Ellis – very smart operator, hugely well connected. Paul Shapiro – again, excellent commercial awareness and knowledgeable in the football market.’
‘Jon Ellis – fantastic service; a clear sector expert; sensible advice and very approachable.'
- 'Jon Walters – very pragmatic and commercial. Responsive and knowledgeable, excellent client management skills.’
Clients clés
- The FA
- Chelsea FC
- The Premier League
- Blue Heaven Holdings Limited (current owner of 94.1% of Everton Football Club)
- Spotify
- Elliott
- RedBird
- Premiership Rugby (PRL)
- Betway / Super Group
- The British Horseracing Authority (BHA)
Points forts
- Acting for the seller on the ongoing sale of Everton FC, against the backdrop of various significant potential and ongoing developments for the club.
- Acting for The FA in 'a landmark case' (according to The Times) brought by various agencies in relation to the domestic implementation of FIFA’s reformed agent regulations.
- Acting for Michele Kang on the landmark creation of the world’s first women’s football multi-club ownership structure.
Avocats
Hall of Fame
Avocats au sommet de leur profession, largement reconnus et respectés par l'ensemble du marché pour leur expertise éprouvée et leur intervention récurrente et longue date dans les dossiers les plus complexes et prestigieux.
Les grands avocats du marché
Avocats associés reconnus parmi les leaders du marché par leurs pairs et leurs clients, régulièrement présents dans les grands dossiers dans lesquels ils sont au premier plan.
Les grands avocats de demain
Jeunes associés disposant d’une reconnaissance montante sur le marché, jouant régulièrement un rôle clé dans des dossiers majeurs.
Meilleurs collaborateurs
Jeunes avocats collaborateurs ou counsels qui se distinguent régulièrement par leur présence dans des dossiers importants du marché, et qui sont identifiés par le marché comme de jeunes talents à suivre.
Responsable de la pratique
Jonathan Ellis; Ian Lynam; Jon Walters; James Eighteen; Paul Shapiro; Jamie Feldman; Mike Herbert
Autres avocats clés
George Willis; Sarah Boulton; Oliver Harland