Who are the best sports lawyers in Canberra? Photo: File.
Sports law is a complex field. If you’re an athlete, a coach, the CEO or on the board or executive committee of a sporting organisation, a member of a sporting club or the parent concerned about any sporting or associated issue, you may need specialised legal advice. This includes legal advice to help you navigate a vast array of issues relating to sport such as contract disputes, disciplinary issues, regulations and by-laws.
A law firm with specialist knowledge and expertise in providing sports legal advice can help you sort through sports-specific issues. This niche area requires the right level of knowledge and experience.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a sports lawyer, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great sports lawyer?
Choosing a specialised lawyer who truly understands sport as a specialised sector can help manage stress levels over legal matters relating to the industry. It can also help you get practical advice and point you towards the right solution, whether your issue relates to local and grassroots sport, national sport or international sport.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a sports lawyer.
- Specialised knowledge. You’ll want a lawyer who has specialised knowledge about the way sports operate, inside Australia and perhaps even internationally. This is because sports is a unique sector with its own body of law and its own unique challenges. It also operates in a fast-paced environment. Test if the firm your dealing with has dedicated sports law specialists.
- Proven track record. Ask your lawyer about their track record in the specific area of sport concerning you to ensure they’ve managed similar cases. Ask about the context you’re operating in, such as disputes, hearings, appeals, anti-doping, member protection, non-selection, contracts, defamation, discrimination and negotiation.
- Availability. Depending on your issue, you may need a lawyer who can provide legal support on an urgent basis. If this is the case, ask about the firm’s availability to begin work right away.
- Passion about sport. It helps to have a sports lawyer who is passionate about sport and who understands your passion too. This shared passion will enhance communications between you and your lawyer.
- Check fees and retainer. Don’t be shy about asking for details on the lawyer’s fees, to make sure they fit within your budget. Always ensure you read the retainer your lawyer provides to avoid surprises throughout your legal matter.
The best sports lawyers in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
Sparke Helmore Lawyers are at the top of their game in the sports and entertainment industries, with a legal team passionate about sports. Specialised lawyers handle the full gamut of sports legal matters, including intellectual property, employment law, commercial agreements, corporate, property, antitrust, governance and more.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Lawyers at Norton Rose Fulbright have long-standing experience in the global sports sector and have advised clients on sports-related transactions, including at national and international levels, and across all aspects of sports law. The firm is especially strong in the areas of areas of acquisition and disposal of sports franchises, negotiation of sponsorship deals stadium financings and investigations.
Snedden Hall & Gallop
Snedden Hall & Gallop is passionate about sport and the firm’s sports law team understand the legal needs of sporting organisations, athletes, members of sporting teams, clubs and other participants within the industry. The team, led by sports law specialist, Allistar Twigg, has a comprehensive understanding of the application of law and business and sporting experience.
As Alayna Sixsmith happily reviewed on Google, "We have been using Snedden, Hall & Gallop Lawyers for some years now... [and] they have been nothing but professional, friendly, helpful and looked after our best interests."
Moulis Legal
Moulis Legal’s experience and expertise in sports law covers professional football codes, Olympic sports and international sporting events. Principal partner and founder, Daniel Moulis, has more than 10 years of sports law experience. He has been an athlete and is involved in Football Federation Australia. The other partner, Shaun Creighton, has also been an athlete, including at Olympic and Commonwealth Games levels.
If you’re looking for more information on lawyers in Canberra, you might like our article on the Best Law Firms in Canberra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all sports lawyers able to handle any sports matter?
It’s best to ask about the specific experience a lawyer has in the specific legal matter you’re facing, to test if they have knowledge you need. Some lawyers concentrate more in some areas of sports than in others. You’ll want the closes match possible.
How much do sports lawyers charge?
This depends on a range of factors, like experience, seniority, track record and the reputation of the firm itself. It’s best to discuss fees and billing arrangements (frequency and payment terms) upfront and don’t be shy to ask for details.
Can me regular lawyer handle my sports matter?
Sports law is an area of specialisation. It’s best to have your matter handled by a legal expert who understands the complexities and fast-paced environment of the unique sports world.
What matters can sports lawyers assist with?
Depending on the firm and the lawyer, they can help you navigate a vast array of sports issues like disputes and disciplinary issues, contract disputes, making sure constituent documents (such as constitutions, regulations and by-laws) are correct and up-to-date.
How long with it take for a case to be resolved and what are the chances of winning?
Revolving law matters takes time. The amount of time varies depending on the case. Some straightforward matters don’t necessarily take a lot of time. Detailed contract disputes can take longer. You can also ask your lawyer about the chances of success and the pros and cons of different approaches.
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