EPSB Launches New Partnership with Clarke Willmott

The EPSB is pleased to announce that Clarke Willmott LLP has joined the 147 Club supply partner group.

The acclaimed national law firm will be able to offer its significant legal experience and advice in sport, commercial and corporate, property (including landlord/tenant), licensing, restructuring and insolvency, sponsorship and more.

With seven offices across England, Clarke Willmott is very well-placed to advise the EPSB and its members across a diverse range of legal areas.  The firm has leading expertise in multiple business sectors, including professional sport.

Its sport sector team represents clients including leading global sports agencies (such as Wasserman Media Group, accredited by Forbes recently as the second most influential sports agency in the world), Decathlon (the world’s largest sports retailer), The Rugby Players Association (the trade union for Premiership Rugby players), professional sports clubs (such as Somerset County Cricket Club and Bristol Bears).

The firm also frequently represents Premier League and Championship footballers and managers, Premiership rugby players, in addition to first-class county cricket clubs and players. It has also supported the national governing body Surfing England with its legal matters, as the sport grows and approaches the Olympics.

The EPSB has previously worked with Clarke Willmott during the coronavirus pandemic to offer expert legal guidance on commercial leases to affiliated clubs.

Clarke Willmott can advise clubs on property, commercial and corporate transactions, including lease negotiations and landlord and tenant issues; employment law & HR compliance, tribunal disputes and disciplinary matters; sponsorship deals; issues arising with national governing bodies; regulatory and (alcohol) licencing work and any and all types of dispute.

The firm has also recently been involved in advising professional sportspeople on the insolvency of their employer and sport regulatory issues.

Clarke Willmott is offering reduced rates to member clubs and other EPSB affiliates.  The firm’s experts are also willing to speak with member clubs and affiliates to ascertain the issue(s) upon which legal advice is required in advance of formal engagement.  If the firm cannot act or assist the club, it will not charge for the time spent.

Tim Copplestone, a partner in Clarke Willmott’s employment team and an expert in sports law comments: “We are proud to be teaming up with EPSB as a supply partner with the aim of providing trusted commercial legal advice to its member clubs and affiliates, to support them in their aspirations and to help them flourish, as well as assisting them with any legal projects and challenges that they encounter along the way”.

Clarke Willmott has produced a bespoke handbook for the EPSB, including further details on legal services and best contacts, which is available on request via email.

Learn more about Clarke Willmott.

Learn more about the 147 Club supply partner group.