LEICESTER’S latest law firm is enjoying a summer of sporting success after forging strong relationships with some leading, regionally-based but nationally relevant sports brands.
EHL Commercial LLP, which has recently broken away from long standing practise Edward Hands and Lewis Limited to create a separate arm, counts sports law (through Managing Partner Stuart Southall) as one of its specialisms – and is the preferred legal partner for the Loughborough-based and government-backed charity Youth Sport Trust (YST), as well as the Leicester Falcons American Football team, who play their matches at Hinckley’s Leicester Road Stadium.
Guy Kersey, Chairman of the Leicester Falcons, explains: “EHL and the Falcons share a desire to continually develop, innovate and drive for success. They’re ambitious and want to be the best in their field, just like us, so there’s a natural synergy and the same ethos/approach. Stuart and his team have provided continual legal support throughout this season, such as assisting with contracts, properties and structure of our organisation. Helping us set up as a professional club has really moved us forward and positioned the Falcons as one of the best outfits in the country. We’re now at the forefront our American Football’s rapid expansion in Britain – and with EHL Commercial we have the perfect partner to grow and win with.”
For Youth Sport Trust, EHL handle anything corporate or commercially orientated (including contracts, franchises, etc) and they undertake it as part of their corporate social policy. It’s prestigious work too, with YST playing an increasingly important role in respect of identifying and encouraging sport to be considered as a key component in today’s society, plus having very strong links to every governing sporting body within England.
Kate Platts, Commercial Director at the Youth Sport Trust says: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with EHL Commercial as our preferred legal partner, because they have proven their commitment to, and understanding of, the landscape in which the Youth Sport Trust operates. Their expert advice and support will be invaluable as we enter a new strategy era with a heightened focus on organisational sustainability and diversification of income.”
Stuart Southall, Managing Partner of EHL Commercial LLP, adds: “Our excellent relationships with the Leicester Falcons and the Youth Sport Trust are helping us further comprehend and master the burgeoning sporting arena and the particular nuances associated with being a specialist sports lawyer. It’s big business and the role now covers a variety of matters – everything from contracts, tort, intellectual property and image rights, brand protection, representation (for agency and employment matters) personal injury , media deals, tax issues and defamation, etc.”
