Home | About Us | Recruitment | International | Pro-Bono | Corporate Social Responsibility | Client Care | Contact Us | Links | Login | Privacy |
Logo
Search
Partners & Solicitors
BWB Seminars & Events
Consulting & Training


Mike Townley
Head of Sports
m.townley@bwbllp.com

Qualifications
• BA Hons (Politics) York University - 1984
• Admitted as a solicitor - 1988

Experience
Mike has been a specialist sports lawyer since before the niche even became recognised. He joined the first sports law firm to be established in the UK straight from law school and remained there until 1999.

In 1999, Mike set up athletes1 which is a commercial sports marketing and athlete management company, while at the same time continuing to practice as a solicitor serving his clients in the sports sector.

Mike joined Bates Wells & Braithwaite in June 2007 in order to concentrate fully on his sports law practice and to head up and strengthen the existing sports team at BWB.

Mike’s clients include national and international governing bodies of sport, event organisers, sponsors and broadcasters and the UK Sports Council, the government agency for the funding and delivery of high performance sport.

Examples of Work Undertaken
• Advising UK Sports Council on the athlete agreements to be entered into by all Lottery Funded athletes
• 2012 Paralympic Games participation issues on behalf of the International Paralympic Committee
• Legal advice and documentation for the set up of major motor racing series ‘Grand Prix Masters’
• Anti-Doping rule drafting and representing clients at anti-doping hearings
• Court of Arbitration for Sport (Lausanne) representation in disputes between governing bodies and players and their agents
• Litigation between a football world cup squad and their national association over unpaid “player pool” money
• Representation at a wide range of sport disciplinary hearings

Publications and Speaking
• Various publications especially in World Sports Law Reports
• Lectured extensively on sports governance and recently presented a series of seminars to Olympic National Governing Bodies

Commitment
Mike is committed to sport and making the legal, regulatory and compliance environment fit for the purpose of delivering meaningful sport competition to every level of athlete. The law must serve sport, not the other way round.

Mike is an active distance runner, marathoner, triathlete and cyclist.
> Print this page
> V-Card
> Contact Me
> Recent Work
> Articles
> Media Coverage
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2012  "recognised as a senior figure within the world of sports law, and clients are particularly keen to note that 'he is somebody who understands very well the full nature of sports organisations.' His extensive experience in the sector ensures that he is able to 'take a very realistic and commercial approach.' "
Chambers UK 2011  "noted for his long and distinguished track record in UK sports law. He is commended by clients who rave about 'his undeniable passion for sport,' and note that 'we save considerable time because he is already up-to-speed with the complexities and challenges we face.' "
Legal 500 2010  a dedicated sports practice under the leadership of Mike Townley.
Chambers UK 2010  "He impresses with his 'true passion for sport and direct approach'"
Legal 500 2009  "'experienced' regulatory expert"
Chambers UK 2009  “He knows the sport business inside out”... and is a highly individual lawyer with “a great sense of humour and a passionate belief in sport”.
Chambers UK 2007  “one of the most experienced players in the market”
Chambers UK 2007  “a lawyer who gets things done in the right way”
Chambers UK 2006  "one of the best names in the market. He has skills, experience and contacts that most would envy"
Chambers UK 2006  “[he] knows how to make things simple rather then charging for jargon and legal gobbledegook”
Legal 500 2006  “completely understands the industry and has all the right answers”