Centrefield has retained its position as a Top-Tier law firm for Sport within the latest Legal 500 rankings for sport in the North West and continues to be ranked among the leading firms in UK sport within both the Chambers and Legal 500 directories.
Chambers noted the firm’s “standout portfolio of clients” and that “The firm live and breathe sport”, with Legal 500 noting that Centrefield’s “specialist team” is “recommended for its work across a range of sports including rugby, swimming, golf, triathlon, cricket and cycling” and “with an especially strong record in football”. Chambers highlighted the firm’s breadth of capabilities, providing “advice on the full suite of commercial, regulatory and disputes matters, including anti-doping” with “considerable capability in relation to immigration and sponsorship matters.”
The firm’s partners have also been recognised once again as leading practitioners, with all four partners gaining individual acknowledgements in this year’s editions. Matthew Bennett is listed as one of the leading individuals in both Legal 500 and Chambers for UK Sport and is described as “highly renowned” and “the ‘go-to’ person for regulatory work”. David Bentham and Edward Canty are identified as leading lawyers within the industry, with David “well-regarded” for his commercial work within Sport and described by clients as “extremely good, very effective and straightforward” and Edward recognised for his work on anti-doping matters and with the Professional Footballers’ Association, with clients noting him as “concise, quick to the point and instinctively knows the right answer”. Stuart Baird’s work in connection with disputes and regulatory matters is recognised, with clients noting that “He has great knowledge, is very good technically and has a great network of contacts”. In addition, Associate Deirdre McCarthy is recognised, being described by clients as “very conscientious and thorough”.
The rankings are reflective of the firm’s continued success and position as one of the pre-eminent sports law practices within the UK.