Chambers’ reputation for evaluating law firms and their attorneys is unparalleled in the legal industry. Thus, it is worthwhile to highlight a selection of those firms in the pages of Sports Litigation Alert.
Among those earning recognition were Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates, Latham & Watkins LLP, Winston & Strawn LLP, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, and Herrick, Feinstein LLP.
Skadden in particular, was singled out for its “highly renowned sports law practice with standout aptitude in a diverse range of contentious and noncontentious matters.” further, it “offers exceptional proficiency in litigious concerns, with noteworthy experience in antitrust disputes, IP and labor-related issues” as well as is “knowledgeable about commercial transactions, licensing agreements and financing.”
Meanwhile, Latham & Watkins LLP has a “well-regarded sports law group that acts for a stellar client base in a variety of contentious and noncontentious matters.” It “has aptitude in a broad array of issues relating to the broadcasting and media space, including the acquisition of sports distribution rights” as well as “offers notable expertise in new media and digital distribution within the sports sector including the exploitation of virtual reality technology.”
Winston & Strawn LLP has a “highly regarded litigation practice,” especially when it comes to representing “premier athletes and players’ associations in arbitrations, antitrust cases and personal conduct disputes.” The firm is “experienced in representing media companies, government entities and sponsors” and “offers high-end advice on noncontentious matters, including sponsorship and marketing agreements.” Not surprisingly, Jeffrey Kessler has “unparalleled expertise in every aspect of sports law and its adjunct antitrust law component; he is the expert that the experts cite and is as approachable as he is analytical.”
Chambers highlighted Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP for its continuing ability “to act on significant anti-doping mandates for anti-doping agencies and sporting organizations.” It is “respected for its work with international sporting bodies and domestic minor leagues as well as emerging sports.” Among its recent clients was the US Anti-Doping Agency in its case against Lance Armstrong. Its “notable practitioners” included Richard Young and Steven Smith.
Last, but certainly not least among the group was Herrick, Feinstein LLP, which has been “recognized for its work with some of the most storied names in American sports.” At the same time, it is also “home to an ever-expanding client roster of teams, leagues and investors.” The firm “provides counsel on complex disputes and daily advisory needs across a number of sports” as well as “regularly advises on multimillion-dollar financing and refinancing deals.” In particular, Irwin Kishner offers clients “strong expertise in corporate/finance and sports-related issues.” Among his “recent matters include stadium development projects, marketing, media rights, financing deals, and league governance.”
