How did you get involved in sports law?

I began my legal career working as a legal assistant at the English Premier League, in the Media and Broadcasting and Commercial departments.  That is how my interest in Sports Law began.  I now co-lead my firm’s Individuals In Sport team, which forms part of our overall Sports Law offering.  In that role I am responsible for promoting the firm’s expertise in representing and advising individuals involved in sports.  The wide range of services for individuals offered by my firm, along with our specialist knowledge of the Sports sector, make us truly unique in being able to assist Individuals in Sports with any legal issues they may face during their career and afterwards.  In my daily practice I work exclusively for private individuals, specialising in all areas of family law (including divorce, finance and children matters) particularly those with an international element, and often involving complex international disputes.  My client base is varied and includes Individuals in Sport.

Any advice for someone trying to break into the sector?

My advice to anyone wanting to pursue a legal career, whether in Sports Law or family law is to develop a good network, in the case of Sports law – join WISLaw!  A career in dispute resolution is greatly assisted by having a wide network among peers, and developing good relationship that will allow you to have sensible negotiations that can lead to a good settlement for the client.

What has been your most memorable achievement in the industry?

It is difficult to narrow this to just one achievement.  Becoming a Partner in the firm in April 2022 was particularly memorable.  Throughout my career I have had a number of memorable achievements in my cases.  I recently represented a leading Human Rights Charity on a pro bono basis in a ground breaking legal case.  This involved a transgender parent who gave birth to a child after having legal transitioned from female to male, and who challenged the government’s failure to allow him to be registered as the father on the birth certificate.  Another memorable success was securing the return of a child to his mother’s care in this jurisdiction following the abduction by the father to a European country, at the age of just six month’s old.  I’m very proud of the work that I do on a daily basis in assisting my clients to resolve issues arising from the breakdown of their family relationships, whether this is ensuring that there is a fair financial settlement or helping to establish the most suitable arrangements for the children involved.  Separation is one of the most difficult things anyone can go through, so every time I help my clients to settle a dispute and allow them to move forward with their lives, particularly outside of court, I see that as a memorable achievement.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

Raising a young child whilst embarking on the partnership programme at my firm during lockdown was particularly challenging.  It is always a struggle for working mothers to strike the right balance between a successful homelife and career.  There is a tendency to feel that we are underperforming in both areas, but the way I try to overcome this is to ensure that I am fully present in each of my roles at the right time.  Knowing my limits and having a clear plan of achievable short and long term goals, which I stick to as much as possible is invaluable to me in trying to maintain that balance!

Why did you decide to focus on this particular area of law? 

I enjoyed working for the Premier League in the sports sector, although I found that my strengths are better suited to representing individuals, as I enjoy the direct client contact.  Having gained experience in a number of different areas in private practice, I quickly realised that family law was right for me because I enjoy helping people and problem solving under pressure is one of my greatest strengths.

What benefits / How has WISLaw helped you in your career?

I think that WISLaw is a fantastic organisation.  It’s huge international reach is a great way for lawyers to grow their network.  There is a genuine commitment among the organisation and members to women supporting women, which is really great to see.  Having attended the annual conference in Lausanne a few years back pre covid, I was inspired by the hugely successful women who gave up their time to share their experiences and knowledge with other members, and the genuine eagerness to develop supportive networks.  There is a very obvious passion amongst those involved to encouraging more women to get involved in sports law, and to support those already in the industry.  I think it is beyond admirable and I am looking forward to becoming more active in the organisation and its network  post covid.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love football, and was a previous season ticket holder at Everton football club for a long time (sadly a career in London and becoming a parent made this difficult to maintain!).  I thoroughly enjoyed watching the England ladies side win the Euros this year.  It was an historical and very touching moment.  I also love athletics and particularly enjoyed watching the Commonwealth Games take place in my hometown of Birmingham this summer.  Personally I enjoy running as a way to keep fit and clear my mind, and I spend the rest of my free time with family and friends, travelling whenever the opportunity arises!

If you weren’t a sports lawyer, what do you think you would be and why? 

 If I weren’t a family lawyer, I would most likely have become a Sports lawyer, specialising in dispute settlement as that’s where my skills lie!