19th May 2022

IRWIN MITCHELL CONFIRMED AS OFFICIAL LEGAL PARTNER TO UK ATHLETICS

Irwin Mitchell has been announced as the Official Legal Partner to UK Athletics in a three-year agreement with the organisation.

The Award-winning legal firm will support UK Athletics (UKA) with advice and regulatory guidance in key areas such as Safeguarding, Disciplinary Investigations, and Contentious and Non-Contentious commercial work.

The partnership, which was brokered on behalf of UKA by Rocket Sports, will see Irwin Mitchell’s specialist lawyers provide a significant level of legal support for UKA ensuring key areas receive the dedicated resource that are essential for the governance of the sport and which Irwin Mitchell is well placed to support. The commitment was founded on a shared passion for supporting and continuing to improve the high standards of governance in the athletics industry and beyond.

UK Athletics Chief Finance Officer Mark Draisey said:

“I am delighted to confirm our partnership with Irwin Mitchell. Our recent overhaul of the safeguarding structures in addition to improved and enhanced procedures across governance have a significant financial impact when it comes to legal support.

“It is vital that we achieve partnerships that help reduce this cost for the good of the sport ensuring that budget and resource is channelled towards athletes, coaches and all the vital services provided by the National Governing Body.

“In Irwin Mitchell we have a like-minded partner that understands sport and the unique landscape in which we operate and we’re looking forward to building the relationship to benefit the sport.”

Tom Barnard, partner and specialist sports lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said:

“We are thrilled to be confirmed as the official legal partner to UK Athletics. Irwin Mitchell has a proud track record representing national governing bodies and our appointment by UK Athletics recognises our expertise, our ability to work on all legal issues affecting sporting organisations and our reputation for establishing long-term and effective client partnerships.”