Northridge promotes two to partnership

LONDON – Northridge today announced the promotion of two of its managing associates to partner.  The new partners, Ben Rees and Paul Shapiro, have worked at Northridge since the firm was founded in October 2017.

Rees acts for governing bodies, teams, players and commercial parties on a range of complex disputes and disciplinary matters in the sports sector, including before the courts and tribunals (both domestic and the Court of Arbitration for Sport).  Rees is also known for his expertise in advising clients (such as The FA, Premiership Rugby and the British Horseracing Authority) on the drafting and interpretation of sports rules and regulations.  Notable recent successes for Rees include representing Premiership Rugby in the landmark salary cap case against Saracens Rugby Club, and acting for Chelsea FC in its transfer ban appeal against FIFA before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Shapiro specialises in commercial and regulatory advice to clients in the sports sector and is particularly known for his expertise in sponsorship, merchandising, player contracts, football transfers and image rights structures as well as setting up new competitions and events.  Shapiro’s recent work includes advising The FA on restructuring the Women’s Super League, acting for Betway on its multi-million pound sponsorship agreement with West Ham, advising PUMA on its ground-breaking merchandising deal with Formula 1 and acting for Dele Alli and Kevin de Bruyne on a wide range of on and off field matters.

Oliver Harland has also been promoted to Managing Associate in the firm’s contentious team.