As part of a deal with sports law specialists Couchmans will be joining Speechlys on 22 January.
Founded in 2001 Couchmans’ 11 strong team advises clients operating in the sports, media, technology and lifestyle sectors around the world.
Founder Nic Couchman will become head of sport at Speechlys.
In a statement, the combined firms said they will be “uniquely placed to advise clients internationally on all the legal and strategic issues that they may encounter in the sports and related technology, media and lifestyle sectors.”
Speechlys is also appointing Darren Bailey as a consultant. Bailey is a former director of football governance and regulation at The FA, and is a leading expert in sports law, integrity and regulation.
James Carter, managing partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, said: “The addition of the market leading Couchmans team is a bold and innovative step forward for both firms and creates what we believe will quickly become the pre-eminent international sports sector legal practice.
“We firmly believe that through this combination, we will stay at the cutting edge of the sports business as it becomes increasingly global. Clients will have access to a commercially orientated, sector specialist service on a full service international platform, but will continue to benefit from the personal attention that is the hallmark of both firms.”
Nic Couchman said: “This exciting next step in our development allows us to meet the needs of our clients who want sector specialist advice across the full range of legal disciplines with a global outlook.
“We intend to set a new standard for sports law firms, not just in the UK, but internationally.”
