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Michael is a partner and specialist sport and entertainment industry lawyer.

He advises players and athletes, professional clubs and teams, brand sponsors and sports governing bodies on contractual and regulatory matters. His work covers several sports including football, motorsport, golf, tennis, cricket, rugby, cycling and athletics.

Michael’s work for sports men and women includes advising on contracts with their clubs and teams and image rights exploitation including endorsement contracts. He also advises various sports teams on commercial contracts including licensing, sponsorship and merchandising.

His work advising brands and sponsors includes drafting and negotiating sponsorship agreements with sports teams or in relation to major events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship and UEFA Champions League, the Premier League, the ICC Cricket World Cup and Formula One.

Michael’s wider entertainment industry work involves advising a wide range of talent on contracts with brands and agencies. This includes many of the UK’s most well-known models, influencers and streamers. He also advises a number of creative agencies.

Michael began his career as a sports lawyer working for the organising committee of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He is ranked as a leading individual for sports law in both The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Michael is also a member of Law in Sport and the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) and speaks regularly at their events.

TESTIMONIALS

What people say

Michael Lister’s advice and counsel goes above and beyond what one would expect. But Michael works with such exceptional knowledge that we can work in a very clear and transparent way, yet fully comprehensive. This makes us, as a business, more trusted with our clients which is vital for us. He has taken the time to really understand who we are and want to be, and is now invaluable to our business.”

The Legal 500 UK

Incredible level of support and understanding of my situation, whatever the problem may be.”

Chambers UK

I was referred to Michael, and it was an easy decision after my introductory call. His knowledge of the sports industry and his integrity are among the many reasons we’re happy with our choice.”

Chambers UK

Michael Lister and Sam Purkiss have been excellent to work with, providing considered advice and counsel to us.’

The Legal 500

Michael Lister is outstanding. He is an expert in the sports field and has helped us with a huge variety of work covering all aspects of sponsorship and management.’

The Legal 500