So, You Want to be a Sports Lawyer

In Partnership with Strathclyde University Law School, SYLA is delighted to present to our members the next in the “So you want to be…” series.

So, you want to be a Sports or Media lawyer? Good. You have come to the right place.

Engineered towards students, trainees, and NQs, this event will showcase the various routes taken to working within this sphere, as well as providing an insight into the day-to-day workings of a sports lawyer. We are thrilled to offer our delegates an expert panel of speakers, with vast and varied experience within the sector.

Ian Laing - General Counsel, Lombardi Associates

Ian is a highly experienced legal professional specializing in sports law. As General Counsel at Lombardi Associates, Ian provides strategic legal advice on complex sports-related matters, including player transfers, contractual disputes, and regulatory compliance. With a deep understanding of the global sports industry, Ian has represented athletes, clubs, and governing bodies in high-profile cases before FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). His expertise spans the negotiation of sponsorship deals, image rights agreements, and governance matters. Ian’s pragmatic approach and commitment to ethical practice make him a leading figure in the field.

Áine Coll - Commercial Disputes Solicitor at Shepherd Wedderburn

Áine is a solicitor at Shepherd and Wedderburn working in the commercial disputes team based in Edinburgh. She joined the firm as a trainee in 2022 and spent six months of her traineeship on client secondment at the British and Irish Lions as they prepare for the tour to Australia this year.

In her current role, Áine advises a range of sports clients including the SPFL, Scottish Rugby and The R&A on contractual, disciplinary disputes and brand protection matters.

Matthew McAnaw - Legal Counsel at the R&A

Matthew graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2019 with a Scots Law degree and completed his Diploma in Professional Legal Practice the following year. He trained at Thorntons Law LLP and qualified into the Intellectual Property, Technology and Commercial Team at MacRoberts LLP (now MFMac LLP) in Edinburgh, specialising in commercial contracts, data protection and non-contentious intellectual property for clients in the public, higher education, energy and technology sectors. Matthew joined The R&A, based in St. Andrews, in February 2024 and is the main point of contact for law-related matters in the following areas:

• Commercial contracts
• Trade Marks and branding
• Media and broadcasting rights
• Championships
• Hospitality and ticketing
• Golf development

In his spare time, Matthew can be found on the golf course, playing 5-a-side football or skiing in the French Alps.”

Host or Publisher Scottish Young Lawyers' Association