Lewis Silkin has today announced two key appointments to its Sports Law Group.

Andrew Osborne has joined as a partner and will also lead the firm’s Immigration practice within the Employment and Incentives Department and Brian Barwick joins as Chairman of the firm’s Sports Law Group.

Andrew joins from law firm Hammonds and has 8 years experience in sports matters including all areas of player transfer work in sports with a particular emphasis on football. Andrew’s specialisms include work permit appeals, regulatory issues and disputes before FIFA. He is a member of the British Association for Sport and Law and the Immigration Law Practitioners Association. Andrew also has over 12 years experience of advising corporates and high net worth individuals on their immigration needs.

Following a successful career in sports media including as the BBC’s Head of Television Sport (Production) and ITV Controller of Sport, Brian Barwick became Chief Executive of the Football Association in 2005, holding the post until 2008. During his time in office he oversaw the opening of the new Wembley Stadium and recruited Fabio Capello as the current England coach. In January 2009 Brian was made visiting professor of Strategic Leadership at the University of Liverpool and is now a global ambassador for Soccerex.

Commenting on the appointments, Michael Burd and James Davies, Joint heads of EID said:

‘These appointments are excellent news for both our Sports and Immigration practices. Andrew’s appointment provides additional strength and depth in both sports and immigration while Brian’s knowledge of the sporting world is second to none and greatly strengthens our position in this sector.’

Andrew commented:

‘I am delighted to be joining such a talented team. Lewis Silkin has an outstanding reputation for its sports and immigration work and I look forward to working with the teams and being part of their future success.’

Brian added:

‘I am greatly looking forward to helping Lewis Silkin in its continued development of its leading sports practice. The industry is experiencing a period of significant change and Lewis Silkin is ideally placed to help clients navigate through this.’

For further information, please contact:

Mark Grant
Director of Business Development
Lewis Silkin LLP
5 Chancery Lane
Clifford's Inn
London
EC4A 1BL

T:+44 (0) 20 7074 8226

E:Mark Grant