Sports-Crazy World: British Invasion in US Legal Market

Law firm Paul, Weiss took a major hit as UK law firm Linklaters poached two FIFA top lawyers.

FIFA is the Federation Internationale de Football Association, the global self-regulatory governing body for sports such as association football, soccer and futsal. From way back in 1930 it has organized the World Cub.

This might be called The British Invasion. For a while UK Magic Circle law firm Linklaters has been trying to get traction in the US legal market. This could do it. 

Linklaters hired two FIFA legal stars:

"Paul, Weiss partner Christopher Boehning has joined as Chair of its global sports practice and US strategic disputes, while Daniel Levi will serve in the firm’s litigation, arbitration and investigations practice, both in the New York office."

Overall, there's been a surge of interest in sports legal talent. Driving that are the increase in private equity investments, complex regulations and litigation. Sports has evolved from a niche to a full-service corporate practice in some law firms. 

That, though, is nothing new for Paul. Weiss. Embedded in its branding has been its high-profile assignments for the NFL. Partner Brad Karp has been associated with that. For the 2011 class-action lawsuit about concussions, he had been the NFL's lead lawyer. 

Recently Paul Hastings launched a global sports practice.

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