The WS Sports Law Conference returns on 30 October with an international roster of speakers. With our partners at Lombardi Associates, we are pleased to bring some of the industry’s most experienced and recognised figures to Edinburgh for this popular event in the Society’s education programme.

A highlight of the event will be a session featuring two of the three arbitrators from the high profile ITIA v Jannik Sinner case, providing insights into the reasoned decision in this pivotal anti-doping decision. The conference is a must-attend for legal professionals, academics, and stakeholders passionate about the legal integrity of sport.

Among others, we will hear from Gillian Treasurer, Director of Legal & Governance, British & Irish Lions, fresh from a successful tour to Australia, as well as Angela McCracken, Head of Legal for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth games about the work that goes into such a large event. Attendees will also hear from both the legal and operational teams at Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, widely acclaimed as one of football’s best run organisations.

We are delighted to welcome Street Soccer Scotland back as the conference’s charity partner and pleased that we will be joined by COO Gerry Britton on the day to talk about the work this brilliant charity does. Street Soccer Scotland uses football as a vehicle to help people experiencing mental health issues, helping them to engage in sport and exercise to create positive habits and assisting them in accessing support services. Street Soccer Scotland are also the official team partner of Team Scotland, winners of the Homeless World Cup on two occasions, in 2007 and 2011.

It is also a pleasure to have the support of our Media Partner, LawInSport. The go to industry resource, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Founder & CEO, Sean Cottrell, about the year so far and what to look out for in 2026.

SPEAKERS:

• Ian Laing WS, Lombardi Associates (Conference Chair)

• Paolo Lombardi, Lombardi Associates

• Sean Cottrell, Law in Sport

• Lloyd Thomas, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club

• Finlay Stark, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club

• Gerry Britton, Street Soccer Scotland

• Dr David Sharpe KC, 12KBW

• Tammi Gaw, Advantage Rule LLC

• Craig Joiner, LGT Wealth Management

• Gill Treasurer, The British and Irish Lions

The full conference programme will be announced soon.

TOPICS:

• Reflections on a career in sports law.

• Successfully building a legal team inside a football club.

• Street Soccer Scotland

• ITIA v Jannik Sinner – reflections on anti-doping matters

• Athletes off the field

• Lions on Tour

DELEGATE RATES:

• Writers to the Signet: £270+ VAT

• Standard rate: £300+ VAT

• Law student/trainee solicitor: £160+ VAT

Make sure your organisation is represented by reserving a place now.

With thanks to our sponsors: