James Earl

Having also previously trained as a tax lawyer to both individual and corporate clients, this has led to me working with a range of owners and investors. I also advise a number of HNW families in their strategic plans and affairs, including via one of our sister businesses, Walgate Family Office. I have particular expertise in helping to effect change to governance and operating structures in family businesses and trust structures, and today fulfil a trusted adviser role to several well-known UK and international families.

Working in sport as a lawyer means that your horizon is unlimited in terms of opportunity and work types and it must be one of the fastest changing industries I know of. Probably the greatest part is that my clients are extremely passionate about what they do and why they do it and this genuinely makes concluding deals and solving problems for them all the more satisfying. Sports law is also very multifaceted, meaning that there are many legal disciplines involved. To that end, I’ve only ever been able to achieve success by having a lot of talented people around me and that is a key reason why Fladgate has been a great home for me from day one.

My family also has quite a few ties to the wine industry and through that, I continue a great love of collecting wine (and of course drinking it). My absolute favourite thing is helping friends to discover new wines and from some of the farther flung parts of the world. I otherwise like anything that involves being outside, but skiing would probably be the top of the pick when I am lucky enough to do it.