Legal kicks from the beautiful game – Daily Business Magazine

KATY SHARPE has been able to combine her footballing passions with her work as a lawyer

Football has always been one of my driving passions. As a teenage player for Kilmarnock I idolised the likes of legendary Scottish midfielder Kim Little and long harboured dreams of one day earning my crust from the Beautiful Game, carrying on playing at a senior level until the age of 22.   However, my goal of making a living from football seemed increasingly far-fetched the further I travelled along the path of training to become a lawyer. 

Happily, two years into my professional career in employment law – and still playing football in my spare time – I’m proud to have another string to my bow having recently completed the FIFA exam and I am now a fully licensed FIFA football agent. 

And the best thing is that the commitment of my firm, Aberdein Considine, to enhancing our sports law offer, means I’m ideally placed to practise my new dual role in my ‘day job’, as well as in my own time.  

Early in 2023, Robert Holland, head of employment law, launched a bold initiative to carve out a specialised legal service within the sports sector. The result was a dynamic sports law unit, formed in partnership with Darren Walker, a licensed FIFA football agent, via his firm DW Football Limited. 

In 2023, our commitment to elite youth football was unwavering and while that remains central to our mission, we’re proud to be expanding our offerings to serve individuals competing at the professional tier. 

Through this distinctive collaboration, we deliver expert legal guidance to clients competing in elite football leagues covering everything from employment and immigration matters to image rights, contract disputes, and exit agreements. 

Some Highlights  

This year marked a major milestone for client Samuel Harding, who made his professional debut with Dundee United FC and quickly established himself as a standout presence in the squad. He is currently attracting interest from England and abroad. We also played a pivotal role in securing a high profile move for rising talent Jamie Newton, facilitating his transfer from Rangers to Premier League side Nottingham Forest. Other talents include Felipe Skorbe, a stand out for Celtic B and Polish u19 international, while many others in our roster have international caps at youth level up to under 20’s.

Where are we now? 

As the summer transfer window closes, the market has seen a wave of high profile moves, including Florian Wirtz’s record breaking £116 million transfer and Hugo Ekitike’s £79 million deal to Liverpool.

Alongside these headline grabbing transactions, more modest yet significant transfers such as Benjamin Nygren’s £2 million move to Celtic and Oliver Antman’s £4 million switch to Rangers underscore the importance of tailored legal support across all tiers of the game.

No matter their status or net worth, every player deserves world class support behind the scenes, where the client’s interests remain the driving force in every negotiation. 

What do I bring to the table?   

From a personal perspective I believe my specialist background in employment law sets me apart from other licensed football agents. I offer a deep understanding of complex contractual disputes and possess sharp negotiation skills, both essential in navigating the high stakes world of professional football. 

I’m also deeply passionate about the women’s game. With interest in women’s football surging, thanks in no small part to the Lionesses and their historic Euro triumphs, the market is evolving rapidly and demands expert guidance. It’s immensely fulfilling to be part of that movement, offering tailored support where it’s needed most. 

At Aberdein Considine, we’re not just keeping pace with the evolving landscape of football, we’re helping to shape it. Through our unique blend of legal expertise, agent accreditation, and genuine passion for the sport, we offer a service that’s as dynamic and ambitious as the players we represent.  

Whether it’s guiding a youth prospect through their first contract or navigating the complexities of a Premier League transfer, our team is committed to delivering solutions at every level of the game. With our expanding Sports Law unit, we’re proud to stand at the intersection of legal excellence and footballing ambition, ready to support the next generation of talent, wherever their journey takes them. 

Katy Sharpe is a senior solicitor at Aberdein Considine

Related