John becomes registered FA Lawyer

 

John Pratt, managing partner at regional firm BHP Law, is now a registered lawyer under The FA’s Football Agents Regulations and will be representing the firm’s increasing number of football player clients and clubs.

 

Mr Pratt was a key player in the establishment of BHP Sport two years ago, the firm’s sports representation and management division.

 

Last year the division was strengthened with the signing of three well known figures from North East football.

 

Former England player and Middlesbrough and Bolton manager Colin Todd, Boro player and Gateshead manager Gary Gill and former Sunderland player and Darlington manager Gary Bennett joined the firm as sports consultants.

 

As BHP Sport has signed more young players, including Newcastle United star Dan Gosling for whom it helped secure a free transfer from Everton, so the need for more senior legal expertise has grown. 

 

Mr Pratt explained: “The division’s work in representation and management is complemented by cross-practice legal support for our clients with advice on issues from contracts and renegotiations to image rights, sponsorship deals and intellectual property.

 

“Other professionals within the firm advise young players on property and personal matters, and an expert from BHP’s financial planning division advises on personal finance, tax and estate planning and wealth preservation.”

 

Mr Pratt said he was looking forward to working more closely with the firm’s sporting clients following his registration with The FA.

 

“BHP Sport has gone from strength to strength to the point where we needed to add to our FA registered legal expertise to support players with their future careers.

 

“Our combination of ex-professionals from the game working with lawyers as a single team is a unique service for sports professionals and I’m looking forward to playing my part,” he added.