Help with Resolving Disputes.

Why Early Legal Advice Matters

Disputes in sport or business are rarely just legal. They affect people, reputations, and performance. Whether the issue is internal or public, early legal advice gives you clarity and confidence before the situation escalates.

You do not need to wait for a formal complaint or a legal threat. One conversation early on can shift the direction of the issue, protect relationships, and reduce risk. We help you understand what is happening and take the right steps before pressure builds.

What We Help With

We assist clients with disputes involving:

• Contracts and governance concerns

• Selection decisions and disciplinary action

• Sponsorship, funding, and commercial agreements

• Employment issues and personal grievances

We also support clients through mediation and other resolution pathways that aim to resolve matters constructively and avoid unnecessary cost or escalation.

Practical, Outcome Focused Support

We focus on what matters most. Our role is to protect your position while helping you move forward.

Our advice is clear, considered, and grounded in both legal and real world understanding. We aim to:

• Help you manage issues early and constructively

• Balance legal, personal, and reputational risk

• Preserve important relationships wherever possible

• Guide you toward the best process for your context

Not every dispute needs to become a fight. We help you keep perspective, stay in control, and make confident decisions under pressure.

Where We Work

Our sports law team is based in Wellington and Christchurch, supporting clubs, associations, and sports organisations throughout New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Sports Law Disputes

Should I speak to a lawyer before things become formal?

Yes. The earlier you seek advice, the more control you keep. Whether it is a team selection issue, a contract breakdown, or tension inside your organisation, early legal support helps you avoid common mistakes and stay calm under pressure. Most of our clients say they wish they had reached out sooner.

What kinds of disputes in sport do you handle?

We help with disputes involving selection, disciplinary action, employment concerns, sponsorship, governance, and contracts. We also advise when internal processes feel unfair, unclear, or at risk of becoming public.

Is it too late to get help if things have already escalated?

Not at all. Even if a formal complaint or hearing has begun, we can step in and guide you through the next stage. That includes preparing responses, managing communication, and making sure your rights and reputation are protected.

Will I end up in a hearing or court process?

Not necessarily. Many disputes can be resolved through early advice, negotiation, or mediation. We help you decide what the right process looks like, based on the outcome you want and the impact you want to avoid.