The application window is now closed
The application window for joining Sport Resolutions' Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators for the next term will be open in late 2023.
The application window for joining Sport Resolutions' Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators for the period April 2021 to March 2024 has now closed.
The application window for joining Sport Resolutions' Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators for the period April 2024 to March 2027 will open in November 2023.
Occasional appointments and exceptional circumstances
Sport Resolutions occasionally makes appointments to its Panel outside of the application window when new contracts require additional skills or numbers. To ensure that you hear about such vacancies please sign up for the Sport Resolutions newsletter by clicking here.
In exceptional circumstances we accept applications outside of the recruitment window if you can demonstrate that you have skills and experience in a priority area for Sport Resolutions that is not met by current members of the panel. If you believe that you can demonstrate exceptional skills and experience then please contact the Sport Resolutions Secretariat on 020 7036 1966 and we will advise you of the process to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a sport specific CV?
A sport specific CV should outline previous Sport Law experience you have gained by working with athletes, federations or sporting bodies and should be relevant to the specific arbitration areas that you wish to be considered for.
- Do I need professional indemnity insurance?
All legal members of our panels are required to have Professional Indemnity cover, to the minimum value of £500,000 and maximum value of £2,500,000.
For former members of the judiciary, we are able to assist with obtaining professional indemnity insurance cover. If this is required, please contact panels@sportresolutions.com and a member of the team would be happy to assist.
- What will be my hourly rate if I am appointed to your Panel?
Professional fees will vary depending on various factors (including the nature and complexity of the case) and will be discussed with you prior to you accepting (or otherwise) to be nominated for appointment to a case. Appointment terms will be confirmed in a letter of appointment which you will receive upon appointment to a case. They may include a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a combination of the two.
If you have indicated that you would be willing to be considered for pro bono appointments, we may also approach you for a case of this nature on occasion.
- Can I apply for the Pro Bono Panel if I am undergoing my LPC, BPTC, Training Contract or Pupillage?
We require all individuals applying for Sport Resolutions' Pro Bono Panel to be qualified Lawyers or Barristers, holding a practising certificate in their country of practice.
- How often can I expect to be appointed to a case?
Numerous factors come into play when it comes to the frequency of appointments, including expertise in the subject-matter of the dispute, specific requirements within the sport's rules (eg. X number of years of practice, an accountant, or not to be of the same nationality as the athlete), availability, location, as well as fluency in the language of the dispute. Historically, legal members who sit on specialised tribunals (such as those with membership on anti-doping, safeguarding or football regulatory tribunals) tend to get appointed most frequently due to the number of case referrals in those areas. Some panel members have very specialised skill-sets which are particularly valuable and relevant to certain types of disputes, but those disputes might not occur frequently.
Accordingly, although Sport Resolutions endeavours to appoint as many of its panel members as possible, we cannot guarantee any number of appointments.
- Direct Access Qualified (pro bono panel applications only)
Both direct access and non-direct access members of the Bar can apply to the Pro Bono panel. This question applies to applicants based in countries where a Direct Access Scheme operates, such as the UK.
The Direct Access Scheme allows members of the public to instruct an authorised barrister directly (without the need to instruct via a solicitor or firm). On occasions where an individual is not direct access qualified, we may be able to assist by putting barristers in touch with solicitors from our pro bono panel, who can provide instructions.