Firm to expand global sports law practice with new Milan offering

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright is expanding its Italian offering and global sports law practice with a new sports law capability in Milan.

The new practice will operate nationwide throughout Italy and be led by Senior Employment Associate Boris Martella – with the support of Associate Federico Moriconi – in conjunction with independent sports lawyer Lucia Bianco, head of the boutique law firm Bianco Sports Law.

Lucia Bianco has more than 30 years’ experience in the sports sector, with extensive experience in legal and regulatory issues related to football. She has worked for both national federations and leagues; as an in-house lawyer for football clubs, including as Head of the Sport Legal department at Serie A club AS Roma; as a lawyer supporting professional athletes and sports agents; and also as a federal judge. She is a regular speaker on sports law at major universities and conferences. 

Boris Martella joined the firm in 2021. He regularly advises domestic and international clients across all sectors on the full range of employment and labour law matters. He recently completed advanced studies in sports law and sports justice at the University of Milan. 

Norton Rose Fulbright’s new Sports Law practice in Italy will provide non-contentious and contentious advice to athletes, sports clubs and associations, and sports agents on a wide range of commercial, employment and labour, sponsorships and intellectual property issues.

Norton Rose Fulbright Head of Italy Attilio Pavone commented: 

“The European sports sector has proved resilient and continues to grow. In view of the new Italian Sports Reform, which will take effect in July 2023, sports teams and leagues require holistic advice to help them navigate an increasingly competitive and complex operating environment. Working in collaboration with Lucia Bianco, we are pleased to extend our offering to clients involved in the sports industry.”

Norton Rose Fulbright’s global sports law practice encompasses the full range of business law services, including corporate transactions, consultation on commercial and contractual matters, advising on intellectual property matters (including management of global trademark portfolios), advising on real estate, finance, employment and labour, and dispute resolution, among other areas of the law. The global team is particularly strong in the areas of acquisition and disposal of sports franchises, negotiation of sponsorship deals and stadium financings, especially those involving professional football clubs and leagues.