Sport Resolutions Pro Bono Service

The application window for joining the Sport Resolutions administered Pro Bono Service is now open until 5:00 p.m. on Friday 21 June 2024.

Please click here for further information, including details of the application process.

Please note that all existing Sport Resolutions Pro Bono Service Members must complete the application form. This is to ensure we have the most up to date information for all individuals.

Background

The Pro Bono Legal Advice and Representation Service (“The Pro Bono Service”) originates and operates as a legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Members of the original London 2012 Pro Bono Legal Advice & Representation Service, operated by Sport Resolutions, assisted athletes, and others with Games accreditation, by providing pro bono legal advice on any Games related matter.

Purpose & Scope

The purpose of the Service is to:

Provide pro bono legal advice and assistance to athletes and individuals of limited financial means, who:

• are involved in proceedings administered by Sport Resolutions and request assistance from the Service. These include matters administered on behalf of International Federations, matters determined by the National Anti-Doping Panel, the National Safeguarding Panel, and other ad hoc arbitrations and mediations administered by Sport Resolutions, or
• are involved in UK Sport funded high performance sport, or
• request assistance from the Service through the British Elite Athletes Association.

Assistance may include summary advice and/or representation in relation to athlete eligibility, selection, disciplinary, anti-doping, and classification matters. This list is non-exhaustive.

Membership and Composition

The Service will be composed of chambers, firms, barristers and solicitors appointed by the Panel Appointments and Review Committee (“PARC”), in accordance with the appointment criteria. If appointed to the Service, the Member need only consider a request for pro bono assistance – there is no compulsion on the part of any Service Member to accept any pro bono request. Service membership may be given to an individual lawyer or barrister, a solicitors’ firm or a barristers’ chambers.

Criteria for Appointment to the Pro Bono Panel

Members of the Service (whether it be as an individual or a firm/chambers) should have recent experience in at least two of the following areas; anti-doping, safeguarding, athlete selection, eligibility, Paralympic classification, corporate governance, sport disciplinary procedures, integrity issues in sport, commercial contracts, employment and discrimination or any other area identified by Sport Resolutions as targets for service provision;

Service Members are not required to make any fixed time commitment beyond making reasonable efforts to be available to offer pro bono advice and assistance when asked to do so;

The PARC will be able to accept/reject applications at its discretion and will consider the current and potential needs of those requiring the support of the Service when exercising that discretion. Potential factors to consider may be to fill gaps in experience and/or geographical spread and/or to meet diversity requirements, and/or anticipate trends.

The service is made up of barristers' chambers, law firms and individual practitioners who are willing to provide pro-bono legal advice and representation to athletes, coaches, team officials, and other individuals appearing before Sport Resolutions and other sport specific tribunals. The pro-bono service was created to provide a safety net for unrepresented individuals who do not have the means to fund their own representation.

Sport Resolutions

Sport Resolutions is the leading independent dispute resolution service for sport based in the United Kingdom and operating globally. We provide an expert, timely and cost-effective alternative to internal appeal processes and court-based litigation. 

We deliver services to leading sporting bodies both in the UK and internationally, and we are proud to work with all in sport, from minority sports to the professional level.