Clerk Details
- Clerk Name: Sam Collins
- Clerk Email: [email protected]
Sports law
Jamie Johnston has almost a decade’s experience as an advocate and chair in sports disciplinary hearings. He has acted for clients across a range of sports, including swimming, golf, bowls and cycling. He is a current chair for disciplinary hearings for UK Athletics, British Cycling and British Canoeing.
Jamie is highly experienced in complex sports disciplinary work including allegations of discrimination, racism, violent misconduct, cheating and breach of contract by lotter-funded athletes. Many of his cases concern posts and comments in social media or sports media.
Jamie had a long background in elite and grassroots sport before coming to the Bar. He played National League hockey, ran at a national level and now competes internationally in age-group duathlons. As an S&C coach he worked with senior and junior international athletes in hockey, swimming, netball, badminton and coached a future Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallist. As a hockey coach he worked at every level from primary school beginners, through junior County and Midland squads to National League. At his club he was first team captain, safeguarding officer and coach. This detailed understanding of sport at every level, but especially elite sport, gives him unique insight as an advocate into the complexities of sport
Recent sports work has included:
- Chairing the four-day trial of a world-class coach (see BBC coverage here).
- Acting for a club player in disciplinary proceedings for threatening behaviour.
- Representing a golfer accused of cheating in a significant competition.
- Successfully defending a golfer facing a suspension for alleged cheating
"Jamie assisted in a dispute arising from a prestigious golf competition involving issues of competition rules, procedural fairness and the governance framework of a golf club.
Jamie quickly understood both the sporting and legal context of the dispute and was able to translate what was a complex and highly fact-sensitive situation into a clear and structured legal strategy. His advice demonstrated a strong grasp of the interaction between sports regulations, contractual terms and the obligations placed on competition committees and officials.
His advice was precise, well organised and persuasive, helping to focus the case on the key issues. He was approachable and practical in his advice, taking time to explain the legal position and the strategic options available at each stage.
Throughout the matter he combined strong legal analysis with a pragmatic and commercially aware approach to litigation strategy. Jamie comes highly recommend to those seeking counsel with expertise in sports law disputes, particularly where competition rules, disciplinary decisions and governance processes are in issue”
A sports law client
"Jamie and I worked together negotiating a national sport contract. He had great attention to detail; displayed speed with which he picked up the issues; had a very effective and measured negotiating style; and was a pleasure to work with."
Rod Findlay, Sports lawyer
“Jamie is an excellent chair on our Disciplinary Panel. He takes a logical and pragmatic approach to cases to ensure a fair and easy to understand process for all participants. He is patient, clear, extremely personable and a reliable and valued member of our Panel.”
Legal manager for a sports governing body
Reported decisions
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Recommendations “Jamie is very robust and thorough. He is an outstanding counsel.” Legal 500 2027 editorial
“Jamie…is very good on his feet. He’s one of my favourite counsel, and he’s very authoritative with clients but also easy-going” Chambers & Partners 2027 recommendation.
“Jamie is excellent. His drafting is consistently high-quality - clear, precise and carefully thought through….the written work he has produced for us has directly contributed to an excellent outcome for our client.” Legal 500, 2027 recommendation.
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