Ex-goalkeeper becomes Brodies sports law associate

Brodies LLP has appointed former professional footballer Derek Stillie as an associate in its sports law practice, based in the firm's Glasgow office.

Mr Stillie enjoyed a career as a goalkeeper for Aberdeen, Dundee United, Wigan Athletic, Dunfermline Athletic and Gillingham, represented Scotland at under-21 level and was a member of the full Scotland squad. He embarked on a legal career in 2000, while playing for Wigan, when he began studying towards a law degree in his spare time. In 2008, having retired from professional football, he joined the London office of New York law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf, then moved to Kennedys before returning to Scotland to move to Brodies. He is now dual qualified in Scots and English law.

Representing top sporting individuals and clubs, he has advised on matters including the interpretation of FIFA statutes, FA disciplinary proceedings and arbitrations, image rights agreements, intellectual property rights and sports agreements, employment tribunals and the FA fit and proper person test.

At Brodies Mr Stillie will be part of the business disputes & asset recovery team, complementing the members of the firm’s regulatory, corporate and private client teams with sports law expertise.

Team head Stephen Goldie commented: “Derek has a track record in delivering results for sports clients involved in contentious matters. The experience gained through his professional sporting life combined with his legal career to date make him well placed to understand the legal needs of clients involved in all manner of sports. He will augment our top ranked business disputes team and will play a key role in the development of Brodies' services in this area.”