Steven Flynn

Steven specialises in business protection and complex employment litigation, with a proven record of success in high-value and strategically significant disputes before the High Court and international tribunals. His practice is focused on protecting commercial interests through the enforcement of contractual rights, the strategic use of injunctive relief, and the resolution of disputes involving senior executives, fiduciary duties, and reputational risk. He is regularly instructed by corporates, financial institutions, and professional services firms in matters involving the movement of high-level personnel, misuse of confidential information, and breaches of duty. Clients value his ability to blend technical precision with practical, commercially grounded advice, and to respond swiftly and effectively where the stakes are both financial and reputational.

Core Areas of Expertise

· Breach of Contract & Confidence – High Court litigation concerning executive contracts, fiduciary duties, and misuse of confidential information.

· Partnership & Director Disputes – Contentious exits, inducement claims, and breaches of duty by directors and senior management.

· Restrictive Covenants & Team Moves – Enforcement and defence of post-termination restrictions, including applications for springboard injunctions.

· International Employment Litigation – Cross-border disputes involving global executives, offshore entities, and complex jurisdictional or regulatory issues.

Selected Recent Work

Directors’ Contracts & Duties

· Successful pursued a substantial damages claim against a director who established a competing business while still in office.

· Represented a leading insurance broker in High Court proceedings against its former CEO for misuse of confidential data and pricing models.

· Acted for a former director in a speedy trial concerning allegations of misappropriation of company resources.

· Obtained a worldwide freezing order against the CFO of a major PLC who had misappropriated funds over a 15-year period.

· Represented a company secretary accused of receiving high-value inducements in connection with a commercial deal.

· Acted for an online property platform in a claim against former directors for delivery-up of confidential business-critical data.

High Court & International Employment Litigation

· Represented a commodities trader in a multi-million-pound bonus dispute.

· Acted for a stockbroker in a £4.3 million breach of contract claim against a Bahamian bank. Defended a technology company against bonus claims brought by former directors before the ADGM Courts.

· Represented a company accused of providing an inaccurate employment reference.

· Advised a senior executive on entitlement to a £10 million payment following a corporate sale.

· Acted for a PLC in a claim against its CFO concerning long-term misappropriation of funds.

Restrictive Covenants & Team Moves

· Obtained a springboard injunction against a PLC that had unlawfully poached a senior executive.

· Resisted an injunction by establishing constructive dismissal, rendering restrictive covenants unenforceable.

· Represented a law firm in proceedings against a former associate who set up in competition and attempted to poach clients.

· Secured injunctions against senior employees who had solicited customers prior to termination.

· Obtained delivery-up and use restriction orders concerning confidential business information.

Contracts, Exit Agreements & Governance

· Provided guidance on the discretionary nature of share option entitlements in executive contracts.

· Advised a senior safety executive on exit strategy from a leading automotive company in the context of potential product recall litigation.

· Counselled a director of a publicly traded company on whistleblowing to the FCA regarding insider trading and market manipulation.

Steven is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading juniors in sports law, with a practice spanning employment, commercial, and regulatory disputes across a broad range of sports. He acts for governing bodies, clubs, athletes, managers, and agents in proceedings before domestic tribunals, Sport Resolutions, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

He is particularly noted for his expertise in employment disputes within sport, representing players, managers, and senior executives in matters involving contract termination, bonus entitlements, disciplinary proceedings, and breaches of confidence. His ability to integrate detailed employment law knowledge with a deep understanding of sports regulation enables him to advise effectively in cases that straddle contractual, governance, and integrity issues.

Steven also has a substantial practice in sports-related commercial litigation and arbitration, advising on sponsorship, image rights, agency, management, and promoter disputes, as well as the commercial rights of players, clubs, and governing bodies. He is frequently instructed in contractual and termination disputes, inducement claims, and commission recovery actions, and is known for his strategic judgment and commercially focused advice. Legal 500 (Sport) describes him as “an excellent senior junior who works incredibly hard… authoritative in his advice and a safe pair of hands.” He also acts in regulatory and disciplinary matters, including anti-doping proceedings, integrity investigations, and governance disputes, where he combines forensic precision with measured, persuasive advocacy. Chambers UK (Sport) describes him as “a true problem solver” and “a great lawyer to work with… very user-friendly and really gets into the detail of the case.”

Alongside his advocacy practice, Steven sits as an arbitrator on the Sport Resolutions Panel, chairs disciplinary and appeal panels for national governing bodies, and is a Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Sports Law Research at Edge Hill University, contributing to the development of best practice in sports governance and dispute resolution.

Core Areas of Expertise

· Regulatory & Disciplinary – Anti-doping, misconduct, integrity, and safeguarding cases before governing body tribunals and Sport Resolutions.

· Commercial & Contractual – Sponsorship, image rights, broadcasting, and representation agreements.

· Governance & Integrity – Investigations, conflicts of interest, and internal disciplinary processes.

· Employment in Sport – Player and executive contracts, terminations, and disputes involving clubs and associations.

· Arbitration & ADR – Representation in domestic and international arbitrations (including CAS) and service as arbitrator or panel chair.

Selected Recent Work

Employment

· Representing football managers in proceedings before the Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal.

· Successfully represented a Premier League club in a multi-million-pound claim before the Professional Football Compensation Committee concerning the poaching of a youth player.

· Representing a group of professional footballers who successfully terminated their contracts for persistent late payment of wages.

· Appealed a decision of the FIFA Football Tribunal to the CAS, securing recovery of further unpaid wages for an international footballer.

· Acting for an England international rugby player in a contractual claim against his former club following the imposition of a salary reduction.

· Representing a WSL player in a grievance appeal concerning allegations of bullying by her manager.

· Acting for 43 former players and staff dismissed by a professional rugby league team.

Commercial

· Successfully represented a football agency in a seven-figure claim before CAS.

· Acting for a boxing manager in a £30 million British Boxing Board of Control Regulation 24 arbitration against a former client.

· Defended a leading professional golfer in multi-million-pound proceedings brought by former sponsors.

· Representing a boxing promoter in a £10 million+ claim for breach of a promotional agreement.

· Representing a football agent in a Rule K arbitration for unpaid commission, which involved cross-examining a Premier League chairperson.

· Representing a sponsor in a claim against a Super League club for failure to deliver contractual services under a sponsorship agreement.

Regulatory

· Representing a professional footballer alleged to have provided a sample containing Higenamine.

· Acting for a rugby coach facing disciplinary proceedings after ordering a prohibited substance for personal use.

· Representing a governing body before the NADP in a case involving alleged contamination of supplements.

· Acting for a professional boxer accused of nandrolone use, challenging both the testing process and the source of contamination.

· Representing the RFU in disciplinary proceedings involving an England international accused of making homophobic remarks.

· Representing a high-profile football coach accused of racially abusive comments towards players.

· Acting for a golfer before the PGA Disciplinary Committee in a discrimination-related misconduct case.

· Advising England Boxing on governance and administrative issues.

Steven has extensive experience in high-value commercial litigation, representing businesses, professional services firms, and individuals in complex contractual and commercial disputes. He is regularly instructed on matters involving breach of contract, fiduciary duties, and professional obligations, providing strategic advice and advocacy across litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution forums.

He handles cases involving allegations of commercial fraud and misconduct, including misrepresentation, diversion of business opportunities, and breaches of fiduciary duty. Steven also has significant expertise in partnership and LLP disputes, managing issues such as expulsion, profit entitlement, governance, and dissolution, including claims at the intersection of partnership law and statutory employment rights.

Steven has particular strength in cases requiring urgent injunctive relief, including freezing orders, delivery-up applications, and confidentiality injunctions. He is frequently instructed in matters with cross-border elements and jurisdictional challenges, and his background in employment and regulatory law allows him to provide integrated, strategic advice where commercial disputes intersect with director, executive, or governance issues. His practice also encompasses domestic and international arbitration, including proceedings under the LCIA, ICC, CIArb, and CAS rules.

Core Areas of Expertise

· Contractual Disputes – High-value and cross-border litigation involving supply, distribution, and agency agreements.

· Directors’ Duties & Corporate Governance – Breach of fiduciary duty, inducement, and shareholder rights.

· Commercial Fraud – Allegations of deceit, conspiracy, and breach of trust, often involving parallel civil and regulatory proceedings.

· Partnership & LLP Disputes – Expulsion, dissolution, profit share, capital contributions, and governance issues.

· Arbitration & Enforcement – Acting in international arbitrations and court proceedings arising from arbitral awards.

· Injunctive Relief – Freezing orders, springboard injunctions, and other urgent remedies to protect commercial assets and information.

Selected Recent Work

Arbitration

· Represented a state-owned enterprise in a £3 billion arbitration concerning a network of interconnected finance agreements.

· Acted for a sports agent in recovering £1.2 million in unpaid commission. · Represented a manufacturer in a multi-million-pound dispute concerning defective goods.

Commercial Fraud

· Represented a PLC in proceedings against its former CFO, obtaining a worldwide freezing order after uncovering long-term misappropriation of funds.

· Advised a corporate client whose procurement director colluded with a recruitment firm to secure a contract containing hidden kickbacks.

· Represented a consortium of energy companies deceived into entering disadvantageous long-term contracts through misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty.

· Acted for a media and entertainment agency defending claims of undue influence and unconscionable bargain brought by high-profile talent.

· Advised a professional sports team misled into signing a sponsorship agreement with an offshore entity unconnected to the purported counterparty.

· Acted in a High Court claim alleging dishonest assistance in the diversion of confidential business opportunities.

Directors’ Contracts & Duties

· Successful pursued a substantial damages claim against a director who established a competing business while still in office.

· Represented a leading insurance broker in High Court proceedings against its former CEO for misuse of confidential data and pricing models.

· Acted for a former director in a speedy trial concerning allegations of misappropriation of company resources.

· Obtained a worldwide freezing order against the CFO of a major PLC who had misappropriated funds over a 15-year period.

· Represented a company secretary accused of receiving high-value inducements to secure a commercial deal.

· Acted for an online property platform in a claim for delivery-up of confidential, business-critical data.

Discrimination in Goods and Services

· Defended a multinational logistics company accused of failing to make reasonable adjustments resulting in financial loss.

· Advised a religious organisation facing a claim of unlawful disability discrimination brought by a member.

· Represented a national retailer in proceedings arising from allegations that a branch manager had harassed a disabled child.

Media & Entertainment

Steven also acts in media and entertainment sector disputes, representing broadcasters, talent agencies, and high-profile individuals in claims concerning appearance contracts, endorsement deals, and management agreements.

Recent examples include:

· Defended a talent agency in a claim of undue influence and unconscionable bargain brought by a departing client.

· Represented a performer in a breach of contract claim arising from sexual assault by their manager.

· Acted for social media influencers in recovering unpaid fees from commercial partners and agents.

· Advised on the drafting, negotiation, and termination of representation contracts.

Sale of Goods / Supply of Goods and Services

· Advised a competitive rider on a misrepresentation claim involving an unfit show-jumping horse.

· Represented a potato farmer in a dispute with an international crisp manufacturer over alleged contamination losses.

· Acted for a buyer of a prestige classic car, successfully recovering the purchase price following misrepresentation.

· Acted for a steel exporter in a claim against an Indian company for unpaid invoices under a cross-border supply agreement.

Shareholder Rights & Corporate Disputes

· Advised on the discretionary nature of employee share option entitlements in the context of a corporate sale.

· Represented a global chocolate brand in resisting an unfair prejudice petition concerning share redesignation.

· Acted for the owners of a professional football club in successfully defending an unfair prejudice petition by a supporters’ group.

· Represented the CEO of a listed company alleging anti-Semitic conduct by fellow directors aimed at forcing his resignation and divestment.

Partnership & LLP

· Represented an LLP member who alleged he was unlawfully expelled due to age discrimination, securing a favourable settlement.

· Advised a large medical partnership on the removal of its CEO and the reallocation of profit entitlements.

· Acted for a former partner in a dispute concerning liability for an unfair dismissal award, arising from a decision she had opposed.

· Represented an individual who believed he had entered into a partnership with a solicitor, advising on the implications of professional conduct restrictions.

· Advised on the division of assets and client lists following the dissolution of a professional services partnership.

· Counseled a financial services LLP on the enforceability of restrictive covenants and post-departure obligations of members.

Steven has a substantial arbitration practice, both as advocate and arbitrator, across commercial, employment, and sporting contexts. He appears in domestic and international arbitrations governed by the rules of the LCIA, ICC, CIArb, Sport Resolutions, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He is known for his measured advocacy and deep procedural expertise, and is frequently instructed in high-value disputes involving complex contractual structures, multi-jurisdictional issues, and enforcement challenges. As a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Steven is regularly appointed as sole arbitrator or panel member in commercial and sports arbitrations. Steven’s arbitration practice complements his wider expertise in business protection, commercial li

him to bring a holistic and strategically informed perspective to cases that cross disciplinary boundaries.

Core Areas of Expertise

· Commercial Arbitration – Disputes under LCIA, ICC, and CIArb rules involving finance, manufacturing, and professional services.

· Sports Arbitration – Rule K, CAS, and Sport Resolutions proceedings involving contractual, disciplinary, and regulatory issues.

· Employment & Partnership Arbitration – Disputes involving executive contracts, LLP agreements, and director-level employment terms.

· Arbitral Challenges & Enforcement – Advising on appeals, enforcement, and setting-aside proceedings before the High Court.

· Arbitrator Appointments – Serving as arbitrator and chair in commercial and sporting disputes.

Selected Recent Work

· Represented a state-owned enterprise in a £3 billion arbitration concerning a network of interrelated finance agreements.

· Acted for a manufacturer in a multi-million-pound ICC arbitration concerning defective goods and breach of warranty.

· Represented a sports promoter in a £30 million LCIA arbitration following the cancellation of a major international event.

· Acted for a sports agent in a successful CAS arbitration recovering over £1.2 million in unpaid fees.

· Represented an executive in a share-option and termination dispute under the CIArb rules.

· Sat as arbitrator in a Sport Resolutions arbitration concerning breach of managerial contract.

• Gray’s Inn
• Cardiff Law School, Cardiff University

• Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
• British Association for Sport and Law
• The British Irish Commercial Bar Association

• Publications Author of the ‘Managers Contracts’ chapter (with Christopher Jeans QC) for Football and the Law (2nd Ed.) (pre-publication)
• Author of the ‘London’ chapter of the International Arbitration: A Global Guide for Practitioners (1st Ed.) (pre-publication)