Sport is about performance.Law is about protection.

We advise and represent players, coaches, agents and clubs on the legal issues of professional basketball. Antanas Paulauskas is a recognised counsel for arbitration before the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal.

How we can assist

• Contracts and representationDrafting, reviewing and negotiating player, coach and agent agreements, including remuneration, bonuses, guarantees, image rights and exit provisions.
• Contractual disputesClaims and defence concerning unpaid salaries, bonuses, agent fees, breach of contract and early termination.
• Arbitration and settlementCase assessment, settlement negotiations and representation before the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal, from the initial claim or response through to the award.
• Award complianceAdvice on payment, settlement and enforcement options, including applicable FIBA procedures where an award is not honoured.

We support players, coaches, agents and clubs with contracts, transfers and disputes. Our work includes representation before the FIFA Football Tribunal, with the appropriate chamber determined by the parties, the agreement and the applicable rules.

The FIFA Football Tribunal

• Dispute Resolution ChamberInternational employment disputes between players and clubs, including unpaid remuneration and contract termination, as well as claims relating to training compensation and solidarity contributions.
• Players’ Status ChamberInternational employment disputes involving coaches and clubs or associations; disputes between clubs, including transfer-related claims; and regulatory applications concerning registration, eligibility and the international transfer of minors.
• Agents ChamberDisputes arising from representation agreements with an international dimension, including service fees and contractual obligations, where the chamber has jurisdiction.

We also advise on employment, transfer, loan and representation agreements, assist with settlement negotiations and pursue eligible appeals before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

We represent clients in arbitration and appeals across professional sport, including proceedings before international and national sports tribunals and federation bodies. The appropriate forum is assessed for each matter, alongside jurisdiction, the evidence and the outcome sought.

How we can assist

• Case assessment and strategyAdvice on jurisdiction, arbitration clauses, procedural deadlines, evidence and the available routes to challenge a decision.
• Claims, defence and appealsPreparation of submissions and representation in contractual, disciplinary, eligibility, selection and anti-doping disputes, where the relevant tribunal has jurisdiction.
• Hearings and urgent measuresPreparation of witness and expert evidence, advocacy at hearings and applications for provisional measures when a matter is time-sensitive.
• Resolution and next stepsSettlement negotiations and advice on compliance with, or enforcement of, arbitral awards, coordinating with local counsel where needed.

We help athletes, agents, clubs and sports organisations structure their relationships, establish clear governance and make informed decisions. Our work combines contract drafting, regulatory advice and independent service on legal and decision-making panels.

How we can assist

• Employment and sporting agreementsDrafting, review and negotiation of player and coach contracts, athlete service agreements, transfers, loans and agency or representation agreements.
• Commercial rights and partnershipsSponsorship, endorsement, image-rights and licensing agreements, with attention to exclusivity, payment, permitted use and termination.
• Contract changes and exitsExtensions, amendments, termination agreements, settlements and confidentiality arrangements that clearly record the parties’ rights and obligations.
• Anti-dopingAdvice on anti-doping obligations, whereabouts requirements and therapeutic use exemption procedures; assistance with alleged rule violations, provisional suspensions, hearings and appeals.
• Governance rules and proceduresDrafting and reviewing statutes, constitutions, codes of conduct, disciplinary and appeal regulations, election rules and conflict-of-interest policies. Establishing clear responsibilities and procedures for governing bodies and committees.
• Disciplinary and decision-making panelsServing as an independent chair or member of disciplinary, appeal, ethics and other legal or decision-making panels, including conducting hearings, assessing evidence and drafting reasoned decisions.

We also advise on federation regulations, eligibility and the application of sporting rules in day-to-day operations.