Richard Cramer

Richard Cramer is the Founder and Managing Partner of Front Row Legal, a boutique law firm specialising in Sports, Media and Business Law based in Leeds. Richard has worked on various high-profile cases, including the successful striking out of a £3m claim against a football agent. Boasting over 25 years of legal experience, Richard is recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the country’s leading sports lawyers and regularly appears in regional and national media as an industry expert.

1. How did you first start working in sports law? 

I first started working in sports law as long ago as 1984 whilst I was doing my training contract. I got involved in some football and rugby league deals which gave me a good grounding.

2. Is there a particular area of sports law that interests you the most?
  
My industry speciality is rugby league but it’s the business of sport which I find particularly interesting, as opposed to the actual performance.

3. How did you find establishing your own firm? How do you balance your role as Managing Partner with being a lawyer?  

My first venture operating a law firm was in 2001. I had been involved in some football work and ended up being conflicted and felt it was best to settle by myself (i.e. become the master of my own destiny). It can be quite hard as when you are both a managing partner and a fee earner one becomes the minder/finder/grinder, but it becomes part of everyday life.

4. What has been the most interesting case you have worked on?  

I have been privileged to work in a number of different sectors and industries. Sports cases are often the most interesting and so there are unfortunately too many to list.

5. What are the rewards and challenges of working in sports law?  

Financially, working in sports law can be good, but one can spend a lot of energy without reward. I find sports law interesting and some of the characters involved make it enjoyable. I suppose there is nothing better than winning a case and seeing it splashed all over the media!

6. What advice would you give to those hoping to work in sports law in the future?  

Good question! I find that many lawyers like the idea of working in sports law but do not immerse themselves in it as much as they should. I would say that if you want to work in that sector you have to be a good all-round lawyer, but also know everything that’s going on as best you can, both on and off the field. One has to read the papers and become a news buff. It’s also very helpful to be incredibly proactive on social media.

7. Please could you describe a typical ‘Day in the Life of Richard Cramer’? 

I can tell you that no two days are the same! The day can start at 6am dealing with all sorts of enquiries via email and telephone, as well as preparing for clients’ needs and dealing with the burden of compliance issues. There is no typical day, but there can be twelve-hour days and I can find myself working on holiday and/or working over the weekends. However, it should really be a labour of love and if it feels like a chore then you should stay away from being a sports lawyer.