Levinson defends footballer's £4.5m award

­­Who? Jan Levinson, 41, sports and technology litigation partner at national firm Beachcroft.

Why is he in the news? Acted in the Court of Appeal for former Manchester United footballer Ben Collett, who last year was awarded what his lawyers believe are record damages of £4.5m after a fracture to his leg in a match against Middlesbrough ended his playing career. ­Middlesbrough Football Club appealed, arguing that the award was too high for a young and unproven footballer.

Thoughts on the case: ‘This has been an emotional case, with a young man’s life-long ambition to be a professional footballer taken away from him in mere seconds. When Ben was awarded £4.5m in damages last year, it reflected the extent of his potential as a player before his career came to an abrupt halt six years ago. Clearly, Ben would have ­preferred to have earned this sum on the football pitch, but is naturally delighted that the damages awarded remain ­completely intact and that the appeal has been dismissed in its entirety. He would like to thank everyone for their ­messages of support. He is presently studying English at university and asks that his ­privacy continues to be respected.’

Dealing with the media: ‘After the High Court case, I fielded 80 phone calls, emails and texts in a couple of hours. There’s been less excitement over the appeal. Generally, I find the media helpful and understanding.’

Career high point: ‘This case is only matched by one 10 years ago when I won the first ever million-pound award for a footballer.’

Career low point: ‘As a young lawyer being told by the senior partner that I would be lucky to receive half a dozen thank you cards from clients in the whole course of my career.

I’m pleased to say I’ve already received many more than that.’