Free advice: Welsh sports stars to benefit from firm's input

Cardiff-based firm Dolmans is on track to provide Welsh sports stars of the future with free legal advice in a partnership with the Sports Council for Wales Elite Cymru programme.


In a deal announced this week, Dolmans will provide legal advice and assistance to the 180 up-and-coming athletes on the lottery-funded programme. It will cover commercial and sponsorship agreements, employment and property law.


Eight solicitors in the firm's business services department will devote an agreed number of hours to the athletes over the next 12 months.


Legal executive Hefin Archer-Williams said: 'Several members of our team have competed at the highest level in their various sports and they welcome the opportunity to give something back.'


Personal injury partner Clare Hoskins was three-times Welsh triathlon champion and has represented Wales internationally in triathlon and cross-country. Corporate partner Jonathan Rees used to play rugby for Bath.


Mr Archer-Williams expressed the hope that the scheme would particularly benefit the younger athletes who have not previously been exposed to situations where they have needed legal advice and will give their parents peace of mind.


He said: 'We are building on the success of our athletes. As Welsh sportsmen and women become more successful on the international stage, they are being increasingly approached by businesses to secure commercial agreements.'