Firms disappointed by Commonwealth exclusion as Addleshaws rules the games

OFFICIAL SPONSOR: Manchester practice permitted to veto firms seeking corporate hospitality

Solicitors in Manchester have expressed disappointment at being carved out of the Commonwealth Games by organisers in favour of Addleshaw Booth & Co.

Addleshaws was recently elevated to the top level of official sponsor in an extension of its fees-for-sponsorship deal.

As a result, other local firms have chosen to entertain clients away from the games, the biggest multi-sport event ever held in the UK.

Addleshaws has also been given the right to veto any law firms which seek corporate hospitality at the games, although it is thought that no firm has actually applied.

The local bar has launched a pro bono scheme to help competitors facing drug-taking or other competitive issues.

Manchester Law Society tried to create a similar scheme, but its executive director Fran Eccles said she was told by organisers that 'as the society represented law firms, it would clash with the interests of the games' legal sponsors'.

Roy Beckett, managing partner of DLA's Manchester office, said: 'We will mostly be staying away, as will other law firms, as Addleshaws name will be all over it.

It seems rather sad that something for the benefit of the city has precluded a large part of the commercial centre.

It would have been far better for five or six firms to have played a full part, rather than just one.'

Similar apathetic stances have been taken by firms such as James Chapman & Co - which has several clients competing at the games - Eversheds and Kuit Steinhart Levy, which cited Addleshaws involvement as part of the reason.

Halliwell Landau is hosting a dinner for clients, at which sports minister Richard Caborn will speak, but senior partner Alec Craig said the timing was a 'happy coincidence'.

Addleshaw's managing partner Mark Jones said: 'It was the choice of the organisers to only have one law firm as sponsors, not ours, and we have given many benefits in kind for that right.

Maybe if others had the preparedness and level of support we had, they could be in the position we are now.'

As part of its work for the games, Addleshaws has created a rapid response unit to be on-call 24 hours a day via a dedicated hotline to advise organisers and athletes.

Lawyers will be available to advise the games' organisers on issues involving broadcasting rights, health & safety, employment, litigation and any attempted ambush marketing of sponsor rights.

It is on call for any drug-taking allegations involving competitors, and will also be able to help if athletes or officials get into difficulties away from the stadiums.

Andrew Towler