Pro Bono Success: Representing an Athlete in an Anti-Doping Matter

Partner, Sam Murray-Hinde, and Solicitor, Annie Long, successfully represented an athlete charged with an anti-doping violation.

We are pleased to highlight a recent pro bono case led by Partner, Sam Murray-Hinde, and Solicitor, Annie Long, who successfully represented an athlete charged with an anti-doping violation by World Athletics.  This required advising in a clear and straightforward way given that the athlete and her witnesses did not speak good English and at times we had to liaise via her agent.  

Rather than proceeding to a formal panel hearing before Sport Resolutions, which could have resulted in the athlete being subject to a much longer ban and serious damage to her reputation, we collaborated closely with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to negotiate a settlement.  Our tenacity resulted in a shorter ban being imposed. 

Additionally, while the AIU has to publish certain mandatory information online even where there's a settlement, the settlement mitigated against the risk of a public judgment with findings that could have severely impacted her reputation and long-term career, to include valuable sponsorship.  

This case reflects the firm's commitment to providing high-quality legal representation, particularly in complex and high stakes matters.