International firm Charles Russell Speechlys has agreed to absorb boutique sports firm Couchmans. The firms will combine later this month when four Couchmans partners and seven fee earners will join Charles Russell Speechlys. The firm will continue to be known as Charles Russell Speechlys.

A statement on both firms’ website says: ‘By combining its pre-eminent full-service s‎ports law offering with Couchmans’ s‎ports law boutique service, Charles Russell Speechlys will be uniquely placed to advise clients internationally on all the legal and strategic issues that they may encounter in the s‎ports and related technology, media and lifestyle sectors.’‎

The agreement follows the departure of two Couchmans partners last year to set-up their own sports law firm.

Nic Couchman, who founded Couchmans in 2001, will become head of sport at Charles Russell Speechlys. He said: ‘Charles Russell Speechlys provides the perfect platform for us. Both firms are immersed in this sector and have a track record of innovation and working on ground breaking projects. We have helped to shape and guide the change and growth in the sports sector over two decades.’

James Carter, managing partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, added: ‘The addition of the market leading Couchmans team is a bold and innovative step forward for both firms and creates what we believe will quickly become the pre-eminent international sports sector legal practice.’