Prime Highlights
- Fountain Court Chambers has strengthened its sports law offering by bringing in two experienced barristers to support its growing practice.
- The appointments underline the set’s ambition to position itself as a leading player in the competitive sports law market.
Key Facts
- Ashley Cukier has joined Fountain Court Chambers from Littleton Chambers.
- Maurice Holmes has moved to the set from Crown Office Chambers, adding further depth to the sports law team.
Background:
Fountain Court Chambers has strengthened its sports law practice by appointing two senior barristers as it looks to build its presence in a competitive market.
Ashley Cukier has joined from Littleton Chambers, while Maurice Holmes has moved across from Crown Office Chambers. Both bring extensive experience advising governing bodies, athletes and sports organisations across a range of regulatory and disciplinary matters.
Cukier is widely recognised for his work in football-related disputes. He has appeared before the FIFA Football Tribunal and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and currently serves on the Premier League’s Regulatory Oversight Panel. His arrival reunites him with John Mehrzad KC, who moved to Fountain Court from Littleton Chambers in 2023 and now leads the set’s sports practice alongside several established silks.
Holmes advises across multiple sports, including football, cricket, tennis, rugby and golf, with a particular focus on integrity, governance and anti-corruption issues. Before qualifying as a barrister, he played professional cricket for Warwickshire County Cricket Club. He leaves Crown Office Chambers after nine years in practice.
Richard Handyside KC, head of chambers at Fountain Court, welcomed the appointments, describing both barristers as highly regarded figures whose expertise would enhance the service provided to clients in the sports sector.
Cukier said he was pleased to join what he described as a growing and influential sports law practice, while Holmes highlighted the combination of sports, commercial and regulatory expertise at Fountain Court as a strong fit for his work.
The expanded team advises on disputes and regulatory matters across nearly all major sports. Recent instructions include acting for the FIA and Formula 1 in proceedings brought by former driver Felipe Massa in relation to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
The hires form part of a broader period of growth for Fountain Court. The set recently announced two new King’s Counsel appointments in the 2025 round and welcomed the return of Lord Goldsmith KC from private practice late last year.
Cukier’s move follows leadership changes at Littleton Chambers, although it is understood his departure is unrelated. His exit will be balanced by the arrival of another sports law specialist later this year.
