Raees Mahmood Consultant Commercial, Compliance and Sports Solicitor

Raees is an experienced commercial and corporate lawyer advising businesses, charities, and professional football players on corporate matters, commercial contracts, risk and compliance, employment law, data protection, and player representation. His combination of legal expertise, commercial acumen, and first-hand experience in elite sport gives him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by businesses, athletes, and entrepreneurs alike.

Areas of Expertise

Raees specialises in commercial and corporate law, covering:

• Consumer contracts
• General commercial contracts
• Business formation
• Corporate advice
• Contract reviews & bespoke drafting
• Sports law & player representation
• Risk management, compliance & governance
• SRA code of conduct
• Anti-money laundering
• Conflicts of interest
• Policy drafting & implementation
• Data protection (GDPR)
• Sanctions & regulatory advice
• Intellectual property & media rights
• Property & lease services
• Lease review and negotiation
  

   

Drawing on his time coaching at West Bromwich Albion and his work with agents and players on performance and contract strategy, Raees also provides expert insights for BBC and Sky Sports.

Approach to work and clients

Raees takes a practical, solutions-focused approach to his work. He prioritises understanding each client’s unique circumstances, whether a business, charity, athlete or organisation, and tailors his advice to achieve outcomes that are effective, strategic and sustainable. He understands the need for clear communication, proactive problem-solving and commercially sound judgment, helping clients navigate complex legal and commercial challenges.

Raees particularly enjoys work that blends his legal expertise with real-world impact. He takes pride in guiding clients through high-stakes contractual, commercial and regulatory matters, always aiming to deliver practical solutions that genuinely make a difference.

His broader professional interests also enhance his legal perspective: he runs the football analysis channel Pythagoras in Boots and remains involved in coaching and player development. This experience provides Raees with unique insight into the commercial and regulatory realities of elite football, further enriching the guidance he provides to clients across sectors.

Notable work

Raees has advised on a wide range of high-profile matters, including:

• Middlesbrough FC – Player Transfer & Termination: Advised on complex contract disputes involving non-payment and forced termination, providing strategic protection for the player’s rights.
• Sale of Business to Samsung: Supported a former Apprentice runner-up in selling their business to Samsung, including corporate structuring, commercial contracts and cross-border regulatory considerations.
• Earls Court Redevelopment & HS2: Provided commercial contracts and construction documentation advice for major property and infrastructure projects.
• Corporate, Risk & Compliance: Advised SMEs and multinational organisations on sanctions, AML, conflicts of interest, governance and policy frameworks.
• International Regulatory Work: Provided strategic sanctions and compliance advice relating to Ukraine, Russia and other international jurisdictions.
• Media & Sports Expertise: Regularly provides expert commentary for BBC and Sky Sports, combining legal knowledge with on-the-ground experience from coaching and working with professional players.