Our Managing Partners
webeeui-product-screenPartner Lawyer
Jean-Jacques BERTRAND
A lawyer since 1973, Jean-Jacques BERTRAND heads the firm with over 50 years of exclusive experience in sports law.
Graduate of the Université Panthéon-Assas
Author of a practical work entitled "Le Sportif et son Agent" ("The Sportsman and his Agent").
Regular lecturer on the Masters in Sports Law at the University of Aix-Marseille and Sports Law Professions at the University of Burgundy.
Member of the French National Olympic Committee's Sports Arbitration Chamber
International arbitrator (between 2002-2010) at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (T.A.S)
webeeui-product-screenAssociate lawyer
Christophe BERTRAND
Christophe BERTRAND has been a lawyer since 1998, and became a partner of the firm in 2004, practicing exclusively in sports law.
Holder of a Master's degree in International Business Law from the University of Paris I (1994) and a DEA in Civil and Commercial Obligations Law from the University of Paris V (1995).
Lecturer on the Masters in Sports Law Professions at the University of Burgundy and in Sports Law at the University of Aix-Marseille
Member of the "Sports Law" Specialization Jury of the Conseil National des Barreaux and of the Commissions Droit du Sport and Nouveaux Métiers de l'Avocat of the Paris Bar.
webeeui-vertical-imgA dedicated team
The firm has several associates, all dedicated exclusively to sports law. Each associate benefits from the direct supervision of the partners and is responsible for :
- Ongoing legal and regulatory monitoring
- analysis of French and international sports case law
- Preparation and follow-up of litigation files
- Drafting of contracts and legal documents
Gallery view
Baptiste HUON
Associate lawyer
Titulaire du Master 2 Professions Juridiques du Sport de l'Université Bourgogne Dijon et du Master 2 Contentieux, Arbitrage et Modes alternatifs de règlement des différends de l'Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas Paris, Baptiste HUON exerce la profession d'avocat depuis 2022.
Il est également membre de la Commission de discipline de première instance de la Fédération Française de Canoë-Kayak ainsi que de la Commission d’éthique et de déontologie de la Fédération Française de Natation
Il est également membre de la Commission de discipline de première instance de la Fédération Française de Canoë-Kayak ainsi que de la Commission d’éthique et de déontologie de la Fédération Française de Natation
Anouk BERNARD
Associate lawyer
Holder of a Master’s Degree (Master 2) in Private Law from the University of Paris‑Est‑Créteil and of a University Diploma in Sports Law, Anouk BERNARD has been practising as a lawyer since 2023.
Margaux BROYER
Associate lawyer
Holder of a Master’s Degree (Master 1) in Business Law and a Master’s Degree (Master 2) in Legal Professions in Sport awarded by the University of Burgundy, Margaux BROYER has been practising as a lawyer since 2024.
Carl STEPHAN
Legal counsel
Holder of the Master’s Degree (Master 2) in General Private Law, “Business Contracts and Liability” track, from the University of Rennes 1, and of the Master’s Degree (Master 2) in Business Law, “Sports Law” track, from Aix‑Marseille University, Carl has been working as a legal counsel within the Firm since 2022.
Laurence LAMBERT
Legal assistance
Laurence LAMBERT has been the Firm’s legal assistant at Cabinet Bertrand for over 30 years.
webeeui-left-split-toggleOur approach
Expertise built up since 1973
Cabinet Bertrand has been practicing sports law exclusively for over 50 years. Our approach is based on a thorough understanding of sports and legal procedures, a rigorous code of ethics and personalized support for our customers.
Why exclusive expertise in sports law?
Cabinet Bertrand has focused exclusively on sports law since 1973. This total expertise enables us to :
- master all national and international sports regulations
- Anticipate developments in case law thanks to our database of 8,000+ cases
- Established relationships with all sporting bodies (CAS, FIFA, UEFA, CNOSF, AFLD, French federations)
- Expertise in over 15 sports disciplines
This exclusive expertise guarantees constantly updated knowledge of the sporting regulations, procedures and practices of each body.
What principles guide our action?
Our practice is based on the fundamental principles of the legal profession:
Independence: Our advice is dictated solely by your interests.
Confidentiality: Professional secrecy is absolute and unlimited in time.
Loyalty: We avoid any conflict of interest in the management of our cases.
Competence: Our exclusive expertise guarantees constantly updated knowledge.
Diligence: We respect the strict deadlines of sports litigation.
What areas do you cover?
Our team handles all aspects of sports law:
Sports litigation
- Disciplinary, regulatory and financial proceedings before federations and leagues
- Arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
- Labor litigation (breach of contract, compensation)
- Administrative litigation (appeals against federal decisions, CNOSF)
- Court litigation (contractual disputes, liability)
- Emergency and summary proceedings
- Doping defense (AFLD, WADA)
Consulting and Negotiation
- Drafting and negotiation of sports employment contracts
- Transfer and loan agreements
- Image and sponsorship agreements
- Assistance with international transfers and transfers of ownership
- Legal audit of sports structures
What bodies do you represent your clients before?
We appear before all sporting and legal bodies:
International bodies
- Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) - Lausanne
- FIFA (Football Tribunal: Dispute Resolution Chamber, Players' Status Chamber, Agents' Chamber)
- Other international sports federations (FIBA, ITF, etc.)
- International bodies (ITA, ITIA, etc.), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
National bodies
- French federations (FFF, FFR, FFT, FFBB, etc.)
- Professional leagues (LFP, LNR, LNB, etc.)
- French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD)
- Comité National Olympique et Sportif Français (CNOSF - Compulsory or optional prior conciliation services)
- CNOSF Sports Arbitration Chamber
French courts
- Conseils de prud'hommes (industrial tribunals) (wage disputes and breach of contract)
- Administrative courts (appeals against sporting decisions, CNOSF)
- Judicial courts (contractual disputes, civil liability)
- Emergency and summary proceedings (all jurisdictions)
How do you contribute to training?
Cabinet Bertrand's lawyers attach particular importance to the transmission of sports law:
University teaching
- Lectures in Masters programs in sports law (Paris, Dijon, Lille, Aix-Marseille)
- Seminars and conferences
Hosting interns
Every year, the firm welcomes one or two student lawyers with a Master's degree in sports law. This approach is in line with our desire to pass on our expertise and contribute to the training of future sports law practitioners.
Publications and media
- Articles in specialized legal journals
- Analyses in the general sports press
- Organization of and participation in professional conferences
- Contributions to sports law reference works
webeeui-nested-featuresA little history of the firm ... in Sports Law
In 1973, Jean-Jacques Bertrand 's first case was on behalf of Jacques Anquetil in a ground-breaking dispute between the five-time winner of the Tour de France and URSSAF (the French social security agency) over whether the benefits he received from the organizers of post-Tour criteriums should be subject to self-employed worker's contributions. At the end of this dispute, the Cour de Cassation recognized the professional cyclist (in the same way as any other professional athlete) as an entertainer.
1973
First pleadings
At the same time as the ANQUETIL case, Jean-Jacques BERTRAND intervened in the very first dispute between a professional soccer coach and his club. Lucien LEDUC was up against Olympique de Marseille, who had demoted him from head coach to assistant coach when the professional team was on the verge of winning the French championship. The French Supreme Court ruled that this unilateral contractual change by the employer constituted an abusive breach of the employment contract. This was the 1st decision in a constant and now abundant body of case law protecting trainers.
"WE HAVE THE TIME AND THE LAW ON OUR SIDE".
Jacques BERTRAND
Co-founder of the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP)
webeeui-faqFAQ : Our team
Do the partners personally supervise each case?
Yes, Jean-Jacques and Christophe Bertrand supervise each case directly. Depending on the nature and complexity of the case, they intervene personally or delegate certain operational aspects to their associates, while retaining control of the strategy.
What is your geographical coverage?
We operate throughout France and before all international bodies. Our expertise at FIFA and CAS enables us to represent clients in disputes involving foreign jurisdictions.
How do you handle emergencies?
Sports litigation often requires very tight deadlines. Our organization enables us to take charge of emergency procedures immediately, with the capacity to mobilize.
What sports disciplines do you handle?
We work in all disciplines: team sports (soccer, rugby, basketball, handball, volleyball, etc.), individual sports (tennis, athletics, cycling, swimming, combat sports, skating, etc.), motor sports, equestrian sports and e-sports.
Do you work with foreign correspondents?
Yes, we have a network of correspondents specialized in sports law in the main European countries, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
What is your confidentiality policy?
Professional secrecy is absolute. No information relating to your case will be divulged without your express consent, even in response to media requests.