Charles Russell, Farrers and 4 New Square among those carrying pro bono torch

Firms and chambers including Charles Russell, Farrer & Co and 4 New Square have taken roles on a trio of Olympic disputes after last year winning spots on a pro bono panel to provide legal advice during the Games.

The London 2012 Pro Bono Service, which was set up to provide free legal advice to Olympic participants, comprises a line-up of nine law firms, chambers and advocates, with the first three cases handled by the panel covering selection and doping disputes.

The most recent case, which went before the Court of Arbitration for Sport this week, saw Farrers partner Julian Pike instruct 4 New Square barrister Daniel Saoul to represent the International Canoe Federation in a doping dispute involving Czech paddler Jan Sterba.

Sterba, who was advised by Jan Stovicek of Czech law firm KSD Stovicek, was this Wednesday (1 August) formally reprimanded after breaching anti-doping rules earlier this year, but will still be permitted to compete in the Games.

The other two cases handled by the panel to date have involved selection disputes, including Irish boxer Joseph Ward's unsuccessful bid to secure a wild-card entry for the Games from the International Boxing Association (AIBA) ahead of Montenegrin rival Busko Draskovic.

The AIBA was represented by Farrers and Paul Harris QC of Monckton Chambers, while Charles Russell litigation associate James Eighteen and 4 New Square's Saoul acted for the Montenegro Olympic Committee. Ward paid privately for his own legal team from Ireland's Frank Walsh & Co.

Saoul said: "It's fantastic to feel a part of the Games and to help athletes and governing bodies who otherwise might go unrepresented."

The other selection dispute to go through the panel involved eventer Alexander Peternell, who successfully appealed after being overlooked for selection for the South Africa team in favour of compatriot Paul Hart.

Hart was represented by solicitor-advocates Stuart Cutting and Laura Heeley of panel firm Wright Hassall, alongside Ian Mill QC of Blackstone Chambers, which also has a spot on the pro bono service. Peternell went off-panel for advice from Pinsent Masons, which fielded a team led by sports head Trevor Watkins and partner Sarah Boon.

Cutting said: "This is the first time such a panel has been set up. It's a fantastic idea and ensures athletes receive good quality legal representation."

Full details of the pro bono panel

Argent Chambers and Lincoln House Chambers
2 Bedford Row
36 Bedford Row
Blackstone Chambers
Brabners Chaffe Street
Charles Russell
1 Crown Office Row
DLA Piper
Farrer & Co
4-5 Gray's Inn Square
Harper Macleod
2 Hare Court
Mishcon de Reya
4 New Square
18 Red Lion Court
Russell Cooke
Wright Hassall

Sports advocacy section

Mark Afeeva, Matrix Chambers
Katherine Apps, Littleton Chambers
Fiona Banks, Monckton Chambers
Stuart Cutting, Wright Hassall
Max Duthie, Bird & Bird
Paul Harris QC, Monckton Chambers
Laura Heeley, Wright Hassall
Elisa Holmes, Monckton Chambers
Brian Kennelly, Blackstone Chambers
Richard Lane, Wright Hassall
Adam Lewis QC, Blackstone Chambers
Graeme McPherson QC, 4 New Square
John Mehrzad, Littleton Chambers
Ian Mill QC, Blackstone Chambers
Jane Mulcahy, Blackstone Chambers
Tim Otty QC, Blackstone Chambers
Jamie Riley, 11 Stone Buildings
Daniel Saoul, 4 New Square
Jim Sturman QC, 2 Bedford Row