A commercial lawyer who advises the Amateur Swimming Association/British Swimming has joined Leamington solicitors Blythe Liggins.
Nick Watts, who recently advised the UK swimming federation on its move to a multi-million pound headquarters in Loughborough, has joined the firm’s new property department, formed from both the commercial and residential property teams.
Mr Watts, who was previously an equity partner with a Nuneaton-based firm, has advised the ASA on property matters for more than 10 years.
The ASA is the national governing body of swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming, diving and open water swimming in England and British Swimming is the federation of the governing bodies of the national amateur swimming associations of England, Scotland and Wales.
David Lester, joint senior partner and head of Blythe Liggins’ property department, said: “Nick’s experience and expertise in the field of commercial property and commercial law generally will be a considerable asset to the firm. In addition, the ASA & British Swimming will be a welcome addition to our new sports law unit, which looks after the legal interests of a host of sporting individuals, teams and organisations and whose clients range from international rugby players and Olympic governing bodies to women golfers and disabled riders.”
Born in Nuneaton and educated at King Henry VIII in Coventry, Mr Watts gained a degree in economics at Coventry University before taking his professional law exams, in which he gained a distinction in legal practice.
He met his wife Lorna – who is a solicitor in Coventry – when they worked together in Nuneaton. The couple have twins.
Blythe Liggins has a number of links to the sporting world. In April it opened a dedicated department to deal with sporting individuals, teams and organisations.
It already had a number of clients in the sporting sector, including international rugby players, Olympic horsemen and the national body representing women golfers. The firm said it was keen to expand into what it described as a growing niche market.
