Steve Bainbridge

Steve Bainbridge is a partner in the Squire Patton Boggs Dubai office. 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | +971 (0)2 813 0444

Steve has almost 20 years experience in his field of expertise; and, he has significant experience advising on a wide array of the transactional elements underpinning the sports and events management sector from sponsorship agreements and packages of all types to athlete endorsement agreements; anti-ambush marketing strategies and enforcement; player contracts; broadcasting agreements and IP registration and enforcement; merchandising and licensing agreements; player disciplinary issues; event security; ticketing arrangements and varied venue/facilities management arrangements.

Steve rejoined Al Tamimi & Company in 2013 with a mandate to develop and head up the region’s first dedicated Sports Law Practice, which has since grown rapidly as a regional leader to include key advisory roles representing individuals, corporate entities, governing bodies and institutions in connection with events spanning motorsports, horse racing, triathlons, MMA, cycling, golf, tennis, cricket and football to name but a few.

Previously Steve was General Counsel at Yas Marina Circuit (Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management LLC) managing the central legal function of the iconic F1 venue and integration with island entertainment facilities. In addition, Steve spent a number of years in the Far East as foreign Counsel to one of the largest law firms in Japan where he had an opportunity to represent a number of clients advising, negotiating and drafting documentation for broadcast rights and entertainment contracts, in connection with events from FIFA World Cups to MLB through to X-Games, PGA tour sponsorships, videogame licensing, stadium naming rights and athlete endorsement deals.

Registered in Dubai, called to the bar in Canada and admitted as an attorney in New York, as Head of Al Tamimi & Company’s Sports and Events Management practice, Steve draws on a broad range of talent from 17 offices across 9 countries to manage and deliver specialized services to the Middle East’s dynamic and growing sports sector. Additionally, Steve frequently presents at conferences and seminars and is a regular contributor to radio, television, print and online media in respect of sports law issues.