Donna Bartley

Partner

Donna joined Morgan Sports Law in January 2015 and became a Partner in May 2023.  

Donna is a commercial litigator who specialises in dispute resolution, advising athletes and players from a broad range of sports in proceedings before the High Court, the Court of Arbitration for Sport and national and international sports tribunals. 

Donna has completed the BASL/DeMontfort Law School Post-Graduate Diploma in Sports Law and Practice.  Prior to joining Morgan Sports Law, Donna trained at a leading international law firm and then spent more than three years working in their professional and commercial disputes team.

Legal 500 (2024)

Recognised as an 'Next Generation Partner'.

  • ‘Donna Bartley is an impressive contentious lawyer.’
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  • ‘I worked closely with Donna Bartley, who I can’t speak more highly of. They were pleasant to deal with, know the subject matter well, gave me exceptional advice and, for me, most importantly, took the time to speak with me about my issues at length. Highly recommended.’

Chambers & Partners (2023)

Recognised as an 'associate to watch', with clients stating "Donna is a brilliant individual with a way of breaking up complex issues and expressing them in a simple, digestible, straightforward manner.", and "Donna has the expertise, know-how and tactical acumen of someone much more senior. She is also a pleasure to work with.".

Legal 500 (2022)

Ranked as a Rising star, Donna was praised for being ‘hugely committed' to her clients and going 'the extra yard' for them.

The Lawyer Hot 100 (2021)

Donna was included in the prestigious list of 100 individuals, recognising the legal industries ‘brightest stars’.

Legal 500 (2021)

Recognised as a Rising Star. Donna was praised for being ‘relentless in probing the issues' and 'always searching for weaknesses in her opponents' cases to exploit’.

Football Black List 2019

Donna was included in the Commercial category of the Football Black List 2019.

Donna’s experience includes:

  • acting for athletes in commercial disputes and negligence and breach of duty claims;
  • acting for athletes in human and equine anti-doping proceedings;
  • assisting athletes with reputation management matters; and
  • advising athletes on regulatory and disciplinary issues.

Donna is praised for being ‘relentless in probing the issues' and 'always searching for weaknesses in her opponents' cases to exploit’.

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Legal 500 (2021)

MORE FROM DONNA

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STAMPING OUT RACISM IN THE STANDS – ARE FOOTBALL’S MATCHDAY PROTOCOLS WORKING?

Football is reflective of society, and as such, continues to provide a venue for racism. This article considers what powers football referees have to tackle racist abuse from the stands on match day, and whether they are enough.

Donna Bartley Featured in The Lawyer Hot 100

Morgan Sports Law Senior Associate, Donna Bartley, has beenn recognised in The Lawyer Hot 100 for 2021.