Solicitor strives for gold and qualifies for 2014 Commonwealth Games

Richard Yates, a solicitor in Farleys’ commercial litigation and sports law department, has qualified for the England Commonwealth Games squad, and will be taking part in the 400m hurdles.

The Games, which start on 23rd July in Glasgow, will see Richard competing against some of the best hurdlers in the world, as he strives to beat his result from the last games in Delhi in 2010 when he finished 5th in the 400 metres hurdles and won a bronze medal in the 4x400 metre relay.

Richard, 28, recently completed his two-year solicitor training contract at Farleys and was immediately recruited by the firm.

Richard said: “Taking part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games is going to be the pinnacle of my athletics career, and I’m delighted that all my hard work has paid off. Taking part in a tournament so close to home means that we will have great support and some of the Farleys’ team are looking forward to coming up to watch me compete.

"I’m hoping to bring back a medal but the competition will be really tough this year. I’ve been working really hard to ensure that I’m as fit as I can be both physically and mentally and cannot wait to get to Glasgow!”

Daniel Draper, partner in Farleys’ commercial department and head of sports law, added: “We’re so pleased for Richard. He’s a match for anyone in both his athletics and legal careers. Just qualifying to take part in the games is a big achievement in itself and we wish him all the luck in the world this summer.” The addition of Richard to the Sports Law team coincided with a growth in the department. The team is now 12 strong and has an extensive client base including the Professional Footballers’ Association and its members.