QPR and FA laywers fron the same firm?

Does this mean a NOT guilty verdict then?

QPR lawyers are also playing for the FA

By Charles Sale
Last updated at 12:01 AM on 4th May 2011

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One certain winner from the FA hearing into QPR's signing of Alejandro Faurlin are London law practice Blackstone Chambers, who are supplying lead barristers for both sides.

The QC heading the FA prosecution is Adam Lewis and his colleague from the same Temple chambers, Ian Mill, is defending the Championship winners, who are facing seven charges. Both lawyers are acknowledged experts in sports law.

Mill is described on the Blackstone website as 'the guy you go to if you really want to tough it out', and Lewis 'stands alone at the Bar in terms of his dedication to sports work'.
Big winners: Legal firm Blackstone Chambers are representing both sides in the Faurlin (left) case

Big winners: Legal firm Blackstone Chambers are representing both sides in the Faurlin (left) case

But although the choice of QCs is not a surprise, it is causing comment in legal circles that Blackstone should be so heavily involved when former QPR director Nick De Marco is one of their junior barristers, working alongside Mill.

De Marco, another sports law specialist, was brought on to the Loftus Road board in 2007 by chairman Gianni Paladini after building a friendship while offering the then struggling club free legal advice as a QPR fan. De Marco left following the Flavio Briatore-led takeover.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... z1LOHCDp8v

I know this wouldn't be allowed in Criminal or Civil court cases because of the obvious conflict of interests, but it appears it is allowed in professional misconduct hearings.

Is that fair? I wouldn't think so as there is no way any side can claim full transparency.

This is misconceived as these are barristers and independant and not solicitors. Often specialist civil sets of barristers deal with libel cases, construction disputes etc for both sides to the case. I supsect this set has a sports law specialism.

It would though be unprofessional for two firms of solicitors (those who instruct the barristers to attend) to be dealing with the same case as ther would be a clear conflict of interest.

Hope that clears it all up for you.

That'll be £100 guineas please!