Alastair Campbell named The Times 'Lawyer of the Week'

Alastair led the firm’s team in representing Paquetá after the Football Association accused the Brazilian international of spot-fixing. Following two years of intensive investigations and hearings, the independent regulatory commission cleared Paquetá of all four charges in July, with the written decision published this month.

Speaking to The Times after being named “Lawyer of the Week,” Alastair reflected on the challenges of the case, noting that the FA’s reliance on “suspicious” betting data created a difficult first impression: “Although the burden of proof was never on Lucas, it sometimes felt like it. It was only through complex expert and witness evidence, which we worked hard to present as simply as possible, that we were able to show that the data had an innocent explanation.”

In discussing his career, Alastair highlighted the satisfaction of combining his legal practice with his passion for sport: “It’s a cliché, but I genuinely look forward to going into work every day.” He also shared the best advice he has received: “You can’t always be the best lawyer in the room, but you can be the best prepared.”

This landmark victory not only underscores Level’s expertise in sports law but also sets an important precedent for how complex betting data is treated in future disciplinary proceedings.

Related coverage

The Times – Lawyer of the Week: Alastair Campbell

The Guardian – West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá cleared of spot-fixing charges brought by FA

Sky Sports – Lucas Paqueta verdict: West Ham midfielder cleared of spot-fixing charges