Graham Arthur
Sports: Disciplinary | Policy | Governance
Graham is an independent lawyer with considerable experience in sport regulatory, anti-doping, governance, data protection and classification matters. He is qualified to practice in England and Wales.
The majority of his current work involves advising organisations on matters involving anti-doping, sport governance and sport policy. He represent a number of clients on anti-doping and governance matters, both at the national level and before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He also work closely with a number of organisations on governance and structural issues.
POLICY
Graham spent the majority of his private practice career working with the leading US law firm, Covington. During his time at Covington he worked primarily in the intellectual property field, advising software companies and trade bodies on matters related to anti-piracy, intellectual and industrial property protection, and policy issues affecting the software industry.
He has over ten years’ experience of working on anti-doping policy matters, including the revisions to the World Anti-Doping Code and the drafting of implementation instruments for the Code. He worked with the Council of Europe Monitoring Group, in relation to the Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention, on policy matters involving the compliance status of Signatory Governments to the Convention, chairing the Legal Advisory Group to the Monitoring Group, and drafting and preparing evaluation reports concerning Signatory Governments implementation of the Convention.
He also worked with UNESCO in relation to the UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention, the pre-eminent international instrument adopted by Governments in relation to anti-doping, on policy matters associated with the implementation of the Convention, and measures required to give full effect to the Convention. Graham had the pleasure of acting as rapporteur to and speaking at the UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention Conference of Parties, and will be presenting at the 8th Conference of Parties in October 2021.
“The Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention is the cornerstone of the European anti-doping framework. Graham has been valued and reliable advisor to the Council of Europe, and advocate for the Council of Europe ‘s values and mission over a number of years, and is a pleasure to work alongside.”
GOVERNANCE
Good governance is fundamental to any organisation’s ability to achieve its aims, operate effectively, develop and grow, and maintain its reputation.
Graham has worked with a number of organisations in the United Kingdom on sport governance matters, associated with the UK Government Code for Sport Governance. Graham has also worked with other organisations on similar governance practice arising from the Charity Commission’s governance guidance.
In both contexts he has supported institutions in relation to their constitutional and operational frameworks to help them achieve their aims of transparency, effectiveness and accountability.
DISCIPLINARY
Graham advises both national and international level organisations on anti-doping matters, including the handling of investigations and prosecution of cases against sports persons suspected of violating anti-doping rules.
He has defended and prosecuted a significant number of appeals before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, acting on behalf of several Anti-Doping Organisations.
Between 2010 and 2016 Graham was Director of Legal at the UK’s National Anti-Doping Organisation, UK Anti-Doping, with responsibility for a large number of anti-doping rule violation prosecutions and investigations.
“I have worked with Graham for nearly two decades. His knowledge and expertise in the sport sector is broad and detailed and is provided with a calm and measured manner. What sets him apart is his ability to judge a situation and provide advice that is based on both his and the values of the client. An exceptional lawyer and one I would highly recommend.”
“Graham has provided the Cyprus Anti-Doping Authority with anti-doping counsel, advice, and support for several years; his expertise and experience have been a vital support to our program. His comprehensive knowledge of the World Anti-Doping Code sets him apart.”
“The Bureau for the UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention administers the implementation of the Convention, the key global agreement on anti-doping. Graham has provided policy advice and insight to the Bureau for several years and is a trusted supporter of the Bureau and its Mission.”