International law firm, Gowling WLG, has been appointed as exclusive Official Legal Advisers for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The firm is the first official sponsor to be confirmed for this major multi-sport event, which will be held in the West Midlands from 27 July until the 7 August 2022.

The appointment followed a rigorous tender process, and the firm will be advising on a range of services including corporate governance, procurement and general commercial matters.

The firm's multi-disciplinary legal team, led by partner and board member Michael Luckman, will be working alongside Birmingham 2022's Chief Legal Officer, Caroline McGrory, and her team, over the next three years, to help deliver a successful Games.

As Official Legal Advisers, the firm will also assist with brand protection, disputes and risk management and will be looking to help promote the unique opportunities that this global sporting and cultural occasion provides to athletes, communities and businesses across the world.

David Fennell, Chief Executive at Gowling WLG, said: "This appointment builds on our strong track record of advising on major projects across the public and private sectors, and we're committed to playing our part in making Birmingham 2022 a huge success for the UK and on the international stage. We're already working hard to support Caroline and the Birmingham 2022 team on the legal aspects, and to add value wherever we can to deliver a vibrant, inclusive and socially responsible Games.

"We have a strong affinity with the Commonwealth across our global network - and will be making the most of every opportunity for our clients, communities and people to get involved in this standout sporting and cultural event."

Ian Reid, Chief Executive Officer for Birmingham 2022, said: "I'm delighted to announce Gowling WLG as our first official sponsor for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. This is a very exciting time as we've just passed our three years to go milestone and our profile and workload is really starting to increase.

"We are completely confident in Gowling WLG's ability to provide us with the professional legal support we require and we are already working very closely with them, as we continue our preparations for delivering the biggest event that the West Midlands has ever staged."

Note to editors

About the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will be held from 27 July until 7 August 2022, will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to put the city, the region and its people on the global stage.

The Games is already proving to be a catalyst for transformation across the West Midlands, attracting new investment and funding, creating jobs and apprenticeships for local people and new opportunities for local businesses, as well as accelerating projects that will ensure the region is ready to host a fantastic sports and cultural celebration.

Planned housing and transport schemes have been brought forward and will happen sooner as a result of the Games, with 1,400 new homes being built in Perry Barr. Initially, these will be the Athletes' Village but are then part of a wider regeneration plan for the whole area.

The Alexander Stadium will also be overhauled, whilst a new Aquatics Centre in Sandwell will be built for the Games.

Birmingham 2022 will be the Games for everyone, bringing people together from across Birmingham and the region, to provide a warm welcome to its millions of visitors during the summer of 2022. Find out more at www.birmingham2022.com

For further details about the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, please contact Sarah Dickson on 07494 671 802.