One of Yorkshire’s most distinguished lawyers is returning to Elland Road, with Peter McCormick OBE taking up the role of executive vice chairman at Leeds United Football Club.
McCormick, the founding and senior partner of Harrogate-based McCormicks Solicitors, steps down from his high-profile position as chairman of the football board and legal advisory group at the Premier League to rejoin the club he previously served during the 1990s.
“In some ways I have come full circle as I was on the board at Leeds in the 1990s,” said McCormick. “I then went to the Premier League which meant I could no longer play an active role at Leeds. I am delighted to be back and look forward to being able to use the skills and experience I have gained over my time at the Premier League and the FA to benefit Leeds!”
McCormick has been involved with the Premier League in various capacities for over two decades, including 11 years of direct service and an earlier tenure as lead external adviser from 1996. He served twice as interim chair of the league, most recently during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters paid tribute to McCormick’s contribution, saying, “He has been a trusted and valued member of the team for many years, and we are very grateful for his significant contribution over that period.”
Alongside his Premier League commitments, McCormick was vice chair of the Football Association (FA) for six years and served as chair from 2020 to 2022.
Widely regarded as one of the UK’s foremost sports lawyers, McCormick continues to receive accolades from industry rankings. The UK Legal 500 recently described him as “a true legend in the football world”.
Image provided by McCormicks Solicitors
Josie Geistfeld
Josie Geistfeld is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.