Holland & Knight has hired a trio of partners from Mintz Levin to expand its sports and entertainment law practice in the US.

The new recruits include Keith Carroll, Anthony Mulrain and O’Kelly McWilliams, who reunite with former Mintz colleague Tyrone Thomas, who joined the firm in July. Carroll, Mulrain and Thomas will co-chair Holland & Knight’s sports and entertainment practice. 

Christopher Kelly, leader of Holland & Knight’s litigation section, said: “With Ty, Tony and Keith and their national reputations in sports and entertainment law, our abilities to service clients in these multibillion-dollar industries are demonstrably enhanced. Just as importantly, their collective track record, national recognition and extensive contacts present a fantastic opportunity for the firm to develop and attract talented lawyers in these areas.”

Boston-based Carroll spent 22 years at Mintz, most recently as co-chair of its sports and entertainment practice. He has vast experience advising professional sports franchises, senior executives and athletes in a range of matters such as business disputes and league investigations related to baseball, ice hockey and basketball. 

New York and Atlanta-based Mulrain joined Mintz five-and-a-half years ago where he co-chaired the sports practice alongside Carroll. He previously spent just over six years at Gordon & Rees, where he chaired its sports, media and entertainment group. He also had stints Epstein Becker & Green, Locke Lord and Loeb & Loeb.

McWilliams, meantime, will work alongside Thomas in Washington DC. He spent just under five years at Mintz – his second spell at the firm – joining from Gordon & Rees shortly after Mulrain. He also previously worked at legacy firms Drinker Biddle & Reath and Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner after an earlier stint at Mintz. He started his career at legacy firm Pepper Hamilton. McWilliams brings additional private equity capabilities to the sports law practice.

Jose Sirven, leader of Holland & Knight’s business section, said: “The team has built an impressive practice, and, just as important, they share our philosophy of working collaboratively across multiple disciplines to deliver world-class client service. They each have different strengths and backgrounds, but together they are a powerhouse team that can handle everything from finance and marketing deals to high-profile disputes.”