Charles Baker has advised on MLS deals, while Irwin Raij is an owner of LAFC
Law firm Sidley has recruited former O’Melveny & Myers LLP lawyers Charles ‘Chuck’ Baker and Irwin Raij – both of whom advised on Major League Soccer matters – as partners and co-chairs of its entertainment, sports and media industry group.
Baker (pictured, left) has joined Sidley in New York and Raij (pictured, right) has joined the firm’s operation in Miami.
They were previously co-chairs of the sports industry group at O’Melveny & Myers LLP.
Baker’s corporate practice encompasses mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions, with a major focus on the sports, media, and entertainment industry. He has represented buyers and sellers of sports franchises in deals in Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Liga MX, and many of the European football leagues.
Raij has extensive experience leading sports transactions and has represented sports teams, leagues, universities, and state and local governments. His experience includes matters related to the MLS, NWSL and European football leagues. He is a former owner of the Oklahoma City Dodgers (MiLB), and a current owner of the MLS’ Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC).
Greg Fritzius from Jones Day, as well as incoming fall associates Ally Levy and Max Budowsky, will also be joining the firm in Miami, and Taylor Larson will be joining in Los Angeles, to support the entertainment, sports and media group.