A former professional National Hunt jockey, Rory is a Partner in the Commercial Litigation Team. Rory specialises in sport, primarily horse racing and acts for leading trainers and jockeys as well as major racecourses and the Racecourse Association Limited. He acts for clients in other sports including Motorsport, Cricket, Boxing, Snooker and Rugby.

Rory also advises lenders in respect of negligent and fraudulent transactions against valuers, solicitors and mortgage brokers including two well-known high street clearing banks and worked on a number of Managed Litigation Projects run by major Lenders in the late 1990's and early 2000's. 

Rory advises clients on product liability and regulatory issues including advising on emergency response, reputation management and product recall decisions.

Rory joined Ashfords in 2004. Prior to Ashfords he worked for Burges Salmon.

Sports projects include:

• Advising an athlete on an appeal regarding selection for the London 2012 Olympics;
• Advising a prominent shareholder of a well-known SPL club;
  
• Advising a first team coach of a leading County Cricket Club regarding his contract;
• Acting for Frankie Dettori in respect to a successful appeal against suspension allowing him to ride in and win the Celebration Mile at Goodwood;
• Acting for participants in a number of sports in respect of match and race fixing allegations;
  
• Advising a former boxing World Heavyweight title holder on International boxing regulations;
  
• Advising a World Champion Clay Target Shooter on International Regulations;
• Advising an international Slalom Canoeist on her country's selection criteria for the national team;
  
• Advising a number of British and Irish athletes on Olympic selection, including a current Commonwealth Champion gymnast;
• Defending UK racecourses against a £380 million claim over TV rights to UK horse racing in Russia and the former Eastern Block countries;
• Advising a leading trainer in relation to his involvement in the BBC's Kenyan Confronts programme;
• Representing jockey Sean Fox in his successful appeal against allegations that he jumped off a horse during a race;
• Representing Champion jockey Tony McCoy in a successful appeal at the Jockey Club as well as the 15 times Champion Trainer, Martin Pipe CBE;
• Rory acted for leading jockey, Johnny Murtagh, in his successful appeal against suspension, allowing him to take the winning ride on Motivator in the Epsom Derby;
• Advising rugby players on contract negotiations with their clubs;
• Advising boxers and promoters on contractual issues including mandatory title defence obligations;
• Advising a regional cricket regulator in relation to Kolpak regulations;
• Advising a GP2 team on driver / testing contracts; and
• Advising representative bodies in sport on rule and regulation changes.
  

Rory is often asked for expert comment on the legal aspects of sport by the media and has appeared on Channel 5 News and TalkSport.

"very decisive, extremely articulate during hearings and very easy to understand, and who simplifies complicated issues."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2013 Edition

Rory Mac Neice is well respected in the equestrian sports world. 
Legal 500, 2012 Edition

Sources hail him as "a thoughtful litigator who is brilliant at finding the opponent's weakness"
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2012 Edition

Sources are eager to sing the praises of this "faultless" solicitor advocate, noting his "efficiency and efficacy – he's quick to offer sensible help and suggestions, and is not afraid to challenge us to suggest other options."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2012 Edition

Rory Mac Neice is a sports specialist, and one of the undisputed stars of equestrian sports law. He is a former professional National Hunt jockey, and as such proves invaluable to clients thanks to  "his fantastic knowledge of all the inner workings of the sport."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2012 Edition

Ashfords' prominence in the equestrian sector is principally attributed to the leadership of Rory Mac Neice.  
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2012 Edition

Practice head Rory Mac Neice is recommended.
Legal 500, 2011 Edition

Rory Mac Neice "exudes the perfect level of authority and expertise."
Legal 500, 2011 Edition

Interviewees praise his "dynamic, energetic approach" and the "fight he puts in on his client's behalf."
As a former National Hunt jockey, he is valued by clients for his "inside-out understanding of the industry." One source notes that "his horse racing skills and knowledge are a godsend."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2011 Edition

"has an excellent reputation"
"incredibly focused and meticulous"
Rory Mac Neice has "extensive industry knowledge" and "admirable speed, quality, and accuracy".
Legal 500, 2010 Edition

Ranked as a leader in the field by Chambers 2010

"A passionate and able advocate," even his opponents admire his commitment to "fight tooth and nail for his clients."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2010 Edition

"suberb litigator" Rory Mac Neice is viewed by enthusiastic clients as an "assiduous, direct and positive individual." Although best known for his equestrian expertise, he was recently engaged in a major shareholder dispute."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2009 Edition

"tenacious and hard-working" Rory Mac Neice ensures this team a high rating. "A born fighter," he is noted for his bold style and perseverance - "he never gives up, and can win against the odds."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2008 Edition

"clearly understands the complexities and practicalities of the industry', say clients."
Legal 500, 2007 Edition

Rory singled out as "a solicitor advocate who does really good work."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2007 Edition

"Litigator Rory Mac Neice "really knows his stuff." Clients appreciate that he has "detailed specialist knowledge and always gives sound advice." He has the mentality of a sportsman in the sense that he "does not like losing"
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2006 Edition

"He understands how racing works"
Legal 500 2004 Edition