Everton and Hill Dickinson: A Shared Past, A Shared Future

As Everton Football Club prepares for a new chapter with its historic stadium naming rights partnership with international law firm Hill Dickinson, few realise just how deeply rooted the connection between these two iconic Liverpool institutions truly is.

Their relationship stretches back over a century – to the very foundations of Everton itself.

Will Cuff, a name etched into the DNA of Everton Football Club, was one of the original trustees when the Club was formed in 1878 as a football team for the St Domingo’s Church community. A visionary administrator, Cuff went on to serve as Club Secretary, Chairman and President – and remains one of the most influential figures in Everton’s long and proud history.

Away from Goodison Park, Cuff also made his mark in the legal world. He co-founded Liverpool law firm Cuff Roberts, a practice that became synonymous with trusted legal expertise in the city.

That legacy endured until 2010, when Hill Dickinson acquired the former Liverpool office of Cuff Roberts, bringing its people and values into the wider Hill Dickinson family. Even today, several former Cuff Roberts partners still work within Hill Dickinson the firm.

Descendants of the Cuff family now live in Australia but continue to support the Club.

Henry Charles Cuff (88), Will Cuff's Grandson, said: “Our family is incredibly proud of William’s contribution to both the Everton Football Club and the legal profession.

"This partnership with Hill Dickinson continues to celebrate and honour his two loves — a meaningful continuation of his commitment to the city, the Club, and the principles he stood for.

"He would be humbled by his legacy's longevity, as do the four generations of his decedents who continue to support and follow the club. We are excited to see Everton enter this new era with every success that my grandfather imbued.”

Evidence of that continued support was shown when great-granddaughter Judith Cuff and great-great grandchildren Julia Pleiter and Charles Pleiter made an emotional pilgrimage from Australia to Goodison Park for the recent Premier League visit of Arsenal.

The link between both organisations adds extra resonance to the partnership, as Hill Dickinson’s name will soon sit atop Everton’s new home on the banks of the River Mersey. In essence, the spirit of a firm that incorporates within it an office co-founded by a former Everton Chairman has come full circle – now intrinsically part of the Club’s future.

“Will Cuff’s contribution to Everton can’t be overstated,” said Ken Rogers, Chair of the Everton FC Heritage Society. “He helped shape the Club’s values and identity — values that continue to live on today. To see a firm that traces part of its legal lineage back to him now become the naming rights partner for our new stadium is both fitting and historically profound.”

As Everton’s Men's Senior Team moves into its next era at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the spirit of the past is not being left behind – it is being carried forward with pride. A century-old relationship, built on shared values and civic pride, will now be visible to millions, etched into the skyline of North Liverpool.