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Ranking tables

Licensing | UK

UK-wide

The Licensing sections ranks firms and lawyers advising on both contentious and non-contentious work related to licensing, including new licence applications, variations to existing licences and any related disputes or reviews. There is also a dedicated UK-wide Gaming table for those firms that specialise in this area, which includes licensing matters as well as wider issues related to traditional and online gambling activities. 

Rankings overview for Departments

1

Band 1

  1. Keystone Law
    Keystone Law 2 Years Ranked
  2. Poppleston Allen 2 Years Ranked
  3. John Gaunt & Partners
  4. Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP
  5. TLT LLP
  6. Woods Whur
2

Band 2

  1. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
    Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP 2 Years Ranked
  2. Gosschalks
  3. Kuits Solicitors
3

Band 3

  1. Flint Bishop
    Flint Bishop 2 Years Ranked
  2. Squire Patton Boggs
    Squire Patton Boggs 2 Years Ranked
1

Band 1

  1. Andrew Wong
    Andrew Wong Keystone Law13 Years Ranked
  2. Craig Baylis
    Craig Baylis Keystone Law28 Years Ranked
  3. Graeme Cushion Poppleston Allen15 Years Ranked
  4. Jonathan Smith Poppleston Allen18 Years Ranked
  5. Lisa Inzani Poppleston Allen22 Years Ranked
  6. Lisa Sharkey Poppleston Allen28 Years Ranked
  7. Alun ThomasThomas & Thomas Partners LLP
  8. Andrew WoodsWoods Whur
  9. Ewen MacgregorTLT LLP
  10. Jack SpieglerThomas & Thomas Partners LLP
  11. Jon WallsgroveJohn Gaunt & Partners
  12. Matthew PhippsTLT LLP
  13. Paddy WhurWoods Whur
2

Band 2

  1. Andrew Cochrane
    Andrew Cochrane Flint Bishop16 Years Ranked
  2. Gareth Hughes
    Gareth Hughes Keystone Law13 Years Ranked
  3. Jeremy Bark Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP20 Years Ranked
  4. Niall McCann
    Niall McCann Keystone Law9 Years Ranked
  5. Robert Botkai Winckworth Sherwood18 Years Ranked
  6. Richard ArnotWard Hadaway LLP
  7. Richard J TaylorGosschalks
  8. Sarah SmithSintons
  9. Thomas O'MaoileoinThomas & Thomas Partners LLP
  10. Tim ShieldJohn Gaunt & Partners
3

Band 3

  1. James Anderson Poppleston Allen18 Years Ranked
  2. Joanne Attwood Burges Salmon LLP8 Years Ranked
  3. Julia Palmer
    Julia Palmer JCP Law9 Years Ranked
  4. Karen Lush
    Karen Lush John Gaunt & Partners5 Years Ranked
  5. Kirsty Hughes Shoosmiths LLP1 Years Ranked
  6. Marcus Lavell
    Marcus Lavell Keystone Law3 Years Ranked
  7. Nicola Smith Squire Patton Boggs13 Years Ranked
  8. Philip Somarakis Irwin Mitchell15 Years Ranked
  9. Stephanie Perraton Squire Patton Boggs23 Years Ranked
  10. Sue Dowling Blandy & Blandy25 Years Ranked
  11. Alex GreenGosschalks
  12. Christopher GrunertJohn Gaunt & Partners
  13. Christopher Rees-GayWoods Whur
  14. Felicity TullochKuits Solicitors
  15. Lana TrickerLT Law Solicitors
  16. Michelle HazlewoodJohn Gaunt & Partners
  17. Piers WarneTLT LLP
U

Up and Coming

  1. Sarah Taylor
    Sarah Taylor Keystone Law2 Years Ranked
  2. Luke ElfordJohn Gaunt & Partners

Associates to watch

  1. Rebecca LoweKuits Solicitors

All Departments profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Keystone Law
    1
    Keystone Law
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1 | 2 Years Ranked

    Keystone Law represents clients from the hospitality and entertainment industries across a range of licensing matters, including premises and operating licences in cumulative impact zones. The department also advises on enforcement and compliance issues. 

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  2. 1
    Poppleston Allen
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1 | 2 Years Ranked

    Poppleston Allen is an acclaimed specialist licensing firm that counts among its clients a host of leading names from the casual dining, hospitality and late-night entertainment industries. From offices in Nottingham and London, the firm is equipped to handle the licensing aspects of large-scale acquisitions, and is also sought after for its representation of clients in contested hearings and licence reviews.

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  3. John Gaunt & Partners
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1
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  4. Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1
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  5. TLT LLP
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1
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  6. Woods Whur
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1
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2

Band 2

  1. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
    2
    Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 2 | 2 Years Ranked

    BCLP possesses a respected team of leading licensing practitioners. It is sought after by well-known brands for its experience in premises licensing issues and demonstrates impressive skills successfully dealing with licensing issues in London stress areas. The department's notable client roster includes major retailers, restaurants, bars and hotels.

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  2. Gosschalks
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 2
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  3. Kuits Solicitors
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 2
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3

Band 3

  1. Flint Bishop
    3
    Flint Bishop
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years Ranked
    Flint Bishop Solicitors is well known for its specialism in pub licensing issues, including licence variations, new applications and reviews. Hotel premises licences are another noteworthy area of expertise, and the firm also advises on licensing for youth hostels.
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  2. Squire Patton Boggs
    3
    Squire Patton Boggs
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 3 | 2 Years Ranked
    Squire Patton Boggs is able to advise on the full scope of licensing issues across the country, with particular strength in its Birmingham office. The firm is best known for handling a high volume of licensing requirements for hotels and is also regularly engaged to advise on licensing matters for clients in the convenience retail sector. The team is further noted for strength in the travel industry, advising stations, airports and holiday parks.
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