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. John Gaunt & Partners
  3. Poppleston Allen
  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
1

Band 1

  1. Andrew Wong
    Andrew Wong Keystone Law12 Years Ranked
  2. Craig Baylis
    Craig Baylis Keystone Law27 Years Ranked
  3. Alun ThomasThomas & Thomas Partners LLP
  4. Andrew WoodsWoods Whur
  5. Ewen MacgregorTLT LLP
  6. Graeme CushionPoppleston Allen
  7. Jack SpieglerThomas & Thomas Partners LLP
  8. Jon WallsgroveJohn Gaunt & Partners
  9. Jonathan SmithPoppleston Allen
  10. Lisa InzaniPoppleston Allen
  11. Lisa SharkeyPoppleston Allen
  12. Matthew PhippsTLT LLP
  13. Paddy WhurWoods Whur
2

Band 2

  1. Andrew Cochrane
    Andrew Cochrane Flint Bishop15 Years Ranked
  2. Gareth Hughes
    Gareth Hughes Keystone Law12 Years Ranked
  3. Jeremy Bark Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP19 Years Ranked
  4. Niall McCann
    Niall McCann Keystone Law8 Years Ranked
  5. Robert Botkai Winckworth Sherwood17 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
U

Up and Coming

  1. Sarah Taylor
    Sarah Taylor Keystone Law1 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.
  2. John Gaunt & Partners
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1
  3. Poppleston Allen
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1
  4. Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1
  5. TLT LLP
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1
  6. Woods Whur
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1
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.
  2. Gosschalks
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 2
  3. Kuits Solicitors
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 2
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.
  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.