Partner - Licensing & Gambling
1 day ago
Bristol
Partner – Licensing & Gambling Top 50 UK Law Firm Partner Level Salary Range from: £120,000 - £500,000 Are you a recognised expert in Licensing and Gambling law ready to step into a national leadership role? We’re exclusively retained by a Top 50 UK law firm to identify a Licensing & Gambling Partner to take ownership of a growing, high-value practice supporting major leisure, hospitality, and tech clients across the UK and internationally. This is an opportunity to join a progressive firm with a strong, collaborative culture, national reach, and robust support for lateral hires. About the Role As the firm's dedicated Licensing & Gambling Partner, you’ll lead a national practice and work closely with leading teams across regulatory, real estate, commercial, and corporate law. The role is multi-faceted and intellectually rewarding, with work spanning: Licensing Work Includes: • Managing Premises and Personal Licence applications under the Licensing Act 2003 and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, • Attending licensing hearings and advising on representation in licence review proceedings, • Supporting the compliant operation of licensed premises, including training, policies, audits, and risk management, • Advising on licensing for large-scale events, festivals, and non-standard venues, • Leading licensing aspects of M&A and insolvency, including pre-acquisition due diligence, • Advising developers on obtaining provisional licences for multi-unit retail and leisure schemes, • Managing applications and renewals for Special Treatment Licences, SEVs, Pavement Licences, PRS/PPL, AWRS, and more Gambling Work Includes: • Applying for and maintaining Gambling Commission Operating and Personal Licences (remote & non-remote; B2B & B2C), • Advising on compliance with the Gambling Act 2005, LCCP, AML, social responsibility, and marketing standards, • Supporting with new product development, software testing, and technical standards, • Handling enforcement matters, including licence reviews and investigations, • Leading gambling aspects of investments, acquisitions, and Change of Corporate Control applications, • Advising on lotteries, prize competitions, promotions, and compliance for major platforms (e.g. Facebook, PayPal), • Obtaining Gambling Premises Licences for AGCs, FECs, Betting Shops, Bingo Halls, Casinos, and gaming permits Gambling Disputes Work Includes: • Handling disputes with white label platform providers, rights holders, and other suppliers, • Advising on customer betting disputes, withdrawal challenges, and duty of care claims, • Representing clients in contractual, regulatory, and enforcement disputes, • Navigating claims involving alleged receipt of criminal property or law enforcement action What We’re Looking For: • A recognised Licensing and/or Gambling Partner or senior specialist ready to take that step, • A following or clear ability to generate work through network and reputation, • Strong commercial acumen and interest in developing a nationally recognised practice, • A client base across the hospitality, leisure, sports, entertainment, tech, or retail sectors is ideal Why This Firm? • Top 50 UK firm with true national and international capability, • Strong lateral integration and a proven partner growth model, • Exceptional support in marketing, BD, and training, • Transparent equity pathway and leadership opportunities Interested? This is a unique opportunity to lead a national licensing and gambling practice in a firm committed to growth, collaboration, and innovation. All enquiries are treated in absolute confidence. GDLBBRIS