Partner - Licensing & Gambling

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
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed