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About Robert

Robert is the firm’s Senior Partner and heads the Commercial Real Estate and Licensing team. Robert’s particular interest has always been in the retail and leisure industries including the petrol and convenience sectors and  has expanded his expertise into the fields of telecommunications and electric vehicle charging. Robert has also written on cannabis law and the recent popularity of Cannabidiol (CBD).

He was Sainsbury’s Legal Community Lawyer of the Year for 2009 and was nominated for the same award in 2010 and again in 2017.

Recent Experience

  • The acquisition, disposal and other management work for commercial premises including retail premise, offices, petrol stations, supermarkets and other licensed premises.
  • Handling and supervising premises licence applications for restaurants, public houses, supermarkets, petrol forecourt stores, hotels, cinemas, nightclubs and sports stadia.
  • Applying for pavement licences
  • Representing clients at licence hearings all over England and Wales.
  • Leading project teams for property management work relating to telecommunications cell sites.
  • Creating online instruction extranet and reporting activities for property and licensing clientele.
  • Drafting template agreements for the installation of electric vehicle charging apparatus.

Professional Memberships

  • Law Society of England and Wales
  • Member Institute of Licensing
  • Membership of the Retail Motor Industry Petrol Retailers Association

Career Experience

2023 to present: Senior Partner, Winckworth Sherwood

1996 to 2023: Partner, Winckworth Sherwood

1994 to 1996: Solicitor, Winckworth Sherwood

1992 to 1994: Solicitor, Mishcon de Reya London

1989 to 1992: Solicitor, Irwin Mitchell

1987 to 1989: Articled Clerk, Irwin Mitchell

Robert is commercially aware, very responsive and able to handle our requirements well.

Chambers and Partners, 2024

1/4

Excellent understanding of our needs and an excellent long-term working relationship.

Legal 500, 2024

1/4

Robert is an incredibly intelligent, capable and pragmatic solicitor who has achieved some excellent results for us.

Chambers and Partners, 2024

1/4

Robert Botkai is a very clear communicator with great people skills.

Chambers and Partners, 2024

1/4