Andrew Woods

Partner

Andrew joined us as a partner in April 2006 having been a partner at Gosschalks and Poppleston Allen bringing with him many years experience in licensing, betting and gaming. Andrew is highlighted in recent editions of the Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, ranked as joint No.1 in the North East, and commended for his “responsive and attentive service and easy-going manner” .

Andrew has represented a range of major betting, gaming and liquor clients including William Hill, Ladbrokes, Corals, the Barracuda Group, Novus Leisure, Thistle Hotels, TCG and the Spirit Group over his many years experience.

Throughout this period, Andrew has developed his skills for running large projects and has won praise for the detail of the systems he brings to these large projects.

Andrew is a Solicitor-Advocate (Higher Courts all Proceedings), having recently attained his higher rights of audience from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, allowing him to represent clients in all UK courts.

Andrew is running the Clermont Leisure (UK) Limited Casino Project of 30 applications around the UK. This is the largest Casino Project to be undertaken in the UK and each application is heavily contested by the existing operators. He has conducted his own advocacy against QC opposition on a number of occasions.

Andrew was also instructed in the leading case on Casino law ‘TC Projects’, which was considered by the Court of Appeal in April 2008, as well as in other High Court cases on Gaming law.

He also successfully conducted the Dusk Till Dawn Poker Club Licence Application in Nottingham against trade opposition.

He represents Rileys in their recent diversification to Poker and Adult Gaming Centre Licences.

Andrew has also advised residents' groups and other individuals sometimes on a pro bono basis and has also been instructed by Humberside Police in connection with review hearings. These varied instructions have allowed Andrew to become one of the leading licensing solicitors in the country.

Andrew speaks at industry events, training courses and contributes to the trade press.