Philip Somarakis

Partner & National Head

Regulatory & Compliance

National

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“Philip Somarakis is a superb and tenacious licensing lawyer, often achieving extraordinary results through persistence and litigation.”

Legal 500

I am a partner based in our London office and National Head of Regulatory. I have a strong reputation for excellence and delivering results for my clients, often at times when the stakes feel overwhelming and the consequences can be life-changing.

I deal with a wide range of criminal defence cases, bringing a strategic, detail-focused approach to every matter to ensure my clients’ interests are protected at every stage. Alongside this, I advise on both contentious and non-contentious regulatory issues, helping clients navigate complex legal frameworks with confidence and clarity.

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Expertise in

Philip's Accreditations & Awards

Philip is based in these locations but works with clients across the UK

London
The Northcliffe, 28 Tudor Street, Temple, London, EC4Y 0AY
0203 582 6232(Telephone)
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00am–6:00pm

Sat - Sun - Bank Holidays: Closed
View office details

More about Philip

What are your core areas of expertise and which clients do you typically advise?

I work with businesses and individuals in a range of circumstances.

My core areas of expertise are:

Gambling law
Alcohol and entertainment licensing law
Criminal defence
Road transport law.

What recent successes have you achieved for your clients?

Some of my recent successes include:

Securing an operating licence from the GB Gambling Commission for an internationally accredited casino games developer client, when it was previously minded to refuse the application.
Securing a settlement from an insurer and resolving regulatory issues for a farming client who was prosecuted for an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
Advising a client on High Court proceedings and a parallel complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman following a refusal by DVLA to issue her with a driving licence, citing medical grounds. Subsequently securing the issue of her driving licence.

What were the most significant matters or deals you have led on?

Some of the most significant matters I have led include:

Acting for Hard Rock in securing the casino premises licence for the former Ritz Hotel Casino on Piccadilly.
Securing a premises licence for a bar (and undertaking the advocacy myself) despite vehement opposition from over 100 residents, the police and environmental health.
Securing an acquittal (and undertaking the advocacy) on all 17 charges faced by a licence holder accused of multiple breaches of the Licensing Act 2003. This would also have impacted on his immigration status if convicted.

How is your expertise recognised within the industry?

My practice and sources of work are so varied. I am regularly recommended by other lawyers and former clients.

I am Editor of Lexology Gambling Law UK and contributing Editor of Lexology Sports Law UK. I am a Member of the International Masters of Gaming Law.

I also have now been recognised for my expertise in the legal directories, for three very distinct legal practice areas: Crime, Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing; Gambling.

The Legal 500 refers to me as “tactically astute” in the legal field of Gaming and Betting, adding: “Philip Somarakis is quite exceptional. If I had a gaming/betting issue, he would be the first name on my list. A pleasure to work with.”

The directory adds that I am “tenacious” in matters relating to Licensing.

Chambers and Partners highlights my dedication to my clients, saying that I am “dedicated” and go “the extra mile.”

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