John Gaunt & Partners

John Gaunt & Partners displays strong depth at partner level, with a sizeable nationwide team whose leaders Jon Wallsgrove in Gosport and Christopher Grunert in London are supported by Tim Shield and Michelle Hazlewood in Sheffield. Hazelwood is especially active in the leisure industry, and Shield is prolific in the hotels space, forming a group-wide client base which is as broad as the team itself, growing its client roster in 2024 with the addition of large hospitality chains including well-known national restaurant chain Nando’s. Grunert stands out as a particularly versatile practitioner who has expertise in alcohol, gaming, taxi and sexual entertainment law, all areas of interest for the wider group for licensing requirements, applications and appeals, as well as licensing issues stemming from high value acquisitions and restructurings. Former practice head Luke Elford departed from the firm in January 2025.