Winckworth Sherwood partner wins Sainsbury's Lawyer of the Year

Thu 28 May 2009

Robert Botkai, head of Property & Licensing at Winckworth Sherwood was named Sainsbury's Legal Community Lawyer of the Year at their Legal Community Conference held last Friday 22nd May 2009 for the supermarket giant's panel of legal advisers.

The award, which was announced by Sainsbury's Head of Legal Services Nick Grant, is in recognition of Robert's role in leading the specialist team at Winckworth Sherwood, undertaking all Sainsbury's alcohol and late night refreshment licensing requirements in England and Wales.

Commenting on the award to Robert Botkai, Nick Grant, Sainsbury's Head of Legal Services said: "Robert stands out for his long-standing dedication to Sainsbury's and his profound understanding of our business needs. He's an acknowledged expert in licensing and applies that knowledge with great energy in Sainsbury's cause."

Robert Botkai added: "I was very surprised and delighted to win this award - it is a real tribute to the hard work and commitment by the Winckworth Sherwood licensing team and I was thrilled to accept the award on behalf of my team and the firm."

Winckworth Sherwood has acted for Sainsbury's since 2000, undertaking an increasing range of the company's licence applications in England and Wales and this relationship was formalised by tender in 2008. The firm also handles some of Sainsbury's licensing requirements in Scotland.

Winckworth Sherwood has a significant involvement in the licensed trade, acting for leading retailers, garage forecourt operators, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cinemas and some of London's most prestigious hotels, as well as working for other law firms on the licensing aspects of commercial transactions.