Karen has worked in the legal field for most of her career; she joined the Regulatory and Corporate Defence Team of Birketts in 2018 as an Administrator and subsequently became a Paralegal in 2022.
Karen qualified with a graduate level Specialist Paralegal Qualification in Licensing Law (England and Wales) with CLT, prior to which, in 2006, she achieved a Legal Assistant’s certificate.
Within the Licensing Team, Karen supports Partner, Julie Gowland, in advising clients under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005. Karen has particular expertise in issuing new premises licence applications, submitting full and minor variations, change of Designated Premises Supervisor applications, Temporary Event Notices, Premises Licence Transfer applications and Pavement Licences.
Karen frequently assists and advises our Corporate Team with their due diligence reviews with regards to premises licensing, marriage licences, pavement licences and in relation to gambling / Family Entertainment Centres. She has advised and assisted with the drafting of suitable wording for Lease clauses to cover the licensing aspect of leases.
As well as advising Local Authorities, Karen advises private clients on all the above subjects and also in relation to the pros and cons of a club premises certificate -v- a premises licence; shadow licences and registrations of interest on premises licences; implications of change of corporate control in relation to a Family Entertainment Centre and with regards to gaming machine permits and other permissions required under the GA 2005.