Robert Gardener is a former Civil Servant in the Cabinet Office, Director in the Government of Abu Dhabi, and senior adviser to global corporations, governments and not-for-profit organisations. Robert draws on his experience of both sides of the table to develop strategic and practical approaches towards engaging at the heart of public policy making.

Robert advises organisations on how best to understand relevant policy areas and political perspectives of the British Government and foreign governments, and how to contribute to policy making most effectively. Clients draw on his inside-experience to gain a perspective on the parts of government really driving particular policy areas, the key influences and connections to consider, and how meaningful strategic partnerships with governments in the UK and abroad can help to achieve the relevant policy goals. As part of this advisory work, Robert regularly works alongside lawyers to help provide clarity on regulatory environments, and to help inform current or perspective business decisions on which government policy may have an impact. That is why we are the only firm top-ranked by Chambers UK for both Administrative and Public Law and Public Affairs and by Legal 500 for Administrative and Public Law and Brexit. In addition, the team, led by Charles Brasted and Robert Gardener won the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Europe 2020 award for most innovative team for their new approach to Public Law and Government Affairs.

Robert is a regular speaker on public policy to officials within Whitehall departments and to visiting foreign government delegations. He has also given podcasts on Brexit, the emerging UK political landscape and the Government's response to COVID-19.