Erica Crump > Bates Wells > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Bates Wells ‘has unrivalled knowledge of the charity sector and is the go-to firm in the space of social investment and blended finance’. It is ably led by the vastly experienced Thea Longley, and clients appreciate that the practice is’ big enough to have individuals who specialise in particular sub-sets of charity practice, while also having a broad knowledge of key legal and governance issues for charities‘. Philip Kirkpatrick advises a whole host of major charities and foundations, and Lawrence Simanowitz’s specialisms include advising on charity formations and governance, as well as UK and international structuring and fundraising issues. Stephanie Biden leads on the firm’s work for faith-based charities, while Laura Soley advises on a myriad of complex technical issues relating to statutory charities, royal charter bodies and trusts. Erica Crump acts for a variety of cultural institutions and large international charities. Other recent highlights include the recent promotion of Oliver Hunt and Hannah Lyons to the partnership. Augustus Della-Porta works with many Muslim organisations and other well-known charities, and Luke Fletcher acts for various prestigious and household name charities. At associate level, Lucy Rhodes plays a pivotal role in the department.

Bates Wells receives regular instructions from large and acclaimed theatres, performance companies and venues, such as the English National Opera, Royal Albert Hall and Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as foundations established by high-profile media personalities and brands. Culture and creative head Erica Crump handles branding, commercial, governance and IP issues for a range of performance and cultural organisations. Also adept in the publishing sphere, Crump co-heads the practice alongside advertising and marketing veteran Rupert Earle.

Bates Wells handles a broad range of mandates including promotions, direct marketing and prize draws, with a particular focus on work for the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The practice is jointly led by Rupert Earle  and Erica Crump; with Earle having deep knowledge of regulatory issues concerning ASA, and Crump handling all matters faced by cultural and performance organisations.

Bates Wells specialises in advising auditing bodies on a range of activities, providing governance and regulatory advice and representing audit firms in judicial reviews and claims. The team also exhibits notable expertise in matters related to charity law and has a record of advising local councils on their relationships with charitable trusts. The team is led by Augustus Della-Porta, who has extensive experience advising local authorities on service spin-out initiatives. Subsidy control and procurement expert Lindsay Draffan, charity and spin-out expert Erica Crump, and regulatory expert Alistair Williams are also recommended. Former co-head Claire Whittle left for DLA Piper.