Bates Wells > London, England > Firm Profile

‘The team at Bates Wells is simply par excellence. Their responsiveness, knowledge, timeliness and attention to detail makes them a forerunner in the industry.’

‘For us, the most important thing was the integration between the immigration team and our general charities support. It provided a holistic experience.’

‘Chetal Patel has been enormously helpful to us – she’s clearly on top of the issues and is a dream to work with. Highly recommended.’

‘Aisha Choudhry and Chetal Patel are always prompt, responsive and clear in their advice.’

‘Working with partner Chetal Patel is a sheer joy. She is very prompt with responses, has an up to date knowledge of market trends and issues and always delivers work in a concise, easy to understand manner that makes it a pleasure to work with her and her team.’

‘Aisha Choudhry is extremely thorough, hard-working and dedicated to her role in advising clients.’

‘The knowledge, experience (legal and practical) responsiveness, availability, combined with their engaging manner, make partner Chetal Patel and associate Aisha Choudhry a winning combination.’

‘We have complete faith in the advice we are given from the immigration team. They are extremely knowledgeable about such a complex system. They are always on top of what is happening and any changes occurring. It is not just about getting as much money as possible from clients. Communication is excellent.’

‘The advice to date has been incredibly thorough, considering a number of external factors that have been instrumental in our strategy for our business. They have been clear and open on billing and offered a range of ways to deliver what we’ve needed’.

‘Thea Longley has provided excellent advice to my organisation on a range of charity/public law related matters over many years. It is helpful to have this degree of consistency and one “go to” person who knows our organisation well, so they can always respond quickly and effectively’.

‘The team has deep expertise not just in charity law but also in the application of charity law and commercial law in all areas in which a charity commonly conducts activities. The lawyers at Bates Wells really care about the charities they work with and have been willing to support my team with two part time secondees at a time when I really needed the additional resource and expertise’.

‘Stephanie Biden has proved a valuable ally. She and her team provide excellent support’.

‘Oliver Hunt is a rock for our organisation. We have a long-standing relationship with him and he knows and understands our organisation intricately. He is solidly reliable on timing and attention, and gives us well-considered, practical and legally sound advice. He communicates openly with us and is available to support us whenever we are in need’.

‘Luke Fletcher is a technically skilled and forward-thinking leader in the charity law team at Bates Wells and charity law and impact investing sector more widely. He supports the development and dissemination of legal thinking in charity law and social investment’.

‘Bates Wells has a reputation for working extensively in the charity sector. The advice it provides reflects its knowledge of this sector and a familiarity with the issues we are facing. Laura Soley and Hannah Lyons are approachable and responsive. Advice is considered and pragmatic in finding solutions’.

‘High level of expertise, very accessible and responsive. In terms of being innovative and client-focused, the senior partner held a discussion with me to get my reflections on their service as part of the firm’s own reflection on its performance. Very easy to engage with. Stand-out partners I have worked with recently are Laura Soley and Lawrie Simanowitz ‘.

‘Bates Wells are always reliable. I feel like I could go to them with anything.’

‘Simon Steeden gave outstanding support on an issue that required a speedy turnaround.’

‘The team are extremely professional, approachable and supportive. They are always extremely efficient and provide a superb and responsive service. The support and guidance provided is exceptional.’

‘The qualities I value are the fact that the team are always on hand to provide expert advice and guidance. They offer a personal service to discuss the matters at hand and then provide superb written guidance which I value. Every now and again I receive a supportive e-mail and this makes you feel valued.’

‘The Bates Wells team has been very user friendly and always reliable and efficient.’

‘Emma Ainsley has been stand-out in terms of her efficiency and being totally on top of all the documentation, timetabling and more general organisation to ensure that the case at hand is presented to the tribunal in the most professional manner.’

‘We like their expertise in this area of the law very much; and we would add that we like the way that they go above and beyond in understanding our very specific legal concerns, and our slightly quirky modus operandi.’

‘Expert knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework in which our business operates. A problem-solving, rather than a strictly legalistic, approach. Excellent judgement. Very strong negotiating skills. Highly responsive, even to demanding timescales. Fees reasonable for a blue chip firm.’

‘Bates Wells are a trusted law firm, who have supported us over the years on a wide range of legal issues – from governance to trademarks, legal interpretation and impact on our members of a range of government policy issues. We consider Bates Wells experts in the regulatory conditions of the UK qualifications regulators in particular.’

‘Bates Wells have a detailed understanding of the regulated environment in which awarding bodies operate. They have been incredibly responsive and supportive throughout the time that we have worked with them and they are a trusted supplier, who we recommend our members contact with any legal issues of their own.’

‘Bates Wells are the absolute experts in charity, social enterprise and education practice. They have extensive experience with start-ups, multi-academy trusts and scaling organisations which gives them a fantastic perspective and portfolio. No other firm has this expertise.’

‘Their approach is unique as they build capacity in the sector – with workshops, templates and networking to help increase skills and knowledge and spread their impact more widely than just the clients they work in depth with.’

‘They are always seeking opportunities to connect our organisation with others where there could be interesting collaboration, and this has led to strategic discussions for us and advanced our mission to make education fair.’

‘They are quick to respond with clear answers. Their answers are also jargon- and waffle-free, which is reassuring: concise, well structured, reassuring. There is a clear impression that they have extensive knowledge and experience of the educational market and the legal issues common to it.’

‘I was particularly impresssed with Jean Tsang. She stood out as someone who is keen to understand the client to ensure her expert advice is spot on. And it is so, invariably. She is flexible, and not just able to rattle off stock answers but is very precise in her advice. She also has a great command of the whole project and not just the areas which she deals with directly which is most impressive.’

‘Erica Crump is pragmatic and a good problem solver.’

‘Collaborative and problem solving approach to negotiation, good all round resources for a small team, good communications.’

‘The Bates Wells team was willing and able at very short notice to take on a complex and highly sensitive case concerning a judicial discipline, and handled the case admirably with total discretion, courtesy and efficiency.’

‘The team and individuals I worked with addressed each of my concerns with practical clear guidance, sharing the law and also interpretations. This allowed me to make a clear choice and be actively involved in the process.’

‘A small but very skilled team that has always been very keen to learn how we work – not just our legislation but also our approach to regulation and our plans for future development.’

‘Good knowledge of the Charity Sector Quick Response service and a common-sense approach.’

‘Claire Whittle has provided excellent legal counsel on many occasions. She has good technical knowledge, and has always made the time to speak to us when we’ve needed a rapid response.’

‘Emma Ainsley has been a standout in terms of her efficiency, and being totally on top of all the documentation timetabling, and general organisation to ensure that the case at hand is presented to the tribunal in the most professional manner.’

‘Lucy McLynn is first rate for those who have to confront discrimination at work. She understands the employment and partnership worlds from both sides and is both pragmatic and empathetic.’

‘Lucy McLynn was fantastic in my case. Measured, calm, pragmatic but fiercely on my side and empathetic. A real winner.’

‘Pertinent, responsive and sensible legal advice.’

‘Smart advice; Dedication to supporting and protecting the rights of clients.’

‘William Garnett went to great lengths to ensure our interests and rights were protected. He is a good strategist and provided clear timely advice.’

‘William Garnett is a very focused individual, caring about his clients and very involved with his cases. He managed to help me out with my employer, my private insurance and the insurance authority defending my interests. He was the one who transformed a difficult case into an unequivocal victory, beyond my expectations.’

‘William Garnett was exemplary. A very good listener and very user friendly. I suspect he is one of the best in the business. He was a pleasure to deal with in what was an unpleasant situation. William is a tough negotiator but not cavalier. I felt very comfortable in his hands. I can only say that I was glad to have him on my side, rather than him acting for my former employer!’

‘Bates Wells supported myself and a number of former colleagues in preparing for an Employment Tribunal. The cases were complex, the process difficult and under the glare of the national media spotlight. From the moment we engaged with Bates Wells, they were fully committed, incredibly helpful, and extremely well-informed. I cannot speak highly enough of Bates Wells and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them to anyone, especially those in need of employment law advice.’

‘We often contact Bates Wells with ‘thorny’ issues and invariable with a tight timeframe. The team are always empathetic and understanding, and support us to work through the challenges we may present. They are able to assimilate the information we provide quickly and effectively, presenting us with solutions and options to progress a matter. We feel as though we are in safe hands.’

‘Rupert Earle is particularly supportive and is our key contact. He is responsive, timely, considered and empathetic. His professional approach provides confidence that we will achieve a good outcome whatever the issue may be that we present. He responds quickly and has often provided written responses and guidance within days, and sometimes hours.’

‘The team, led by Richard Marke, provides a very attentive and personal service. They really take time to understand their client’s goals and priorities and reflect this in their pragmatic and commercial advice.’

‘The team is very concerned about helping its customers. They perfectly know how to reassure and explain to their customers the pros or cons of each solution.’

‘Richard Marke is one of the best technology lawyers I have encountered in my career. He combines a great depth and breadth of technical legal knowledge with excellent negotiation skills. He chooses his battles and will not waste clients’ time getting hung up on issues that have minor or no commercial impact or which pose minor legal risks to the client. Richard is a pleasure to work with.’

‘In our dealings with Bates Wells, the team showed a great deal of discretion. They were organised and always available to discuss options and potential ways forward in our case.’

‘William Scott and Karli Hiscock were a pleasure to deal with. They were professional, diligent, discrete and a pleasure to work with.’

‘I have worked with are Karli Hiscock, who is very knowledgeable and pragmatic. She can be relied on to take sensible points and not argue about lease clauses for the sake of it; she has a sound approach to risk and knows our charity well and its governance.’

‘Well established and experienced practice advising occupiers. Very competitive fees for a city practice and a very personal level of service from experienced partners and senior associates.’

‘Malcolm Headley – very experienced, provides calm, pragmatic advice and spends time getting to know his clients’ businesses.’

‘In one transaction Mark Traynor was an absolute colossus. Truly outstanding level of service.’

‘I always judge people on how they interact with me on a personal level and professional level. I find all members of the team at Bates Wells great to work with including Malcolm Headley and Safia Daud.’

‘Jamie Huard was extremely helpful and knowledgeable . He worked to extremely tight deadlines and was unfailingly polite and positive.’

‘Superb attention to detail and client contact is always straightforward and easy.’

‘They are responsive, helpful, and very attentive. They are able to explain legal stuff to non-legal people simply.’

‘Richard Marke is a go-to lawyer for tech and outsourcing matters.’

‘The team, driven by Richard Marke, is very responsive and very helpful; they always try to find an operational solution. They are able to explain easily the legal situation to clients.’

‘I have found the team to be highly capable in supporting the registration and protection of a charity’s trade marks.’

‘Mathew Healey and Wendy Grey are two stand-outs in the Bates Wells team. They are challenging, responsive, knowledgeable, flexible and are vital business advisers for our organisation in terms of our UK and international trade mark strategy.’  

‘The team is very reliable and easy to reach. The advice is always on point.’ 

‘Catharina Waller has outstanding knowledge and is very client oriented. She understands our needs perfectly.’ 

‘The trade mark team are vey knowledgeable, but also pragmatic, offering the best solutions including recognising when alternatives to trade marks might be more suitable. The Bates Wells trade mark team are very responsive and accessible, always on hand if immediate advice is required.’ 

‘I’ve enjoyed Mathew Healy’s approachable nature and willingness to give context when answering my queries.’ 

‘Bates Wells has a deep understanding of the needs of charity clients.’ 

‘I would recommend Catharina Waller for her depth of insight, pragmatic approach and all-round wisdom.’ 

‘I have worked with Bates Wells for the last 15-20 years. Their consistently exceptional approach in terms of an understanding of the charity and pubic sector, value for money approach and pragmatic, tailored and reliable advice to me as a client.’

‘Bates Wells have clear expertise in the issues that are faced by charities and understand the nuances required.’

‘Lucy McLynn delivers exceptional advice to the various organisations. Her breadth of knowledge of employment law is excellent and she provides high level pragmatic, proportionate and tailored support on a consistent basis. ‘

‘Paul Jennings combines a calm, friendly, personable style with a to the point, direct business manner that puts you at your ease whilst at the same time keeping meetings short and outcome-focused so that you know you are getting value for the time you are paying for.’

‘Paul Jennings – His robust and detailed approach inspires confidence as a client and he would always be at the top of my list in an employment tribunal situation.’

‘Excellent accessible legal advice. Would highly recommend them for employment law advice.’

‘Lucy McLynn (Partner) is an excellent employment lawyer. Always on hand to give the best advice.’

‘This practice has vast experience of working with non-profit organisations. Their responses and advice, whether it be about marketing and/or data protection have always been timely, precise and pragmatic.’

‘The quality and expertise of Bates Wells practitioners stands out for their professionalism. This can be in regards to invoicing and the professional services of their lawyers. We have mainly sought advice from Hannah Lyons who has a wide breadth of knowledge regarding the charity sector, fundraising and data protection.’

‘I worked with Victoria Hordern and Rayhaan Vankalwala. Their approach is brilliant. They are sensitive to the situation of the client and very supportive. Their advice is concise and clear, and I felt very comfortable asking additional questions after our initial meeting.’

‘Bates Wells have been extremely generous and supportive to our charity, advising us in a range of legal areas such as GDPR.’

‘Michael Charalambous has been very helpful with his expertise in data protection. We have developed a much more comprehensive and robust data protection policy which is fully GDPR compliant thanks to his advice and support.’

‘The team at Bates Wells is really well versed on specific topics and can also provide insight on related areas as required. They work really well as a team and are able to provide support to each other when the need arises.’

‘They do a good job.’

‘Good, practical advice. A sensible commercial approach proportionate to the transaction.’

‘Malcolm Headley is easy to talk to, accessible, offers solutions not problems, is aware of timescales and is proactive.’

‘Malcolm Headley and Maisie Ireland provide responsive, experienced, sound advice.’

‘Malcolm Headley is calm, communicative, transparent, professional, pragmatic and persoanble – a combination that is rarely matched.’