Bates Wells

Charity & Social Enterprise

Erica is Bates Wells’ Managing Partner and has been with the firm since 2006. Whilst maintaining her practice working with charities, and social and creative organisations, Erica also leads our Culture and Creative work.

A lot of her work is commercial and regulatory, taking on a general counsel role for the organisations she supports. Erica is passionate about the role that charities, non-profits and culture play in our society and wider democracy.

She also has a particular interest in cultural assets and “intangible assets” (IP), and how organisations can use those throughout the world to generate impact and income. For example, she has advised museums, galleries, campaigns and heritage organisations on cultural artefacts, including their exhibition, loans and wider value to the public, as well as having supported organisations on restitution claims.

Erica believes that we should strive for a dynamic and varied cultural life, which offers space for us to create, share and debate nationally and internationally – and to bring about wider social impact.

Managing Partner, Bates Wells, 2025

Partner, Bates Wells, 2017

Associate, Bates Wells, 2011

Admitted as a solicitor in 2008

Trainee, Bates Wells, 2006 - 2008

Trustee of Unitas

Trustee of Shakespeare’s Globe

Trustee of Stone Nest

Former trustee of DONATE the National Funding Scheme for the Arts, Situations Trust, the Otesha Project UK and Urban Culture Project CIC

College of Law, Legal Practice Course, 2006

College of Law, Graduate Diploma in Law, 2005

Osaka, Japan English and Foreign Affairs teaching, 2004 – 2006

Bristol University, English Literature, 2002