Lesley Bates KC was appointed as King’s Counsel in March 2025.
She has over 20 years’ experience prosecuting and defending a broad and diverse range of cases including, murder, multiple defendant large-scale importation of drugs and firearms, money laundering and fraud, baby shaking and child cruelty and rape and serious sexual offences. Lesley is able to draw on her previous experience as a nurse to undertake cases involving complex medical issues.
Her meticulous approach to preparation enables her to quickly and thoroughly assimilate vast amounts of material to understand the issues and present the evidence in a simplified and easily understandable form. She has been described as an “altogether rounded and stylish advocate”.
She is as adept at dealing with the tough technical evidence of experts as she is at dealing with vulnerable witnesses and defendants. She is universally respected and trusted advocate.
She undertakes advisory work and regularly advises the CPS on difficult charging decisions.
Lesley has spoken on Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live on topics such as anonymity for suspects accused of rape and historical sexual abuse allegations. She collaborated with Channel 5 and appeared in a documentary on Romance Fraud. She was instrumental in the CBA-led production of a short training film (‘A Question of Practice’) on the questioning of young and vulnerable witnesses and defendants.
What the Legal Directories say:
“Lesley is a highly accomplished barrister. She is extremely hard-working and conscientious, and, more importantly, she is tenacious and fearless in advancing her client’s case. Her advocacy is clear, focussed and persuasive. Lesley is also a tactical and strategic thinker and planner who has complete control of her cases." Legal 500, 2025
“Has excellent legal skills applied in a practical and effective way. She is very strong under pressure and has complete control and management of cases. An extremely effective advocate who is practical and considerate of others, and a tactical and strategic thinker and planner.” Legal 500, 2022
"Well-versed at seeing through the noise of a case.” Legal 500, 2020
APPOINTMENTS
King’s Counsel (2025)
Called 1999; Inner Temple.
Criminal Bar Association (elected committee member); Bar Council (elected committee member); Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers.
Kingston University (LLB (Hons)).