Noted for its ‘unrivaled experience in electoral law’, Bates Wells supports political parties, MPs, political candidates, and campaign groups on a wide range of electoral law issues, from the regulation of political campaigning under charity law to electoral finance, digital campaigning, and cryptocurrency donations. Practice head Simon Steeden is a key figure in the market, advising on the legal and regulatory implications of lobbying and cross-border political activity, including investigations by regulators such as the Electoral Commission and the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists. He is supported by Suhan Rajkumar, who is the go-to adviser on the new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, with a particular focus on strengthening safeguards around international political donations and foreign influence. Mark Abbott manages the regulations of campaigning activities by charities, non-party campaigners, and other political actors, while Jessica Collings advises political parties and officeholders on electoral finance and lobbying matters, with particular focus on the intersection of US and UK lobbying, advocacy, and electoral law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- I would like to highlight the work of Simon Steeden and Mark Abbott in particular. Both have a deep understanding of the environment we work in and an intuitive sense of what we need as an organization. Our work together is always a collaboration, not a transaction. Their insight and understanding also mean that when we start a new piece of work, we can work efficiently and effectively.
- The team we work with at Bates Wells is incredibly engaged with and knowledgeable about the environment we work in, and as a result, is able to support us in a more holistic and collaborative way. This connection to and understanding of our field means they often highlight potential new avenues and issues we hadn't considered, and they can support us to act quickly in response to new opportunities. Uniquely, they also provided a convening role across our sector, creating space for new collaborations.
- Simon Steeden and Suhan Rajkumar have significant expertise in this field.
- Bates Wells has a really strong election team, with significant expertise in this area.
- Great team. Accessible, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to supporting third sector organizations in navigating legal frameworks in a challenging political environment.
- Suhan Ranjkumar is really excellent, as is Simon Steeden. They are linchpins of the electoral law discipline.
Key clients
- The Liberal Democrat Party
- Green Party of England and Wales
- The Labour Party
- 38 Degrees
- Councillor Hannah Robson of the Green Party of England and Wales
- Centenary Action
- B Lab UK and the Better Business Act campaign
- Compassion in Politics
- Lexology
- Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust
Work highlights
Advising the Liberal Democrat Party on a range of election law issues, including those connected to tax consequences as they relate to legacy fundraising.
Advised Hannah Robson of the Green Party of England and Wales in proceedings challenging the result of an election decided by lot after a tied vote, where the opposing Reform Party candidate relied on a non-existent legal precedent that appeared to be an 'AI hallucination'.
Assisted Compassion in Politics with drafting of amendments to the Public Accountability Bill, also known as the Hillsborough Law.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Simon Steeden
Other key lawyers
Suhan Rajkumar; Mark Abbott; Jessica Collings