Bates Wells

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.