Bates Wells chiefly acts for charity, higher education, and financial services clients. Practice head Malcolm Headley is noted for his real estate finance work for corporate occupiers, investors, and banks. Mark Traynor works closely with education, charity, and private clients on their commercial property matters, while Karli Hiscock chiefly focuses on headquarters moves and the acquisition of retail premises for charities and commercial organisations. Jamie Huard is a further name of note for property work regarding heritage property. Rosie de Galleani and Maisie Ireland are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Bates Wells has a highly experienced team. There is good collaboration with other legal firms/ property agents when representing the client. You always feel that you are in safe hands.’
‘Stand-out individuals include Malcolm Headley and Amy O'Gorman. Both are very approachable and offer practical solutions to complex tasks.’
‘Our requirement was fairly straightforward but required a lot of chasing and following up with different parties over many months. The team (principally one partner) was thorough, highly professional and kept up the pressure, while also being practical, providing sound advice, and being able to move quickly when needed.’
'For me, what is extremely gratifying with Bates Wells is that partners and associates alike actually answer the phone when you call them – they therefore, make themselves readily available, which is most refreshing these days.'
'Malcom Headley is always responsive with sensible and practical suggestions and solutions.'
'Excellent practical advice and Mark Traynor is recommended. Partner led transaction team that are commercially minded and get things done!'
Key clients
- Education for Industry Group
- Civic Square Land and Regeneration CIC
- The Guide Association
- English National Opera
- The Woodland Trust
- Better Society Capital Limited
- Royal British Legion
- Central London Samaritans
- Knepp Wildland Foundation
Work highlights
Advised Education for Industry Group on a £40m+ transaction in connection with its move to the former site of the London Metropolitan University in Moorgate, known as Electra House.
Advised World Cancer Research Fund on the purchase of the long leasehold interest for circa £3.2m in its office premises in Pentonville Road from receivers.
Advised the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers on the £6.75m sale of its freehold premises in London, involving complex arrangements to cover planning and overage.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Malcom Headley
Other key lawyers
Mark Traynor; Karli Hiscock; Jamie Huard; Rosie de Galleani; Maisie Ireland; Amy O'Gorman