Bates Wells

Bates Wells is a London-based law firm known for its values-driven approach and commitment to making a positive impact through its legal work. The firm advises a diverse client base, ranging from multinational corporations and public bodies to start-ups, charities, and social enterprises. It was the first UK law firm to achieve B Corporation certification, reflecting its focus on purpose alongside profit.

With particular strength in charity and social enterprise law, Bates Wells is recognised for influencing legislative and regulatory developments and for its work on high-profile, precedent-setting cases. The firm operates across a broad range of practice areas including corporate and commercial law, employment, immigration, litigation, real estate, arts and media, and public and regulatory law. It also has an extensive international practice supported by membership in networks such as esela, The legal network for social impact – and the Parlex Group.

Practice Areas:

• Charity & Social Enterprise: A nationally recognised team advising NGOs, international charities, and sector innovators. Notable work includes shaping the Community Interest Company model, collaboration with the Cabinet Office on social impact bonds, and the Butler-Sloss case on investment powers. The firm also represented former trustees and the CEO of Kids Company in a high-profile High Court victory.

• Corporate & Commercial: Advising on M&A, takeovers, joint ventures, commercial contracts, and listings—particularly within the small to mid-cap and technology sectors.

• Purpose & Impact: Supporting purpose-driven businesses with legal frameworks that balance commercial success with societal good.

• Culture & Creative Industries: Representing a range of clients across the arts, digital, and media sectors, including performing arts organisations and independent creators.

• Employment: Advising on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters including discrimination, TUPE, service agreements, and litigation. The team was involved in the landmark Supreme Court case on worker status against Uber.

• Immigration: Handling all areas of immigration and nationality law, including corporate immigration, asylum, and human rights cases.

• Dispute Resolution & Litigation: Broad capabilities covering commercial disputes, administrative and civil liberty law, IP, insolvency, defamation, and public law. Notable cases include a Supreme Court appeal involving The Times on access to public interest information.

• Politics, Elections & Campaigning Law: Advising campaigners, political parties, and individuals on election law and regulatory compliance. Key engagements include advising during the EU referendum and London Mayoral race.

• Public & Regulatory Law: Acting for public authorities, regulators, educational institutions, campaign groups, and individuals in judicial reviews and regulatory matters.

• Real Estate: Advising on all aspects of commercial property law, including planning, construction, insolvency, and real estate finance.

• International: Supporting global clients through its international networks and cross-border experience in commercial, charity, and regulatory law.

    Staffing
     37 UK Partners
     115 Other UK Fee-Earners