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Bates Wells
Department profile | Bates Wells
Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities

About

Provided by Bates Wells

Our Public and Regulatory team acts for regulators, charities, not‑for‑profits, educational establishments, central and local government, and a wide range of private sector organisations. We also represent businesses, campaign groups and individuals seeking to challenge decisions made by public authorities.

Bringing strong legal expertise and a practical understanding of how public bodies operate, we offer strategic, realistic advice shaped by deep sector knowledge. Many team members previously worked within government departments or in‑house at public bodies, giving them first‑hand insight into the statutory frameworks and real‑world challenges clients face.

For more information: https://bateswells.co.uk/services/public-and-regulatory/

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities - UK-wide

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Bates Wells advises a diverse array of regulators on the interpretation and implementation of public law obligations. The firm is well versed in resisting potential challenges, including judicial reviews. The team is frequently instructed to advise on public sector audits and maintains considerable strengths in media and advertising regulation. In addition, it is regularly sought after by charities and non-profits in relation to their regulatory concerns.

Work Highlights

  • Bates Wells represented the Ramblers’ Association in their judicial review challenge against the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The team is also advising on whether the challenge is an Aarhus Convention claim.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Bates Wells communicates more effectively, prepares me as a client more efficiently and is extremely thorough and knowledgeable.

Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities respondent
UK

Bates Wells has excellent lawyers from the most junior to partner level. The team is very strong, professional and responsive.

Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities respondent
UK

Bates Wells are very attentive to detail, timely and supportive. They explain things well and are tenacious in following up things on our behalf.

Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities respondent
UK

The public law team are engaged, proactive and insightful at every level. They have the experience and expertise to cut through complexity and the depth to come at the case from every angle.

Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities respondent
UK

Bates Well's team operates at an exceptionally high standard. They provide objective, precise and strategic advice with meticulous attention to detail, handling sensitive matters with discretion.

Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities respondent
UK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Matthew Smith
2
Matthew Smith
2
Band 2

Matthew Smith has a strong practice which covers high-profile judicial reviews, as well as public inquiries, investigations and legislative advice.

Matthew has a breadth of ability to cover lots of types of work. He is a very bright trusted pair of hands.

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Rupert Earle
3
Rupert Earle
3
Band 3

Rupert Earle is a partner in the public and regulatory team at Bates Wells. He is recognised for his longstanding experience acting for and against public authorities, as well as advising public bodies on regulatory proceedings. Earle has considerable expertise in advertising regulations.

Rupert is a very fine public lawyer with a leading practice in advertising.

Rupert did a fantastic job when we worked with him.

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Helen Fry
U
Helen Fry
U
Up and Coming

Helen Fry skilled at representing clients in a wide variety of sectors including healthcare, energy and charities.

Helen is an outstanding lawyer whose expertise, strategic thinking and commitment to excellence set her apart.

Her ability to navigate complex regulatory challenges with precision, clarity, and a keen strategic focus is exceptional.

Helen is a sophisticated litigator and brings deep expertise on campaigning or strategic disputes.

She did was very impressive and could take the client's concerns and find the legal remedy for those.

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Ranked Lawyers at
Bates Wells

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Administrative & Public Law
Matthew Smith
2
Matthew Smith
2
Band 2
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Rupert Earle
3
Rupert Earle
3
Band 3
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Administrative & Public Law: Traditional Claimant
Helen Fry
U
Helen Fry
U
Up and Coming
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Members

Provided by Bates Wells