Department profile
Bates Wells

Employment: Employer

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

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Bates Wells

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About

Provided by Bates Wells

Our Employment team manages risk and resolves disputes for employers and employees, drawing on experience from both sides to anticipate issues and shape practical, outcome‑focused solutions. We advise on all aspects of contentious and non‑contentious employment law, including dismissals, redundancies, restrictive covenants, TUPE, service agreements, injunctions and discrimination.

We act in high‑profile cases in the UK and Europe, handle most advocacy in‑house, and are well known for our work with charities and the public sector. We also provide employment training, including mock tribunal sessions, and led the landmark worker‑status case against Uber in the Supreme Court.

For more information: https://bateswells.co.uk/services/employment/

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment: Employer - London (Firms)

What the Team is Known For
Bates Wells is renowned for its expert employment work for major charities and educational institutions. The team advises on the full gamut of employment law, with particular expertise in senior executive departures, acting for both third sector employers and senior individuals on these matters. Its executive client base includes professional and financial services employees.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bates Wells advised the Imperial War Museum during the client's de-recognition process of two trade unions.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Bates Wells are always very responsive to requests for advice, and provide excellent support.

    Employment: Employer respondentUK

  • The service we receive is efficient, and the team that works directly with us understand our business and the practicalities, enabling them to provide business specific advice.

    Employment: Employer respondentUK

  • I felt that the firm genuinely cared for my well-being and that securing a good outcome was as important to them as it was to me.

    Employment: Employer respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Lucy McLynn
    Lucy McLynn

    Lucy McLynn

    Lucy McLynn is head of employment at Bates Wells. She is acknowledged as an expert advisor to non-profits and charities, regularly assisting these clients with grievances and discrimination claims.

    • I find her very clear in her thinking and advice which very significantly helped me manage a difficult situation.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK

    • Lucy is fantastic. She is responsive, reassuring and highly knowledgeable. She has handled difficult issues with upmost competence and sensitivity. I would have no hesitation recommending her.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK

    • Lucy is outstandingly competent, with excellent judgement.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK
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  • Paul Jennings
    Paul Jennings

    Paul Jennings

    Paul Jennings is a partner at Bates Wells and a skilled practitioner known for his astute representation of senior executives and international charities.

    • He is an impressive partner who gives well-reasoned and balanced advice.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK

    • Paul was open, approachable, professional and extremely knowledgeable. He is a pleasure to work with.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK

    • Paul provided top service, as ever, from start to finish.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK
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  • Paul Seath
    Paul Seath

    Paul Seath

    Paul Seath regularly advises charities and not-for-profit organisations on a broad array of employment issues including defending claims relating to dismissals or those alleging discrimination.

    • He is responsive and has a good understanding of the sector.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK

    • He was particularly responsive and notably quick to adjust his thinking and advice to changing circumstances.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK

    • I found Paul admirable in every aspect.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK
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  • Rachel Mathieson
    Rachel Mathieson

    Rachel Mathieson

    Rachel Mathieson is a partner at Bates Wells who advises clients with matters ranging from whistle-blowing and discrimination issues to negotiated departures. She has particular expertise in the third sector.

    • We receive excellent legal support and advice from Rachel.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK

    • She is approachable, knowledgeable and accessible.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK

    • Rachel is an exceptional leader who absorbed my case and handled it expertly.

      Employment: Employer respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Bates Wells (6)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Bates Wells

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