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Bates Wells
Department profile | Bates Wells
Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law

About

Provided by Bates Wells

Our Politics, Elections and Campaigning team is one of the few UK teams specialising in electoral law, offering a holistic view of political projects. We understand that modern campaigning is digital, data‑driven and highly scrutinised, and we reflect that in our clear, practical advice.

We’ve acted on some of the biggest political issues of recent years, including advising Britain Stronger in Europe during the EU referendum, major non‑party campaigners and the Green Party ahead of national elections, and a prospective Labour candidate in the 2016 London Mayoral race.

We provide strategic, big‑picture guidance to charities, trade unions, political parties, local authorities and companies. Politically connected and highly ranked, we offer a breadth of expertise that is hard to match.

For more information: https://bateswells.co.uk/services/politics-elections-and-campaigning/

Chambers Review

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Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law - UK-wide

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Bates Wells has a well-regarded practice that covers all areas of election law with a particular focus on advising non-profits. The firm is heavily involved in non-party campaigning matters and is equally adept at advising established political parties, such as the Green Party, and new political parties. The firm's campaigning expertise extends to providing advice on the full range of online and digital campaign issues. In addition, its team handles a range of electoral matters relating to trade union elections.

Work Highlights

  • Bates Wells advised the Green Party of England and Wales on party governance, electoral finance issues and on internal and external disputes.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Bates Wells was responsive, thoughtful and gave strong recommendations, which was especially helpful when navigating a legal context that was, and remains, very open to interpretation.

Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law respondent
UK

The team offers really tailored advice, they know their stuff and approach each problem with a can-do mentality. They see the law as a guide and enabler, not as an obstacle to third party campaigning.

Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law respondent
UK

The firm's advice is accessible and practical. They understand our work, so is able to give legal guidance in a way that is of practical use to us in our immediate day to day.

Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law respondent
UK

Bates Wells covers a very wide range of legal issues which means one point of contact can manage issues as they crop up, even if outside of the scope of the initial project.

Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law respondent
UK

The charity team stands out for its deep sector expertise and strong commitment, which is evident in the advice it provides and the resources and training opportunities offered.

Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law respondent
UK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Simon Steeden
1
Simon Steeden
1
Band 1
Simon Steeden leads the politics and elections team. He advises candidates, political parties and lobbyists on a variety of high-profile electoral matters, as well as regulatory issues relating to financing campaigns.

Simon has a way of getting to the point clearly and effectively.

Simon was an absolute pleasure to work with.

Simon is great all round.

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Bob Posner
2
Bob Posner
2
Band 2

Bob Posner has considerable experience of the political arena spanning the administration of elections and referendums through to the regulation of campaigning. He draws on his experience as former chief executive of the UK Electoral Commission.

Bob was a great help advising and reassuring us that we were on the right track.

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Suhan Rajkumar
2
Suhan Rajkumar
2
Band 2

Suhan Rajkumar is recognised for his work in the parliamentary and public affairs space, where he regularly advises for non-profits, political campaigners, lobbying activists and election candidates.

Suhan consistently demonstrated responsiveness and generosity with his time. He possesses an excellent understanding of our needs and provides pragmatic, effective solutions.

Suhan was incredibly helpful and responsive. He gave me pertinent advice and showed great empathy in the process. It was incredibly reassuring to have the help of someone with his expertise.

Suhan is extremely capable and always provides nuanced and comprehensive advice, delivered with a very calm and professional manner.

Suhan is excellent in this space.

He gave me pertinent advice and showed great empathy in the process. It was incredibly reassuring to have the help of someone with his expertise in my moment of need.

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Jess Collings
Jess Collings
Associates to watch

Jess Collings is a senior associate in the Bates Wells practice who offers experience advising political parties, candidates and lobbying organisations on electoral law. She is particularly adept at advising on electoral finance and lobbying regulations.

Jess is, without a doubt, a standout individual. Her ability to simplify complex legal issues in an accessible way provided a reassurance that is not often experienced off-the-bat.

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Ranked Lawyers at
Bates Wells

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UK-wide

Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Electoral Law
Simon Steeden
1
Simon Steeden
1
Band 1
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Bob Posner
2
Bob Posner
2
Band 2
View Profile
Suhan Rajkumar
2
Suhan Rajkumar
2
Band 2
View Profile
Jess Collings
Jess Collings
Associates to watch
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