Bates Wells

About the firm

You’ve likely come across the debate: is there really such thing as a truly selfless good deed? If not, a certain episode of the '90s TV show Friends can bring you up to speed. Here at Chambers Student, we’re of the opinion that regardless, the important bit is the good deed. In the world of corporate law firms, London-born Bates Wells makes a compelling case for just that. In fact, it was the first UK law firm to achieve B Corp status, formalising a commitment to balancing profit with purpose. A standout ethos, as one trainee explained: “Social purpose was at the forefront. It's what makes Bates Wells stand out. Rather than simply holding corporations accountable for their actions, it's actively looking to collaborate to create positive change.”

“Rather than simply holding corporations accountable for their actions, it's actively looking to collaborate to create positive change.”

Training principal Jamie Huard echoes this sentiment: “It's about doing the right thing and working on matters that we think are important and make a difference in the world. We act for more of the top 3,000 charities than anybody else. We also do a lot of work for social businesses and in the social impact space.” This commitment is reflected in the firm's top-tier rankings in Chambers UK for charities, immigration (personal) and parliamentary & public affairs, while it also receives recognition for its administrative & public law and media & entertainment expertise. In London, the firm is similarly highly regarded for its employment (third sector), employee & trade union and real estate practices.

This purpose-led approach extends into a range of growing sectors, from sustainable fashion, climate and energy to sports and AI. Huard notes, “It’s a very exciting place to work because you have to keep your finger on the pulse and we’re very much engaged in any changes or events that are happening in the world.” For those interested joining the firm, Bates Wells welcomes six trainees annually.

Why trainees joined the firm

Genuine focus on social impact

Bates Wells’ industry-leading status in the charity sector (and B-Corp status) was a standout amongst the current cohort: “Meaningful, impactful work is something I've always said I wanted to do, from early on when I decided to study law,” one source shared. In other words, “the firm is making a difference and contributing to something that you can be proud of,” another praised.

Small-trainee intake, hands-on responsibility

Trainees were aligned in their interest in joining a small trainee cohort. “Development is important as a junior,” one told us. Moreover, there is plenty of opportunity to work directly with partners, which was a major selling point.

Supportive culture

Seeking a supportive culture in the city, trainees were quick to highlight that it was a big part of the firm’s reputation: “The Bates Wells culture is really what it says on the tin,” one quipped.

Trainee satisfaction rankings

Training contract structure

Seat allocation

Before each seat rotation, trainees submit their top four preferences and meet with HR to discuss their interests. Seat allocation is ultimately “business need dependent, there is always that caveat,” though one insider noted that “they do let you voice how you feel.” A stint in charities and social enterprise is a guaranteed destination, as the firm's only mandatory seat.

Client secondments

Based on business need.

Seat Experiences

Trainee life

Culture and environment

Data from our annual trainee survey

Interviewees were unanimous in their praise for the culture at Bates Wells: “The culture is great, I really love it,” one said. “There is a huge amount of respect for colleagues, everyone is friendly and happy to chat with someone they’ve not met before – and there is no real hierarchy,” another explained, highlighting the approachability that runs throughout. We heard that amongst the trainee cohort it’s positive and non-competitive. “It’s a small cohort, and we’ve become good friends,” one trainee added, “and that pattern can be seen in previous cohorts who have gone through the process together; we genuinely support each other.”

“It’s not just thinking about profit, but wider goals, making sure that people and the planet are cared for.”

In particular, the firm’s B-Corp status has a great role to play in influencing the wider culture: “It’s not just thinking about profit, but wider goals, making sure that people and the planet are cared for.” In turn, insiders emphasised that it is an environment where “you can express yourself and be yourself at work,” which is also supported by the diversity and inclusion forums that create community via events at the firm.

The social committee also received a shout-out for its regular programme of events. Activities range from the famous pub quizzes – “they are always popular and there’s a bit of competition between the departments!” – to lunchtime walks for ice cream, yoga sessions on the roof during the summer, pumpkin carving in the autumn, ice skating at Somerset House and the Christmas party. Events are hosted by the inclusion forums as well, but more on that in a bit! There are also team socials dotted throughout the year.

Working patterns

Data from our annual trainee survey

Based in the City, Bates Wells’ office is located right by the River Thames. “The view onto the river from the rooftop garden is the main selling point; you can look out over the Globe Theatre,” insiders highlighted: “It’s the ‘wow’ factor.” The office is open-plan and full of plants, with one source noting that “there is loads of greenery, which is nice.” Moreover, it is kitted out with coffee machines, the essentials, as well as a vending machine containing only B Corp products.

Starting out, trainees are expected in the office four days a week for the first three months, and then are expected to be in more often than not thereafter. Some practices, such as real estate, prefer to be in more. On average, trainees described starting work around 9am and finishing between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on a typical day. “When there are incoming deadlines, you have to be flexible as that is part and parcel of the job,” an interviewee noted. However, “if there is ever the case to stay late, people check in,” and we heard those occasions are few and far between. Further, trainees stressed that “people are very respectful of time and boundaries.”

Pay

Considering the landscape of City salaries, the firm’s pay sits at the lower end of the market, though trainees agreed that this is reflective of both the hours worked and the work/life balance on offer. While there is no performance bonus on offer for trainees, they are included in the firm’s profit-share scheme.

Supervision and training

Starting out, newbies are paired with a buddy to help them settle into life at Bates Wells, as well as one of the two training deputies for monthly check ins. They also meet with the training principal from time to time. For every seat rotation, trainees are also paired with a supervisor and are encouraged to have weekly catch ups throughout. “I felt able to ask anything, and I received good feedback not just from my supervisors, but others in the team,” one trainee told us, echoing the sentiment expressed by others: “They are very encouraging at the start of a seat. I find that people are enthusiastic.” Formal feedback is received at mid-and-end of seat reviews, with input from the wider team as well.

Incomers have a lengthy induction at the start of the training contract, covering some background in the departments as well as essential skills. Throughout the TC, soft-skills sessions continue, from building confidence in the workplace to presentation skills. The team training was described as more ad hoc, though trainees are provided with resources at the start of each seat. Departments host their own knowledge update sessions as well.

Pro bono & CSR

CSR is, quite literally, baked into the business plan. Sources pointed to a range of initiatives, from community volunteering and social mobility programmes to diversity and inclusion efforts and environmental considerations. Employees also receive two volunteering days as part of their annual leave allowance.

While pro bono wasn’t seen as having a big role day to day, insiders were quick to point out that cases do come through the door, such as when Bates Wells generated headlines by taking the Uber employment status case all the way to the Supreme Court – a case that had a significant impact on workers’ rights.

Other opportunities include

• Assisting in social mobility schemes

• Volunteering in the local community

• Joining the firm’s climate group

Inclusion

The current cohort of trainees were unanimous in their feeling that the firm’s inclusion efforts were taken seriously, particularly the transparency around representation. The publicly available Annual Diversity Report publishes demographic data across the firm, highlighting, for example, that 79% of fee-earners are women. “It’s very transparent and holds the firm accountable,” a source noted.

“It shapes part of the positive working experience…”

Insiders also highlighted the range of affinity groups available to get involved in, although finding the time to participate can sometimes be a challenge. “It shapes part of the positive working experience,” one added. These include Reach and Rise, the firm's race and ethnicity network; STEP, the social mobility group; a parents and carers network; Queen Street Pride for LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies; Unstoppable, the neurodiversity and disability network; and a wellbeing network. There is even a book club that launched last year.

Cultural and educational events are marked throughout the year; these include a back-to-school breakfast hosted by the parents and carers network, lantern-making for Chinese New Year and a ‘Rice Around the World’ event celebrating different cultures through food. Social mobility is also an area of focus. The firm partners with schools to provide work experience opportunities and other outreach initiatives, and trainees are encouraged to get involved.

Qualification

At Bates Wells, qualification was described as a formal and transparent process. At the beginning of the fourth and final seat, HR provides an outline of the process before a job list is released.In the lead-up to this, the training principal also checks in with trainees. Typically, candidates submit one or two qualification preferences, before attending interviews and a technical assessment. We heard that “it’s the most stressful period; it’s pretty strenuous,” but sources agreed that it is ultimately a transparent process.

A round of applause; it’s Wells-deserved!

Each year, the firm hosts the Stephen Lloyd Awards for social innovators. The winner receives £25,000, while shortlisted organisations are invited to present their ideas and win funding provided by the Bates Wells Foundation too.