Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7551 7777About
Provided by Bates Wells
We act for public bodies and regulators. But we also act for the charities, businesses, campaigning groups and individuals affected by their regimes.
We bring a high level of legal acumen, teamed with a practical understanding of how to best negotiate the issues you are facing. We know that you need strategic advice from a team that knows your world.
Many of our team worked for government departments or in-house for public bodies before joining us. So, we understand the statutory and policy framework and real-world challenges you’re dealing with.
For more information, visit https://bateswells.co.uk/services/public-and-regulatory/
Chambers Review
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’ Associationin an application for judicial review related to a decision to not confirm an order of a local council for a public footpath to be added to the relevant council’s definitive map and statement.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Bates Wells has strong technical skills and a solutions-based approach."
"The team quickly grasps the issues at hand and provides a well thought-through and thorough response."
"The lawyers are good at taking a strategic view in handling and heading off disputes. They are good at identifying a proportionate approach."
"The Bates Wells team is able to analyse complex issues in a short time and provide valuable advice."
"Bates Wells has strong technical skills and a solutions-based approach."
"The team quickly grasps the issues at hand and provides a well thought-through and thorough response."
"The lawyers are good at taking a strategic view in handling and heading off disputes. They are good at identifying a proportionate approach."
"The Bates Wells team is able to analyse complex issues in a short time and provide valuable advice."
Notable Practitioners
Matthew Smith has a strong practice which covers high-profile judicial reviews, as well as public inquiries, investigations and legislative advice. He recently joined Bates Wells as a partner in the public law practice.
"Matthew Smith is a fantastic lawyer to work with and personable."
"Matthew is decisive and thorough. He is a very able solicitor who provides clear strategic and practical advice."
Rupert Earle is a partner in the public and regulatory team at Bates Wells. He is recognised for his long-standing experience acting for and against public authorities, as well as advising public bodies on regulatory proceedings. Earle has considerable expertise in advertising regulations.
"Rupert Earle has decades of knowledge."
Helen Fry is a public law litigator at the Good Law Practice. She is skilled at representing clients in a wide variety of sectors including healthcare, energy and charities.
"Helen Fry is always quick, has a good eye for cases and fully forms cases."
"Helen is really bright and proactive."
"She is really good at navigating cases and is a really good legal strategist."