Bates Wells

Lawyers 113
Turnover Not disclosed
Offices 1

Lord Phillips of Sudbury, who founded Bates Wells in 1970, died in April this year aged 84. He fought to use the law as a force for good, co-founding the Legal Action Group in 1972 and the Solicitors Pro Bono Group (known as LawWorks) in 1997. The firm has sought to continue his ideals.

The firm recently acted successfully in the High Court for the claimants Gemma Watton and Jonathan Cameron, who challenged a decision by Cornwall council to grant planning permission for the construction of a crematorium that would have been one of the largest in the country.

Its public and regulatory team, which has extensive experience in supporting clients through high-profile and often sensitive inquiries, is advising organisations in the healthcare sector over their engagement with the Covid-19 public inquiry. This includes advising the Royal College of Nursing, particularly concerning the elements of the inquiry examining the resilience and preparedness for the pandemic and the impact on healthcare systems in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.