Public & Regulatory

We understand the public interest.

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.


How we help

As we act for regulators and regulated bodies, we see issues from every side and hold public authorities to account whenever we need to.

We’re specialists in judicial reviews. If you’re facing a challenge, we can move quickly – especially in the earliest stages, where we can readily mount claims without involving counsel.

We’ll also advise on:

  • Procedural fairness and human rights issues
  • Sound decision making
  • Regulatory, legislative and policy drafting; including codes of conduct and dispute processes
  • Implementing statutory and regulatory requirements into your processes and procedures
  • Tribunal claims, statutory appeals and inquiries
  • Public sector audit law.
Explore

Strategic litigation and the water crisis

A few weeks ago, the March for Clean Water swept through London, with thousands demanding action on water pollution. The …
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Groundbreaking cases and positive impact: Bates Wells recognised by The Times Best Law Firms 2025

We’ve been recognised by The Times Best Law Firms 2025 for our work for charities, employment, immigration, and administrative & …
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Strategic litigation roundtable: the present and the future, the threats and the opportunities

On 6 November 2024, we hosted a group of experts and leaders from charities, campaign groups and funding organisations to …
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Cabinet Office survey on the National Procurement Policy Statement – an opportunity for mission driven procurement?

The Procurement Act 2023, which promises a major overhaul of public procurement law, will now take effect on 24 February …
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“Distorted and fragmented responsibility”: the role of public law and regulation in ensuring accountability after the Grenfell Tower Inquiry

Seven years since the Grenfell Tower fire in North Kensington, a disaster which brought into devastating focus decades of institutional …
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“The team offer great expertise, experience, and provide a very high-quality professional service.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025

“We like their expertise in this area of the law and the way they go above and beyond in understanding our legal concerns and modus operandi. We also like their proactive, joined-up and collaborative approach, and how they can get together a substantial team to deal with pressing matters”

Public & Regulatory, Chambers 2020
Meet our team