Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Legal Services in London & Across the UK
Bates Solicitors is a distinguished law firm with a rich heritage dating back to 1913. Our eight offices across London, Surrey, Hampshire, and Essex provide expert legal services tailored to both private and commercial clients. With a team of approximately 60 professionals, we combine traditional values of courtesy and service with modern innovation. Our practice areas include Family Law, Residential Conveyancing, Probate, Employment Law, and Commercial Property, ensuring clients receive specialist expertise. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, we uphold rigorous standards of excellence.Our commitment to client satisfaction is reflected in our long-standing reputation and the trust placed in us by generations of clients. We pride ourselves on delivering personalised, forward-thinking legal solutions while maintaining a deep understanding of our clients' needs. Our board of directors, including Chairperson Ian MacDonald and Director Camilla Lovell-Hoare, leads with decades of collective experience. From our historic roots to our newly expanded Leigh on Sea office, we remain dedicated to serving communities with integrity and professionalism.
Services
Family Law
Residential Conveyancing
Probate Services
Employment Law
Commercial Property
Wills & Trusts
Litigation
Private Client
Landlord & Tenant
Asset Management
Details
- Year established: 1913
Highlights and features
- We have over a century of combined legal expertise since 1913.
- Our team includes specialists in family, property, and commercial law.
- We maintain SRA-regulated standards of professional excellence.
- Eight strategically located offices ensure accessible nationwide service.
- Client-centric approach combining traditional values with modern solutions.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Excellent service
Knowledgeable team
Trusted advisors
Efficient conveyancing
Compassionate support
Services
Family Law
We specialise in all aspects of family law including divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements, and pre-nuptial agreements. Our experienced solicitors provide sensitive, practical guidance through emotionally challenging situations. Clients benefit from our extensive expertise in both negotiated settlements and court proceedings.
Residential Conveyancing
Our conveyancing team handles property transactions with precision and efficiency. Services include leasehold and freehold purchases, remortgaging, and shared ownership schemes. We prioritise clear communication and timely completion, ensuring smooth transactions for first-time buyers and experienced property owners alike.
Probate Services
We assist executors with probate applications, estate administration, and inheritance tax planning. Our services include will drafting, trust creation, and Court of Protection matters. Clients receive compassionate support while navigating complex legal processes during difficult times.
Employment Law
We advise on employment contracts, settlement agreements, and tribunal claims. Our expertise covers unfair dismissal, discrimination, and redundancy issues. Employers benefit from proactive HR guidance while employees receive robust representation in workplace disputes.
Commercial Property
Our commercial property solicitors handle acquisitions, disposals, and lease negotiations for business premises. We specialise in landlord/tenant matters, property development, and asset management. Clients receive strategic advice tailored to their commercial property needs.
People
Ian MacDonald
Chairperson
With extensive commercial law expertise, Ian leads our board with strategic vision. He oversees corporate governance and maintains our commitment to professional excellence across all practice areas.
Camilla Lovell-Hoare
Director
Head of Litigation, Camilla specialises in complex legal disputes. Her leadership ensures robust representation in commercial and family law matters, combining courtroom experience with settlement negotiation skills.
Isobel MacDonald
Director
As Head of Residential Property Law, Isobel manages property transactions and compliance. Her expertise ensures efficient conveyancing services while maintaining regulatory standards across our eight offices.
Geoffrey Gibbons
Director
Commercial property specialist Geoffrey advises businesses on property acquisitions and lease agreements. His 20+ years' experience supports our corporate clients' real estate needs with practical legal solutions.
Doreen Burton
Director
Residential property expert Doreen oversees conveyancing operations. She ensures timely transaction completions while mentoring junior solicitors in our expanding property law department.
Questions
What areas of law do Bates Solicitors specialise in?
We specialise in Family Law, Residential Conveyancing, Probate, Employment Law, Commercial Property, and Wills & Trusts across our eight UK offices.
Are Bates Solicitors regulated professionals?
Yes, we're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 570743) since our establishment in 1913.
What are typical Employment Tribunal costs?
Costs range from £3,000–10,000 for simple cases to £25,000–100,000 for complex matters, plus VAT and potential counsel fees.
Do you offer initial legal consultations?
Yes, we offer a one-hour initial consultation at £300 + VAT to discuss your legal options and case merits.
How many offices does Bates Solicitors have?
We operate from eight strategically located offices in London, Surrey, Hampshire, and Essex for convenient nationwide access.
