Advising local authorities, auditors and organisations linked to local authorities, Bates Wells assists with a range of services, particularly the spinning out of local government services to new charities and social enterprises, and on forming partnerships with other local authorities and not-for-profit entities. Augustus Della-Porta heads the department and has vast experience in the local government sector, advising on issues such as restructuring and spinning out services from local authorities. Matthew Smith is a public and regulatory specialist who works with a range of sector clients; Lindsay Draffan handles UK subsidy control (and formerly EU state aid) and public procurement is well-supported by senior associates Suhan Rajkumar and Charlie Miller.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Richard Marke is excellent and one of the best legal professionals I have worked with.’
‘Bates Wells have advised us on successful challenges to three different public sector commissioning bodies’ procurement for the provision of services. In each instance they brought to their attention issues with the processes followed, evaluation and marking of our bids. All three decided to abandon their original procurement and undertake a fresh procurement.’
‘Charlie Miller (Senior Associate - Dispute Resolution Department) has been excellent. He has inspired confidence and helped to facilitate organisational decision making that deliver results and manage and maintain stakeholder relationships.’
‘Very knowledgeable and helpful team, they take time to understand the challenges and consider realistic and achievable outcomes.’
‘There was a good level of personal care and attention given, with individuals being easily reachable.’
Key clients
- Waltham Forest Council
- Workers' Educational Association (WEA)
- The Ramblers’ Association
- Swindon Music Service
- Football Foundation
- Forward Trust
Work highlights
- Advising Waltham Forest Council music service on its collaboration with 6 other music services.
- Advising Swindon Music Service on its collaboration with Gloucestershire Council’s music service.
- Advising Workers' Educational Association (WEA) on its receipt of funds from several local authorities to fund its adult educational work, navigating both the new subsidy control and existing public procurement regimes.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Augustus Della-Porta