Lex 100 - Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP

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Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP

2-6 Cannon Street London EC4M 6YH

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The trainee verdict

The lowdown (in their own words...)

Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Ethos and the range of charity and not-for-profit clients'; 'not your average City firm which is only interested in chasing profits'; 'firm genuinely cares about its clients and staff and seeks to ensure that both are kept happy'; 'came to an open day and felt they really 'lived' their ethos'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Very favourably - wide variety of interesting work and very good level of involvement in that work'; 'I feel like an integral member of the team and not just another cog in a big machine'; 'more relaxed'; 'given lots of responsibility'

Best thing about the firm? 'The diverse client base which includes visionaries in the charitable sector to 'household name' commercial organisations seeking to grow and develop within their markets'; 'the firm is uniquely placed to assist clients and react to and inform government policy'; 'you are always thanked for your work, no matter how small the task'

Worst thing about the firm? 'If I had to pick something it would be the lack of expenses paid for by the firm - taxis are rarely used and dinner is not paid for when working late in the office'; 'pay is at the low end compared to similar-sized firms'; 'sandwiches for the lunchtime meetings!'

Best moment? 'Winning a domestic violence immigration appeal'; 'being placed as the main contact for a new client'; 'assisting and working on a case that made the news'

Worst moment? 'Very rare moments of stress from colleagues'; 'having to get up for breakfast seminars'

The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

The standout firm for charities work, Bates Wells & Braithwaite advises a wide range of clients: big and small charities, RSLs and trades unions, as well as public sector bodies, commercial organisations and private individuals. The firm also has a market-leading media and entertainment reputation, with brand management and regulatory work being particular strengths.

The star performers

Administrative and public law; Brand management; Charities and not-for-profit; Commercial property; Education; Employment; Healthcare; Immigration; Media and entertainment; Mergers and acquisitions: smaller deals up to £50m; Partnership; Property litigation; Sport.

The deals

Acting for Komatsu Europe in connection with its European group reorganisation; providing sponsorship advice in relation to the 2012 Olympics; acting for Toronto listed company on the sale of the business and assets of Megahertz Broadcast Systems; acting for APPCO Group on its European group reorganisation.

The clients

Agip; Atlantic Records; Snoop Dogg.

The Verdict

Describing itself as 'not your average City firm', Bates Wells & Braithwaite places the emphasis in its mission statement on commitment to justice and the public interest. It is a leading firm for charities and not-for-profit work, heavily engaged with governmental bodies and strong in immigration, while also having formidable offerings in other niche areas such as film and TV work and education. Those seeking a broader experience will find a solid corporate/commercial practice too. Trainees comment on the firm's ethos, saying that 'it genuinely cares about its clients and staff and seeks to ensure that both are kept happy'. Little wonder then that the firm is a Lex 100 Winner for living up to expectations. It is also a winner for confidence in being kept on, quality of work, work/life balance and client contact. You can expect real involvement in matters, lots of responsibility, and exposure to some 'very interesting, cutting-edge work'. Some of it even has a celebrity slant, with the firm successfully representing rapper Snoop Dogg in his high-profile appeal against refusal of UK entry clearance. You'll also be working alongside colleagues who lead in their field, which 'brings a real buzz to the atmosphere in the office'. But there is no arrogance in these high fliers; one trainee comments, 'my views are routinely sought and my opinions are respected'. Trainees here feel really valued and nurtured, from the 'personal and genuine' recruitment process onwards. Perhaps inevitably for a firm which 'aspires to make a reasonable living', one trainee finds salary levels a bit disappointing, but finding a 'worst thing' about the firm is 'a hard question to answer'. Commenting on the 'real' work and 'lots of opportunities to get great training experience', one trainee's summary was 'I really could not ask for more!'