Bates Wells & Braithwaite

01473 219282

Bates, Wells & Braithwaite is one of Ipswich’s leading law firms. We offer a friendly, efficient, and professional service, whether you are looking for a family law solicitor or local conveyancer. We can help you to write a will or choose a power of attorney, and our team of experienced lawyers can settle any disputes. We have a long history of helping our clients, their families, and their businesses, with a wide range of private and commercial legal services. Our ethos is to offer clear and straightforward legal advice. We assist our clients every step of the way to reach a successful outcome. Our team of approachable and experienced lawyers have the expertise to see through each transaction or resolve legal issues, speedily and efficiently. We put our clients’ interests at the forefront of everything that we do. Read more...

Address
29 Lower Brook Street
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP4 1AQ
01473 219282
www.bates-wells.co.uk

View map

Accreditations

Request a callback Send an email Book an appointment Visit website

Available lawyers at Bates Wells & Braithwaite

Rhian Snell

Hannah Mitchell

Chartered Legal Executive

Denise Head

Jane Brooker

Chartered Legal Executive

Christopher Mason

5.0 out of 5

(9)

Chartered Legal Executive

Karen Healy

Scott Emsden

Rebecca Minns

Private Client Executive

Zoe Chittock

5.0 out of 5

(1)

Chartered Legal Executive

Adam Muldoon

Nicky Coates

How Bates Wells & Braithwaite Compares

Value for money

This firm - 98%

National Average

Poor Competitive Excellent

Excellent does not necessarily mean ‘cheap’. It means that clients thought that the level of service received was Excellent for what they paid.

This score has been calculated using up to the last 300 reviews left by clients of Bates Wells & Braithwaite on ReviewSolicitors.

As part of our review questionnaire we ask reviewer questions about the value for money they felt they received by using Bates Wells & Braithwaite. These questions include:

Value for money (a rating of 1-5)
How much were you initially quoted or how much did you expect to pay?
Approximately how much did you end up spending for the legal services provided (ignoring disbursements and court fees)
Did you think this was underpriced, overpriced or about right?
Overall experience

We use data science to amalgamate the answers to these questions and create a ‘ReviewSolicitors score’ out of 100. The above chart representation score is a simple percentage representation of the averaged score across those who have reviewed this law firm.

Underpriced 3%

Overpriced 0%

About Right 96%

If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.

Satisfied with
outcome of matter

This firm - 99%

National Average

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

ReviewSolicitors uses our community data to show you how many clients used Bates Wells & Braithwaite and were satisfied with the outcome of their matter. Being satisfied with the outcome of your matter is an important consideration to have in mind.

You can use this data to see how Bates Wells & Braithwaite compares to the national average of clients being satisfied with the outcome of their matter after instructing a solicitor.

As part of our review questionnaire we ask the question:

"Were you satisfied with the outcome of your case?"

The reviewer can select either “Yes” or “No”.

The above score is a simple percentage representation of the total amount of clients who selected the “Yes” option:

Yes 99%

No 1%

If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.

Rankings by area of expertise

The rankings below show the areas of expertise that Bates Wells & Braithwaite offers to clients. You can see how good the service offered is in comparison to all other law firms nationally.

Consumer

4th / 14

303rd / 4479

Company & Commercial

8th / 17

342nd / 4265

Housing & Property

7th / 18

432nd / 4207

Family Law

4th / 15

275th / 3800

Wills, Trusts & Probate

3rd / 17

164th / 3457

Commercial Property

8th / 16

380th / 3265

Employment

9th / 16

365th / 3047

Regulations

2nd / 6

161st / 2488

Personal Injury

2nd / 7

58th / 2327

Money & Tax

7th / 13

195th / 1824

Dispute Resolution

2nd / 5

196th / 1032

Clinical Negligence

2nd / 4

142nd / 938

Charities

2nd / 4

87th / 556

Data shown above is based on the reviews and client feedback collected by ReviewSolicitors over the last 12 months.

Review Sources

Client Reviews

4.9/5

Reviews summary

Excellent

247
Very Good

9
Average

1
Poor

1
Awful

2

Overall experience

Value For Money
Communication
Initial Impressions
Approachability
Documentation Accuracy
Legal knowledge

emma

August 14, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Exceptional Support and Professionalism

I cannot recommend Nigel French and Chris highly enough. From the very start, their guidance, professionalism, and dedication put me at ease during a very stressful time.

Nigel was always clear, approachable, and attentive, making sure I understood every step of the process. Chris complemented this perfectly, providing thorough advice and support whenever needed.

Together, they made a daunting situation manageable, keeping me informed, empowered, and confident in the decisions I was making. Their combined expertise and genuine care are rare, and I am extremely grateful for their assistance.

Thank you both for your unwavering support — it truly made a difference.

Lawyer named in this review:
Christopher Mason

Christopher Mason

Was this review helpful?

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Verified review

Matter Type:

Wills

Anonymous

July 07, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Wills

Rhian did everything smoothly and quickly and i thank her very much (no need for improvement).

Lawyer named in this review:
Rhian Snell

Rhian Snell

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 10 July, 2025:

Thank you for your kind feedback. We're glad Rhian provided a smooth and efficient service.

Was this review helpful?

Clinical Negligence

Verified review

Matter Type:

Accident and Emergency Claims

Helen Seery

July 06, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Injury claim at work

My whole experience with Hannah Mitchell from beginning to end was suburb. Any worries or what to expect was always answered in a very professional and kind way. It took some years due to waiting times seeing professional at the hospitals a waiting for reports. Miss Michelle always kept me informed. Miss Michelle was very knowledgeable and informed me of every step of the way. My emails were always answered promptly. My claim was very successful and I am more than happy with the out come.

Lawyer named in this review:
Hannah Mitchell

Hannah Mitchell

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 09 July, 2025:

Dear Helen, Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're so pleased to hear that Hannah provided you with professional, kind, and knowledgeable support throughout your case. It's great to know you felt well-informed and supported at every stage. Best regards, Bates Wells & Braithwaite

Was this review helpful?

Verified review

Mr.Charles.Atkinson

July 04, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Injury claim

Very satisfactory from start to finish with Hannah Mitchell, A good outcome, Explained everything and very helpful every step of the way, Kept me informed at every step of the case , She was very helpful in assisting me with any problems arising. Very reassuring In this injury case As I was Under pressure and very stressed out with this most of the time due to my mental health as well . She told me never to hesitate to phone her if I needed any assistance or advice in this matter , all it takes me to say is thank u very much for all your hard work And assistance and all the team that help you along the way as well if any I would go as far as to say she’s Wonder Woman ❤️😆👍

Lawyer named in this review:
Hannah Mitchell

Hannah Mitchell

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 07 July, 2025:

Dear Charles, Thank you so much for your heartfelt feedback. We're truly glad that Hannah and the team could support you through such a stressful time and provide reassurance every step of the way. Your kind words mean a lot, and we’ll be sure to share your thanks with Hannah and everyone involved. Wishing you all the best moving forward. Best regards, Bates Wells & Braithwaite

Was this review helpful?

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Verified review

Matter Type:

Wills

Anonymous

June 30, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Private Client - Wills

Our Wills were completed by an amazing lady for whom nothing was too much trouble.

Lawyer named in this review:
Rhian Snell

Rhian Snell

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 02 July, 2025:

Thank you for your kind words. We're glad our team member provided exceptional service and made the process easy for you. Best regards, Bates Wells & Braithwaite

Was this review helpful?

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Verified review

Matter Type:

Wills

Anonymous

June 26, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Wills

Rhian was very helpful in sorting our Wills and supported us with follow up questions. Have already recommended to others.

Lawyer named in this review:
Rhian Snell

Rhian Snell

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 30 June, 2025:

Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re pleased Rhian was helpful with your Wills and ongoing support. We appreciate your recommendation. Best regards, Bates Wells & Braithwaite

Was this review helpful?

Verified review

Anonymous

June 16, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Powers of Attorney

Zoe was amazing and really lovely too. She went above and beyond, especially when we were trying to sort my in-laws' power of attorneys.

Lawyer named in this review:
Zoe Chittock

Zoe Chittock

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 18 June, 2025:

Thank you for your kind words. We're delighted Zoe went above and beyond to assist with your in-laws' power of attorney. Best regards, Bates Wells & Braithwaite

Was this review helpful?

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Verified review

Matter Type:

Wills

Anonymous

June 13, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Efficient and approachable

Prompt and clear responses, useful advice, friendly and approachable.

Lawyer named in this review:
Rhian Snell

Rhian Snell

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 16 June, 2025:

Thank you for your kind words! We're glad to hear you found the responses prompt and clear, and the advice helpful. Your positive feedback about our friendly and approachable service means a lot!

Was this review helpful?

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Verified review

Matter Type:

Wills

Jessica Quinn

June 10, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Brilliant service

Rhian was brilliant, very efficient, friendly and approachable. Can't thank her enough for all her help and speedy service. She explained everything so thoroughly, really appreciate all her help. Would definitely recommend her.

Lawyer named in this review:
Rhian Snell

Rhian Snell

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 12 June, 2025:

Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful feedback, Jessica. We’re so pleased to hear that you had such a positive experience with Rhian. Her friendly, efficient, and thorough approach is exactly what we aim to deliver, and it’s wonderful to know she made the process clear and stress-free for you. We’ll be sure to pass on your thanks to her—she’ll be delighted to know her support made a difference. Your recommendation means a great deal to us.

Was this review helpful?

Verified review

Ian last

June 03, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Wills

Excellent service very happy 😊 helpful and very quick

Lawyer named in this review:
Rhian Snell

Rhian Snell

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 05 June, 2025:

Thank you for your lovely feedback, Ian! We're delighted to hear that you were happy with the service and found our team helpful and efficient. It’s always a pleasure to support our clients, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Was this review helpful?

Reviews collected from

Housing & Property

Matter Type:

Residential Conveyancing

Fiona

October 23, 2024

Report to admin

Collected on:

Fiona

Slow response to emails and phone calls, misplaced documents and over all poor and unprofessional service. Having used Bates, Wells and Braithwait previously I was disappointed with the conveyancing service provided on this occasion. I will not be using BWB in future.

Lawyer named in this review:
Karen Healy

Karen Healy

Was this review helpful?

Housing & Property

Matter Type:

Residential Conveyancing

TCR

October 22, 2024

Report to admin

Collected on:

TCR

After an awful experience with Tomasz burchan, almost cost us losing the property. Karen took over and was amazing throughout! Would highly recommend Karen

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 25 October, 2024:

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're so glad to hear that Karen was able to turn things around for you after your initial challenges. Her dedication and support make a significant difference, and we're proud to have her on our conveyancing team. We truly appreciate your recommendation and wish you all the best in your new property!

Was this review helpful?

Greg

October 09, 2024

Report to admin

Collected on:

Greg

Karen is amazing, the only person I trust for property's

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 14 October, 2024:

Thank you for your kind words, Greg. We're delighted to hear you trust Karen with your property matters.

Was this review helpful?

Family Law

Matter Type:

Child Custody

Andy

August 09, 2024

Report to admin

Collected on:

Andy

Excellent service throughout.
Scott helped me with a significantly important case in Family Court regarding Child Arrangements, this was covered with the utmost humility and in a highly professional manner. The outcome was extremely positive for my Son & I.
Therefore I can't thank them enough for their kind assistance and making sure they left no stone unturned to ensure that Justice prevailed in my case.
Thoroughly recommend this firm.

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 12 August, 2024:

Thank you for your review, Andy. We’re thrilled to hear that Scott handled your Family Court case with professionalism and dedication, achieving a positive outcome for you and your son. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated.

Was this review helpful?

Nigel

February 17, 2024

Report to admin

Collected on:

Nigel

Good friendly service.

A representative from Bates Wells & Braithwaite responded to this review on 20 February, 2024:

Dear Nigel, Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased to hear you experienced good and friendly service. Your satisfaction is important to us.

Was this review helpful?

Request a callback Send an email Visit website