Public & Regulatory

A team of genuine subject experts – dedicated exclusively to public & regulatory law.

Members of our team have worked previously in government departments, in-house for commercial organisations, and in the non-profit sector. We act for individuals, charities, campaign groups, companies, regulators and public bodies; we are as experienced in bringing claims as we are in advising organisations on how to avoid – or defend - them.

This breadth and depth of experience means we are able to advise on public law, policy and regulatory issues in the round. We keep sight of the bigger picture and your unique objectives.

Whether you are seeking advice on your internal processes and policies, facing a judicial review challenge, appearing before a public inquiry or inquest, or considering bringing a challenge, our team can help.


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

Bates Wells clients file judicial review challenge to Public Order Act regulations

Bates Wells clients Lawyers for Animals and Sole Iriart (a campaigner with Camp Beagle) have filed judicial review proceedings challenging the Home Secretary’s use of a “Henry VIII power” to designate the life science sector – including animal testing facilities – as “key national infrastructure” under the Public Order Act 2023. The designation means that …
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Proscribing Palestine Action a ‘terrorist group’ was unlawful, High Court rules in judicial review challenge

A trio of judges in the High Court, including the President of the King’s Bench Division, have ruled that the ‘ban’ on Palestine Action by the Government in June last year under the Terrorism Act 2000 was disproportionate and unlawful.  The judgment was critical of the group, and ruled that “Palestine Action encourages its members…to …
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Online Safety Act update – Ofcom calls for evidence on content harmful to children

Under the Online Safety Act (the “OSA”), Ofcom must produce a report on content that is harmful to children at least every three years. Ofcom has published a call for evidence to support its first report. Background – duties towards children under the OSA The strongest protections in the OSA have been designed for children. …
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Case update: Sex Matters v City of London Corporation

The High Court has refused permission to a judicial review challenge brought by the charity Sex Matters to the trans-inclusive policies operated by the City of London Corporation (the “Corporation”) at the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond and the Highgate Men’s Pond.[1] As a permission decision, it is persuasive rather than binding precedent, but provides some valuable …
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EHRC announces regulatory action in respect of policies which allow access to single sex spaces and services based on gender self identification

On 27 August 2025, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”) announced that it has completed its review of evidence obtained from the Government’s 2024 call for input on organisations’ approaches to single sex spaces and services, and that it will be taking regulatory action where organisations’ policies on this issue misrepresent equality law. Specifically, …
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“Bates Well’s team operates at an exceptionally high standard. They provide objective, precise and strategic advice with meticulous attention to detail, handling sensitive matters with discretion.”

Administrative and Public Law, Chambers 2026

“Bates Wells communicates more effectively, prepares me as a client more efficiently and is extremely thorough and knowledgeable.”

Administrative and Public Law, Chambers 2026

“The public law team are engaged, proactive and insightful at every level. They have the experience and expertise to cut through complexity and the depth to come at the case from every angle.”

Administrative and Public Law, Chambers 2026

“A hugely talented team with a vast array of experience. They regularly deal with top public law work.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2026

“The team offer great expertise, experience, and provide a very high-quality professional service.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025

“It is clear that the team have a veritable wealth of knowledge and experience in the public inquiry sector. The speed of communication is impressive and their friendly and approachable nature puts clients at ease.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025

“We like their expertise in this area of the law very much; and we would add that we like the way that they go “above and beyond” in understanding very specific legal concerns, and our slightly quirky modus operandi.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025

“Informed, professional, practical, ethical and supportive.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025

“There is a depth of expertise and pragmatism when acting to secure clients’ interests and core values.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025
Meet our team