Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Ipswich
Bates Wells & Braithwaite has been a cornerstone of legal excellence in Ipswich for over sixty years, dedicated to providing tailored legal solutions for individuals and businesses. Our practice focuses on family law, conveyancing, dispute resolution, and private client services, ensuring clients receive expert guidance through life's most challenging moments. With a team of seasoned solicitors, we combine deep local knowledge with national recognition, as evidenced by our inclusion in Legal 500 and Chambers UK. Our commitment to client care is reflected in our responsive communication, transparent fee structures, and a track record of successful case outcomes. We prioritise understanding each client's unique circumstances, whether navigating family disputes, property transactions, or business legalities.Our long-standing relationships with clients across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and beyond underscore our reputation for reliability and professionalism. We actively support vulnerable clients, including women experiencing domestic abuse, through dedicated legal advocacy. By maintaining a balance between traditional values and modern legal practices, we ensure our services remain accessible and effective. Our team's expertise spans complex litigation, property development, and commercial transactions, supported by specialist accreditations. This comprehensive approach has earned us consistent client testimonials praising our efficiency, empathy, and exceptional service delivery.
Services
Family Law
Conveyancing
Dispute Resolution
Wills & Probate
Personal Injury Claims
Commercial Property
Court of Protection
Employment Law
Clinical Negligence
Mediation Services
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience serving Ipswich and surrounding regions.
- Our specialists focus on individual client needs in family, property, and dispute law.
- We provide responsive communication with no frustrating delays.
- Recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers UK for excellence in family law.
- We actively support vulnerable clients through domestic abuse legal advocacy.
Associations and certifications
- Legal 500
- Chambers UK
What people say
Excellent conveyancing service
Fantastic firm
Efficient service
Outstanding professionals
Reassuring friendly voice
Services
Family Law
Our family law specialists handle divorce, child custody, and social care cases with sensitivity and legal precision. Clients benefit from our nationally recognised expertise, as highlighted in Legal 500 and Chambers UK. We provide clear guidance through emotionally challenging situations while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Conveyancing
We streamline property transactions with proactive case management, ensuring timely completions. Our conveyancing team consistently receives client praise for transparent communication and resolving complex title issues. Services cover residential and commercial property transactions across East Anglia.
Dispute Resolution
Our dispute resolution team handles debt recovery, contract disputes, and neighbour conflicts without unnecessary litigation. With expertise in injunctions and commercial disputes, we prioritise practical solutions that protect client interests while minimising legal costs.
Wills & Probate
We provide comprehensive wills, probate, and lasting power of attorney services to protect family assets. Our approach combines legal expertise with compassionate advice, ensuring clients' wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable.
Personal Injury Claims
Our personal injury specialists secure compensation for clients injured through accidents or medical negligence. We handle complex claims with thorough evidence gathering, working on a no-win-no-fee basis to ensure accessible justice for all clients.
People
Denise Head
Partner
Specialist family law solicitor with extensive experience in complex divorce cases and child custody matters. Recognised for compassionate client support and legal expertise in Suffolk's family courts.
Scott Emsden
Partner
Experienced commercial property lawyer advising businesses on acquisitions, leases, and development projects. Provides strategic legal solutions for property transactions across East Anglia.
Christopher Mason
Senior Associate
Leading disputes resolution specialist handling personal injury claims, contract disputes, and commercial litigation. Known for achieving favourable settlements while minimising court involvement.
Jane Brooker
Solicitor
Conveyancing expert managing residential property transactions with a focus on timely completions and clear communication. Praised for exceptional client service in recent property sales.
Francesca Capon
Solicitor
Private client specialist advising on wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. Combines technical expertise with empathetic guidance for estate planning matters.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in family law, conveyancing, dispute resolution, wills & probate, personal injury claims, and commercial property matters.
Do you serve clients outside Ipswich?
Yes, we serve clients across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, and London with both in-person and virtual consultations.
How quickly can I get legal advice?
We prioritise urgent cases and typically offer same-day consultations for family law matters and property transactions.
Are your legal fees transparent?
Yes, we provide clear cost breakdowns upfront with regular financial updates during your case.
Can I get home visits for legal matters?
Yes, we offer home visits and video conferencing for clients unable to visit our offices.
How are you supporting domestic abuse victims?
We provide specialist legal support during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and throughout the year for affected women in Ipswich.
Reviews (7)
Jamie Breckenridge
Jul 21, 2021
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Quite possibly the best solicitors I have dealt with. The advice I have received from both Denise Head and Andy Tawell, has been experienced, impartial, knowledgeable and highly professional. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them, eager to help and advise where they could. I honestly can not thank the team enough for what they have done. Truly outstanding professionals.
Tony Canning
Jul 05, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Absolutely great service from Benn Hagger and his team always there when needed very professional and everything done before stamp duty deadline which was tight.
Absolutely great service from Benn Hagger and his team always there when needed very professional and everything done before stamp duty deadline which was tight.
Tom Jackson
Jan 28, 2021
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Positive:Quality
Fantastic conveyancing service at a very affordable rate. We were especially pleased with the prompt excellent service from Bridgette at what must have been a difficult time during the pandemic.
Fantastic conveyancing service at a very affordable rate. We were especially pleased with the prompt excellent service from Bridgette at what must have been a difficult time during the pandemic.
David Carley
Sep 03, 2020
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Bates Wells & Braithwaite Solicitor's are very professional, friendly and helpful. They are happy to answer any questions you may have and always point you in the right direction. Highly recommendable!!
Sianleanne Padmore
Jun 23, 2020
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Helped me twice through family court would highly recommend Scot Emsden very professional and reliable and fights for you
Vladi Vladimir
May 21, 2020
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Excellent service!! Definitely im their customer forever.
Simply, quick, exceptionally friendly. Amazing service. Thank You ,Robert!
Simply, quick, exceptionally friendly. Amazing service. Thank You ,Robert!
Ian Coates
May 17, 2020
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I was recommended to go to these solicitors and I don't regret it... good advice, friendly service and prompt follow up.
