Allison E
Housing & Property
Brilliant Service
Cannot recommend Freya enough, she is the best !! tracked her down from her previous company. Would not use anyone else for buying and selling property.
Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Housing & Property
|
367 Total Company Reviews
Housing & Property
|
367 Total Company Reviews
29 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AQ
Accepting new clients
29 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AQ
Regulated by:
The Solicitors Regulation Authority
Regulator ID: 464759
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Bates Wells & Braithwaite Review Scores & Client Satisfaction Overview
Excellent
Value for
Money
Money
Value for money
13%
above national average
About this score
This rating is based on verified client feedback and compares how this firm’s value for money is perceived against the national average. In legal services, value for money is not about being the cheapest option, but about whether clients feel the service, expertise, and outcome justified the cost. This comparison helps place client experiences in context when choosing a law firm.
Success
Rate
Rate
Satisfied with outcome
15%
above national average
About this score
This rating is based on client feedback and compares how satisfied people were with the result of their legal matter against the national average for similar legal services. While every case is different and outcomes can depend on the law, the facts, and decisions made by courts or tribunals, this comparison is designed to be like for like.
When a firm has a large number of reviews, individual case differences tend to balance out over time. This makes the national average a useful benchmark for understanding how often clients feel the result achieved was fair and appropriate for their situation. Even small differences from the average can therefore reflect a meaningful difference in the overall standard of legal service provided.
Would
Recommend
Recommend
Would recommend to friends and family
16%
above national average
About this score
This score shows how likely clients are to recommend this law firm to friends or family, based on verified reviews and compared with the national average. In legal matters, recommendations are usually based on trust, clarity of advice, and how supported clients felt throughout their case. This comparison helps show how consistently a firm meets those expectations.
Communication
4.8/5
Initial Impressions
4.9/5
Approachability
4.9/5
Documentation Accuracy
4.8/5
Legal Knowledge
4.9/5
Value for money
4.8/5
Accreditations
Bates Wells & Braithwaite are accredited by
Description
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.
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 / locally.
Bates Wells & Braithwaite Review Scores & Client Satisfaction Overview
Excellent
Value for
Money
Money
Value for money
14%
above national average
About this score
This rating is based on verified client feedback and compares how this firm’s value for money is perceived against the national average. In legal services, value for money is not about being the cheapest option, but about whether clients feel the service, expertise, and outcome justified the cost. This comparison helps place client experiences in context when choosing a law firm.
14% above
national average
Success
Rate
Rate
Satisfied with outcome
16%
above national average
About this score
This rating is based on client feedback and compares how satisfied people were with the result of their legal matter against the national average for similar legal services. While every case is different and outcomes can depend on the law, the facts, and decisions made by courts or tribunals, this comparison is designed to be like for like.
When a firm has a large number of reviews, individual case differences tend to balance out over time. This makes the national average a useful benchmark for understanding how often clients feel the result achieved was fair and appropriate for their situation. Even small differences from the average can therefore reflect a meaningful difference in the overall standard of legal service provided.
16% above
national average
Would
Recommend
Recommend
Would recommend to friends and family
17%
above national average
About this score
This score shows how likely clients are to recommend this law firm to friends or family, based on verified reviews and compared with the national average. In legal matters, recommendations are usually based on trust, clarity of advice, and how supported clients felt throughout their case. This comparison helps show how consistently a firm meets those expectations.
17% above
national average
Communication
4.9/5
Initial Impressions
4.9/5
Approachability
4.9/5
Documentation Accuracy
4.9/5
Legal Knowledge
4.9/5
Value for money
4.9/5
Accreditations
Bates Wells & Braithwaite are accredited by
Description
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.
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 / locally.
Personal Injury
1 / 4
Wills, Trusts & Probate
1 / 7
Housing & Property
2 / 6
Family Law
1 / 9
Commercial Property
1 / 3
Dispute Resolution
1 / 2
Clinical Negligence
1 / 3
Employment
1 / 3
Company & Commercial
1 / 3
Money & Tax
1 / 5
Notary
1 / 1
Charities
1 / 2
Child Law
2 / 3
Consumer
1 / 4
Domestic Violence Law
1 / 1
Inheritance Law
2 / 2
Injunctions Law
1 / 2
Regulations
1 / 3
Local
1 / 6
Personal Injury
36 / 2,604
Wills, Trusts & Probate
212 / 3,731
Housing & Property
493 / 4,702
Family Law
304 / 4,157
Commercial Property
397 / 3,596
Dispute Resolution
223 / 1,786
Clinical Negligence
133 / 1,224
Employment
398 / 3,559
Company & Commercial
324 / 4,077
Money & Tax
205 / 1,918
Notary
100 / 854
Charities
90 / 756
Child Law
284 / 1,640
Consumer
227 / 4,330
Domestic Violence Law
190 / 895
Inheritance Law
195 / 681
Injunctions Law
177 / 925
Regulations
153 / 2,350
National
372 / 11,155
Meet the team of Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Team members
No Solicitors / Paralegals / Legal experts found with that name.
Denise Head
Partner
5.0
|
16 Reviews
Jane Brooker
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
11 Reviews
Zoe Chittock
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
1 Reviews
Rebecca Minns
Private Client Executive
5.0
|
2 Reviews
Nicky Coates
Consultant solicitor
0.0
|
0 Reviews
Karen Healy
Senior Conveyancer
5.0
|
10 Reviews
Adam Muldoon
Licensed Conveyancer
0.0
|
0 Reviews
Christopher Mason
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
10 Reviews
Rhian Snell
Legal Assistant
5.0
|
79 Reviews
Scott Emsden
Partner
5.0
|
16 Reviews
Hannah Mitchell
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
88 Reviews
Meet the team of Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Team members
No Solicitors / Paralegals / Legal experts found with that name.
Hannah Mitchell
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
88 Reviews
Rhian Snell
Legal Assistant
5.0
|
79 Reviews
Denise Head
Partner
5.0
|
16 Reviews
Scott Emsden
Partner
5.0
|
16 Reviews
Jane Brooker
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
11 Reviews
Karen Healy
Senior Conveyancer
5.0
|
10 Reviews
Christopher Mason
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
10 Reviews
Rebecca Minns
Private Client Executive
5.0
|
2 Reviews
Zoe Chittock
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
1 Reviews
Nicky Coates
Consultant solicitor
0.0
|
0 Reviews
Adam Muldoon
Licensed Conveyancer
0.0
|
0 Reviews
Contact & Locations - Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Opening hours
| Monday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Saturday | (Closed) |
| Sunday | (Closed) |
29 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AQ
Reviews
4.8
/5
73 Reviews
Filter your results
Star rating
Review Source
Rating
Review Source
Clients say
What clients say about Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Client reviews praise the firm’s expertise in personal injury and workplace accident claims, conveyancing for home purchases and sales, wills and private client matters, notary services, and practical advice on neighbour disputes. Clients consistently value the team’s clear communication, prompt responses, professionalism, kindness, patience and calm reassurance. They are described as knowledgeable, efficient, trustworthy and empathetic, with a strong focus on keeping clients informed and making complex legal processes feel straightforward and manageable.
Quick responses
Very helpful
Professional service
Clear communication
Knowledgeable advice
Friendly manner
Efficient handling
Compassionate support
Calm reassurance
Prompt updates
ReviewSolicitors Review List
Mr G Gallant
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Housing & Property
Amazing
The only person I would ever use to manage my property portfolio. Very professional. Very patient. And goes the extra mile for you. Thank you very much for all your help. Would always recommend.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Thank you for your amazing review, Mr. Gallant! We're thrilled to hear that you’ve had such a positive experience with Karen and the team, and that our service met your expectations. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to assist with your property portfolio!
Jono E
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Housing & Property
xceptional Support and Expertise for First-Time Buyers
Karen was an incredible support throughout our home-buying journey. As first-time buyers, we had many questions, and she was always generous with her time, explaining everything clearly and patiently. Karen was also understanding and flexible when circumstances changed, which we truly appreciated. We could exchange and complete in under three months thanks to her professionalism and efficiency. We defo couldn’t have done this without her. Highly recommend Karen for her dedication and expertise.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Jono. We're delighted Karen provided such dedicated support and guidance throughout your home-buying journey. Congratulations on your new home!
Anonymous
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Housing & Property
Sale of property
I have recently (summer 2024) used Ms Karen Healy, at Bates Wells & Braithwaite Solicitors, as the conveyancer to deal with the probate sale of my late mother’s property in Ipswich. The fees were clearly set out in writing at the start of the process and were very reasonable. My email enquiries/instructions were acted on promptly. The sale was completed very efficiently and there were no “hidden” costs incurred. The net sale proceeds were paid into my bank account on the same day that the sale was completed. I am very happy with the service provided by Ms Healy.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re so pleased to hear that Karen provided clear, efficient, and transparent service throughout the probate sale. Your satisfaction with the prompt responses and seamless completion means a lot to us!
Mark W
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Housing & Property
House purchase.
volved a deed of variation, which required the expertise of an experienced conveyancer. I couldn’t have chosen anyone better than Karen Healy. Without her guidance and support, I wouldn’t be in my new home today. Absolutely amazing!
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Mark. We're thrilled to hear Karen's expertise and support made such a difference in your journey to your new home.
Other Reviews
toni newman
Housing & Property
toni
Had a very professional experience with Scott from Bates Wells and Braithwaite. Scott was very personable and gave me some good advice which solved my neighbour problem. I would definitely use this company again.
Solicitors tagged in
this review
Fiona Hanlon
Housing & Property
Fiona
I was very dissatisfied with the service I received from Bates, Wells and Braithwaite for conveyancing on the sale of my mother's flat in 2024. I posted the following review and I am now reposting as the review had been removed from BWB listing and attached to a random location. Review Oct 2024 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.
Ruth Wailes
Housing & Property
Ruth
We recently sold our home of almost 30 years and Freya Smith handled the conveyancing. We were absolutely delighted with the service she provided. She talked us through the process and paperwork with great clarity and calmness, listened carefully to our worries and concerns, and patiently answered all our questions. Friends and family who had recently sold properties warned us to expect the legal process to take several months, so we were amazed and delighted when Freya got us from initial offer to exchange of contracts in under five weeks. We cannot recommend Freya highly enough.
Jill Webb
Housing & Property
Jill
I used Bates Wells and Braithwaite for conveyancing a property. We experienced a time delay with the process which was no fault of Bates Wells and Braithwaite but I was kept informed by email. My only suggestion would be a little more human contact ie phone calls to help de-stress what can be a very trying time. Overall a good job well done.
Heather Annis
Housing & Property
Heather
We recently used Bates Wells and Braithwaite Solicitors for the purchase of our first home, after they were highly recommended to us by a friend, and we are so pleased that we chose them. Freya Smith was always friendly, professional, and happy to help with any questions we had along the way. She kept us updated throughout the process and replied to our emails very quickly. Nothing ever felt like too much trouble, and we really appreciated her patience, efficiency, and clear communication. We would not hesitate to recommend Bates Wells and Braithwaite Solicitors to friends and family in the future.
Reviews
4.9
/5
367 Reviews
Filter your results
Star rating
Review Source
Rating
Review Source
Clients say
What clients say about Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Client reviews praise the firm’s expertise in personal injury and workplace accident claims, conveyancing for home purchases and sales, wills and private client matters, notary services, and practical advice on neighbour disputes. Clients consistently value the team’s clear communication, prompt responses, professionalism, kindness, patience and calm reassurance. They are described as knowledgeable, efficient, trustworthy and empathetic, with a strong focus on keeping clients informed and making complex legal processes feel straightforward and manageable.
Quick responses
Very helpful
Professional service
Clear communication
Knowledgeable advice
Friendly manner
Efficient handling
Compassionate support
Calm reassurance
Prompt updates
ReviewSolicitors Review List
anonymous
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Wills, Trusts & Probate
Wills
Thank you Rhian, you made the process understandable and stress free for me.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Anonymous
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Personal Injury
Personal accident claim
Hannah was amazing at supporting me with my personal accident claim, quick responses and she has been nothing but helpful since I turned 18 in June and helping me get my compensation from an accident in 2017. I would highly recommend Hannah.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
PP
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Personal Injury
Great and efficient service
Hannah took my case on quite early, she was always communicating with us throughout the whole process, giving her best advice. She was professional, calm and knowledgeable which every client needs
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Sally
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Personal Injury
Helpful , accessible legal advice
BW&B, in particular my solicitor with conduct Hannah, were extremely helpful and knowledgeable in assisting me with my workplace injury claim. Hannah communicated with me effectively and ensured I understood proceedings at all times, whilst offering her advice on my particular circumstances. I would recommend their services to anyone in a similar position.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
anonymous
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Private Client Department
Really good, Rhian was so helpful, efficient and friendly 10/10. Would use again.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Other Reviews
Christine McNeilage
Personal Injury
Christine
Ms. Mitchell explained everything clearly to me at the beginning of this process and was careful to check that I could deal with the stress of proceedings. She took the trouble to telephone me on one occasion to clarify an issue which I had misunderstood, which I really appreciated. I am extremely happy with how she dealt with my case.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Nigel Ianson
Personal Injury
Nigel
Well, all I can say is thank you Hannah for a job well done. I really appreciate the professional way you have handled my personal injury case over what has been quite some time and eventually achieved such a satisfactory outcome. Your contact and support over this time has meant a lot to me.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
toni newman
Housing & Property
toni
Had a very professional experience with Scott from Bates Wells and Braithwaite. Scott was very personable and gave me some good advice which solved my neighbour problem. I would definitely use this company again.
Solicitors tagged in
this review
Tabish Mehmood
Notary
Tabish
The notory process was smooth 😊 and quick.. highly recommended
Fiona Hanlon
Housing & Property
Fiona
I was very dissatisfied with the service I received from Bates, Wells and Braithwaite for conveyancing on the sale of my mother's flat in 2024. I posted the following review and I am now reposting as the review had been removed from BWB listing and attached to a random location. Review Oct 2024 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.
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