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
Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
|
376 Total Company Reviews
Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
|
376 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
Value for money: 95%+
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.
13% above
national average
Success
Rate
Satisfied with outcome: 95%+
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
Would recommend to friends and family: 95%+
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
4.8/5
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
Value for money: 95%+
Money
Value for money
15%
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.
15% above
national average
Success
Rate
Satisfied with outcome: 95%+
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
Would recommend to friends and family: 95%+
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 / 4
Commercial Property
1 / 3
Dispute Resolution
1 / 2
Clinical Negligence
1 / 3
Employment
1 / 3
Child Law
2 / 3
Company & Commercial
1 / 3
Money & Tax
1 / 3
Notary
1 / 1
Charities
1 / 2
Consumer
1 / 4
Domestic Violence Law
1 / 1
Inheritance Law
2 / 2
Injunctions Law
1 / 2
Regulations
1 / 3
Local
1 / 6
Personal Injury
35 / 2,597
Wills, Trusts & Probate
214 / 3,713
Housing & Property
490 / 4,693
Family Law
340 / 4,157
Commercial Property
422 / 3,582
Dispute Resolution
251 / 1,793
Clinical Negligence
147 / 1,221
Employment
426 / 3,550
Child Law
302 / 1,643
Company & Commercial
339 / 4,053
Money & Tax
232 / 1,908
Notary
108 / 859
Charities
97 / 756
Consumer
243 / 4,309
Domestic Violence Law
197 / 896
Inheritance Law
212 / 695
Injunctions Law
184 / 921
Regulations
161 / 2,338
National
404 / 11,165
Meet the team of Bates Wells & Braithwaite
Team members
No Solicitors / Paralegals / Legal experts found with that name.
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
Ms Rahaf Akram Sabha Alghalyoun
Solicitor
4.9
|
24 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
|
91 Reviews
Rhian Snell
Legal Assistant
5.0
|
82 Reviews
Ms Rahaf Akram Sabha Alghalyoun
Solicitor
4.9
|
24 Reviews
Denise Head
Partner
5.0
|
16 Reviews
Scott Emsden
Partner
5.0
|
16 Reviews
Jane Brooker
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
11 Reviews
Christopher Mason
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
10 Reviews
Karen Healy
Senior Conveyancer
5.0
|
10 Reviews
Rebecca Minns
Private Client Executive
5.0
|
2 Reviews
Zoe Chittock
Chartered Legal Executive
5.0
|
1 Reviews
Adam Muldoon
Licensed Conveyancer
0.0
|
0 Reviews
Nicky Coates
Consultant solicitor
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
4.9
/5
85 Reviews
Filter your results
Star rating
Review Source
Rating
Review Source
Clients say
What clients say about Bates Wells & Braithwaite
The firm is praised for expertise in personal injury claims, conveyancing, wills and powers of attorney, notarisation, workplace injuries, neighbour disputes and wider private client work. Clients value its clear, practical advice, strong legal knowledge and efficient handling of matters, often achieving swift and positive outcomes. Soft skills frequently highlighted include kindness, patience, empathy, professionalism, calm reassurance and excellent communication. Staff are described as responsive, approachable and thorough, keeping clients well informed and making stressful legal processes feel straightforward and manageable.
Very professional
Clear communication
Prompt responses
Highly efficient
Kind and caring
Knowledgeable advice
Patient support
Stress free
Easy to understand
Excellent service
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
Victoria Purnell
Housing & Property
Victoria
I had a brilliant experience working closely with Freya on the sale of my property, she was efficient in answering any of my queries and supporting with progressing this on in a timely manner. From start to finish, working with Freya has been smooth and an easy process which is exactly what you need during a time that can be quite stressful. Thank you for all your help and hope to be back with Bates Wells and Braithwaite when we continue the next phase of our moving journey!
Thank you for your feedback we aim to make the process of buying or selling a home as easy as possible and I’m glad to hear you had that experience with Freya
Dave Langdon
Housing & Property
Dave
You usually hear of horror stories re moving house and conveyancing, but I can’t stress enough, the only person who held up this house purchase was me not being able to keep up with Freya. She was absolutely brilliant, always there to help whenever required and sorted all proceedings without any bother. The best conveyancing experience ever. 100% recommend if you’re moving house in Suffolk
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.
Reviews
4.9
/5
376 Reviews
Filter your results
Star rating
Review Source
Rating
Review Source
Clients say
What clients say about Bates Wells & Braithwaite
The firm is praised for expertise in personal injury claims, conveyancing, wills and powers of attorney, notarisation, workplace injuries, neighbour disputes and wider private client work. Clients value its clear, practical advice, strong legal knowledge and efficient handling of matters, often achieving swift and positive outcomes. Soft skills frequently highlighted include kindness, patience, empathy, professionalism, calm reassurance and excellent communication. Staff are described as responsive, approachable and thorough, keeping clients well informed and making stressful legal processes feel straightforward and manageable.
Very professional
Clear communication
Prompt responses
Highly efficient
Kind and caring
Knowledgeable advice
Patient support
Stress free
Easy to understand
Excellent service
ReviewSolicitors Review List
Anonymous
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Wills, Trusts & Probate
Will
Very good ,and precise likes to make sure everything is correct
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Mrs Vaja
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Wills, Trusts & Probate
Wills
I've had a great service from you. No words for the service i got i am so grateful to you guys. Everything i asked for i got my answers and more. I liked the way it was handled and will come back again and will recommend. Thank you so much.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Deborah Anderson
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Compensation for injury claim
Hannah was professional throughout. It was a pleasure dealing with her.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Gwyneth Cullen
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Wills, Trusts & Probate
Wills
I know this is your everyday profession but to us it’s a stressful personal experience. Miss Snell has been so patient giving advice in clear language and not making me feel, dare I say silly.The paperwork was straightforward and not overwhelming. Conversation and availability was excellent if I phoned a return call was within the hour and so refreshing to speak to a person rather than machine. Thank you for your time patience and service offered.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
S Clark
Verified
This review was submitted by a verified client of Bates Wells & Braithwaite.
Highly Recommended
I cannot recommend Hannah Mitchell at Bates Wells & Braithwaite highly enough. From our very first interaction, Hannah acted on my behalf with complete professionalism, efficiency, and fantastic communication every step of the way. The process initially felt quite daunting, but what truly set Hannah apart was her warm, personable approach. She took the time to explain complex details clearly, answered every query promptly, and kept me fully informed and at ease throughout. I always felt like a priority rather than just another case file.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Other Reviews
Benjamin Apperley
Benjamin
I cannot thank Rebecca Bell at Bates Wells & Braithwaite enough for everything she has done for me. When I was dealing with a deeply difficult legal matter regarding trying to contact my children, she was the only person willing to step up and help me. Rebecca showed me immense kindness and genuine care during a time when I needed it most. It was clear that she was helping me out of the true kindness of her heart. I am incredibly grateful for her support, compassion, and willingness to stand by me. If you need a legal professional who genuinely cares about their clients, I highly recommend Rebecca
Thank you for your recommendation. We have a great team of lawyers and we will make sure Rebecca hears of your review. ☺️
Victoria Purnell
Housing & Property
Victoria
I had a brilliant experience working closely with Freya on the sale of my property, she was efficient in answering any of my queries and supporting with progressing this on in a timely manner. From start to finish, working with Freya has been smooth and an easy process which is exactly what you need during a time that can be quite stressful. Thank you for all your help and hope to be back with Bates Wells and Braithwaite when we continue the next phase of our moving journey!
Thank you for your feedback we aim to make the process of buying or selling a home as easy as possible and I’m glad to hear you had that experience with Freya
Dave Langdon
Housing & Property
Dave
You usually hear of horror stories re moving house and conveyancing, but I can’t stress enough, the only person who held up this house purchase was me not being able to keep up with Freya. She was absolutely brilliant, always there to help whenever required and sorted all proceedings without any bother. The best conveyancing experience ever. 100% recommend if you’re moving house in Suffolk
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
Denise Head
Thank you for your kind review and feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us.
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
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