• Business Disputes
  • Civil and Personal Dispute Resolution
  • Debt Recovery

Richard Bates

Partner & Head of Dispute Resolution
Richard Bates

Richard Bates leads the Dispute Resolution team at Rothera Bray. Richard is a litigation specialist and can provide a wide range of services to both commercial and private clients.

Richard operates from our Lace Market office and his particular specialisms include wills and trusts disputes, property litigation, landlord and tenant matters (both commercial and residential) and advising in matters involving commercial agents.

In the area of contentious wills and trusts, Richard acts for executors and trustees, advising on challenges to wills and trust disputes of all types. He also advises the beneficiaries of estates and trusts, including claims against the validity of wills and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Richard is a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).

In landlord and tenant matters, Richard particularly advises landlords with regard to residential lettings and deals regularly with all aspects of these matters including possession claims and advising in claims by tenants.

In commercial property and property litigation matters, Richard assists freeholders,  landlords and tenants with issues such as lease renewals, dilapidations, breach of lease claims and forfeiture. Richard also advises management companies and leaseholders in leasehold disputes.

Richard has considerable experience in the field of commercial agency advice, and advises both agents and principles with regard to the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.

In other areas, Richard regularly advises in contract and commercial disputes and in disputes involving companies and partnerships.

Experience

Positions held

  • Director of RD Bates Ltd
  • Partner at Rothera Bray
  • Head of Litigation

Memberships and accreditations

  • The Law Society
  • Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).
Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists

Richard Bates Reviews

November 24, 2025
Our sincere thanks to both Richard Bates and James Gray for helping us navigate through this daunting period. Your support has been invaluable.
- Raja Family
November 17, 2025
We have recently used Richard, Rebecca and Ed to deal with the will and trust left by my later father in law. It was complicated and lengthy but the service they provided was excellent. Without their help and advice, we would have given up. So glad it's all over now and we are so grateful for all the effort and hard work they have put in to get it all sorted. Thanks Richard, Rebecca and Ed.
- L O'Neill
October 23, 2023
We would like to express our sincere thanks for all the help and advice you have given us. We can’t thank you enough for what you have done for us. The situation was very stressful and emotional for us but you always supported us and explained what would be happening each step of the way. You always got back to us if we left a message as soon as you were free. You have always been extremely professional, very knowledgeable and always able to put our minds at rest that you would do whatever you could to help us. You have always gone that extra mile. Once again, we cannot thank you enough. We will definitely use Rothera Bray in the future and would have no hesitation in recommending both you and Rothera Bray.
- Stephen and Michelle Hope
January 27, 2020
Rothera Sharp Solicitors is recommended for dispute resolution in the transport and haulage sector. It also handles a range of commercial disputes, including contractual breaches, misrepresentation and Sale of Goods Act claims. Property litigation is another area of activity. Richard Hammond and Richard Bates are ‘intelligent solicitors, who have a good eye for detail and fight hard for their clients’.
- Legal 500, 2017
January 27, 2020
Richard Bates has been dealing with a case for me, and due to his excellent care, I felt Rothera Sharp would be equally as good in dealing with any legal matters I may have.
- Madeline Shaw
January 27, 2020
Thank you for everything in regards to my case. The service provided was excellent, Ms Copley and Mr Bates were truly exceptional and supported me through a difficult period. Their advice and guidance was wonderful and I am very grateful for all the assistance provided.
- Helen Turpin