Partner & Head of Dispute Resolution
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.
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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

A Will can be perfectly drafted on paper but fail in practice if key details are overlooked. From funeral wishes to choosing the right executors, practical planning makes a huge difference to how smoothly your estate is administered.

Arron is a Corporate Finance Associate based in our Leicester office, working closely with clients and colleagues across our wider office network. In our latest People Focus article, we explore why Arron chose a career in Corporate Law and what inspires his love of travel.

Our Corporate team has advised Ditsch bakery on the acquisition of the business and assets of Worldbake Limited, a long‑standing UK distributor of Ditsch products and the creation of Ditsch UK in July 2025.

This weekend, we were incredibly proud to see our Serious Injury Partner, Greg Almond, cross the finish line of the 2026 London Marathon, all in support of Headway Nottingham, a charity that has made a real difference to our clients.