Nick Bates 

About My Role

I am the National Head of Commercial Litigation, based out of the Leeds and Sheffield offices, covering the 7 partner 25 fee earner teams based across the country.

As a commercial litigator I have to have the ability to advise clearly and bravely on complex areas of law; help clients manage and avoid risk by providing innovative commercial options; and also be able to fight tenaciously for my clients' rights including through the Courts and at arbitrations and adjudications.  Unlike many litigators, I have extensive trial experience including at the Court of Appeal and House of Lords.

My areas of expertise include all aspects of contractual disputes, breach of warranty claims, partnership and shareholder disputes, construction, IP, breach of confidentiality claims and competition law. 

The team "continues to offer service of the highest quality and integrity and speed".
Legal 500 Directory

Clients are continually impressed by this "calm, confident and well organised team".

"The lawyers give excellent and timely advice and implement their legal strategies with care and empathy".

"Much of the team success in past months can be attributed to head of department Nick Bates".
Chambers and Partners Directory

Memberships

Sits on the Steering Group for the Centre of Diversity in the Professions.

Please click below to download my vCards.

 Leeds

More About Me

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

I became a lawyer because my friends at university told me to.  They said they were fed up with my natural ability to dissect and resolve their problems in a calm and clear manner and to focus only on the key issues.  They also described me (in a friendly manner I hope) as argumentative and competitive and when I was not sure what to do as a career they all independently told me to go away and be a lawyer.  They were right.

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?

I really enjoy bringing order out of chaos, taking the strain of a problem from my clients and fighting for their rights.  I enjoy the contentious nature of my job.  I love both the law and the tactics of a case.  In many ways it is like a game of poker. 

What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?

Irwin Mitchell is a positive, cheerful diverse and supportive place to work.  We work hard and play hard.  We are proud of what we have achieved; we are proud of all the clients we have helped and fought for and all the innovative and ground breaking cases we have brought. 

What Do You Do Away From The Office?

I am half Jamaican so sun, rum, reggae and cricket are well received.  In fact, I love all sports, particularly team sports where there is a strong element of physical and/or psychological challenge.  I have 3 children, 2 girls and a boy and nothing takes one away from the pressures of work better than mucking about with them.  I do not like being taken for a lawyer at weekends.