Richard Bates
Richard is a Private Client Solicitor with over 17 years post-qualification experience. Prior to joining Cognitive Law, Richard was a partner of in two large mid-Sussex Practices. He has strong links with the Brighton and Hove area and surrounds, as well as Mid-Sussex. That said, Richard acts for clients nationwide and internationally.
Richard is a Private Client Solicitor with over 17 years post-qualification experience. Prior to joining Cognitive Law, Richard was a partner of in two large mid-Sussex Practices. He has strong links with the Brighton and Hove area and surrounds, as well as Mid-Sussex. That said, Richard acts for clients nationwide and internationally.
Richard has a reputation of building strong personal relationships with clients, many of whom he has acted for a number of years. He has been the lead driver in Later Life planning in the Sussex area and his work has previously earned a Law Society Excellence Award.
Richard also has a proven background in advising on tax planning and wealth management, issues around capacity and the Court of Protection and End of Life matters. He regularly interacts with and advises care providers in respect of their personal affairs and those of their clients.
Richard is keen to provide quality, pragmatic advice which represents good value for money to his clients. His wide knowledge and personable approach engenders trust and confidence from both private and commercial clients.
Richard regularly provides advice in the following areas:
Later Life
- Powers of Attorney
- Court of Protection Deputyships
- Statutory Wills
- Management of financial affairs
- Issues and disputes around capacity
- Elder abuse
- Care finding, care provider contracts
- Care audits/spot checks
- Care fees advice – Private, Local Authority & Continuing Care
Estate Planning
- Wealth planning and protection
- Inheritance tax planning
- Business owners’ tax planning and succession
- Preparation of Wills
End of Life
- Administration of estates
Services to professionals
- Advice to Care Providers
- Advice to existing attorneys and deputies on Deputy Standards, practicalities, and best practice
Practice areas
Testimonials
"We were introduced to Richard Bates by a mutual friend, to help with our wills. We recently married and we have children separately so re organising our wills seemed quite complex. Richard was really helpful and we felt he took time to understand our situation and find the best solution. We both found Richard to be highly professional but very friendly and easy to work with. I would definitely use Cognitive law again and recommend to family and friends."
Louise Sloan
"The Cognitive Law Team support you on every aspect of Law! Richard Bates and Lucy Tarrant in particular are "top shelf" in legal expertise, with empathy, professionalism with great confidence. I cannot recommend them highly enough to help with all business and personal related law matters. Commercially astute - they truly work with you and for you!"
Alison Daymond
"Having worked in my capacity as a social worker with Richard Bates on a number of occasions, I have been incredibly impressed by not only his legal knowledge, but the depth of his 'soft skills'. Richard is gentle, patient and understanding of people's personal circumstances and is always willing to take whatever time is needed by the client. Richard's non-judgemental and kind approach to sometimes tricky family circumstances make him an excellent choice for work with private clients. Highly recommended!"
Lauran Etkin (Senior Social Worker & Expert Mental Capacity Assessor)