In 2003, Gwyneth Jones and I had the opportunity to achieve a merger with various practices, who practised in those parts of the law that interested us, located not only in London but along the Thames from the Essex estuary where the core of our practice had originated, into North Hampshire south of Reading.

Our endeavour was then, and continues, to be the pursuit of a legal practice which specialises in all aspects of the law relating to Real Estate, Private Client Advice, Commerce and the Family.

We do not claim to be "all things to all men" but to provide dynamic and creative solutions within the areas in which we are comfortable.

To that end, we see our role as dealing with the complexities of our clients' business and personal affairs with an entrepreneurial spirit but remaining at all times committed to reaching the highest standards of our profession; and providing our clients with the service that they need at competitive rates!

Above all else, the cornerstone of our practice creed is to seek to be flexible, creative understanding and responsive.

Bates and Partners

The firm was originally established by Sidney Bates in 1930 in Leigh on Sea and soon became "Bates & Son" on the birth of his son Jameson. Fortuitously Jameson fulfilled his father's ambition for his son when he qualified as a solicitor and joined his father in practice!

In those early years the practice was based in Leigh on Sea, but Sidney's growing reputation as a commercial lawyer enabled him to open a second office in London.

Sidney served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and during that time the office in London was destroyed by enemy war action and not reopened until some time after the cessation of hostilities.

Sidney was very much a man of public affairs and as well as becoming Mayor of Southend on two occasions, also served as Chairman of the Anglia River Authority and finally as Chairman of the England and Wales River Authorities. He was also a director of many companies both quoted and private.

In 1947 he was joined as an articled clerk by Jack Braby, also returning from the forces, and after he qualified, the practice became Bates Son & Braby, which name the partners retained until 1979 when the practice became titled as Bates & Partners.

Nash & Vann

The practice of Nash & Vann was established by Mr Ernest Nash in 1913. Mr Nash subsequently entered into partnership with Mr Herbert Vann who had moved to Hampshire from Sheffield. The two sons of Mr Vann joined the practice after the Second World War and for many years Derek Vann and Peter Vann practised in Fleet at the corner of Fleet Road and Branksomewood Road.

Roger Wasem moved from Bates and Partners' Essex office to Nash & Vann in Fleet in 1984 where he remained until his death in June 2007 embracing and continuing the legacy both of Bates and Partners and of Derek and Peter Vann with the emphasis on traditional courtesy and service to clients and the community.

Malcolm McD Hooker practised in Fleet for many years from his premises in Kings Road. In the years leading to his retirement, he merged with the firm of Nash & Vann to become Nash Vann Hooker. Thomas & Co was primarily a conveyancing practice also based in Kings Road, Fleet for many years. Barbara Thomas, the Principal, and Anthony Thomas, a conveyancing executive, merged with the practice again in the years leading to their retirement.

Brunel

Bates NVH acquired the online conveyancing practice Brunel with effect from 3rd November 2008. The acquisition will enable the practice to expand its services in the property sector with on-line clients having the opportunity to carry out their business wholly electronically.

Today the practice of Bates comprises offices at Leigh on Sea, London and in Hampshire at Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Hook and Odiham.