Practising law through purpose, with Martin Bunch

In our inspirational conversation, Martin:

• Summarises Bates Wells and its history, detailing its B Corp journey which led to it becoming the first law firm to be certified B Corp in the UK.

• Explains its climate programme and solicitor apprentice scheme.

• Highlights the significant pro bono work the firm did for Uber drivers, a case which was eventually heard in the Supreme Court.

• Talks about how the firm has adapted to hybrid/remote working.

• Expands on some of Bates Wells’ work, including how it successfully changed disability discrimination laws.

• Observes how having a clear direction attracts potential employees and clients, and why trying to be 'all things to all people' isn’t a successful approach.

• Shares his thoughts on adding purpose to the concept of the 'triple bottom line', the concept of 'purpose-washing' and the nature of purpose for Bates Wells.

• Delves into the Better Business Act, which was drafted by Bates Wells, and the progress it’s making.

• Describes how bringing specific people in to run parts of the business has been very effective, despite the costs involved.

• Outlines the firm’s pricing model and stresses the importance of transparency with clients when it comes to costs.

• Focuses on how helping people is part of the company’s culture.

• Examines lessons learned along the way, including what happens when you try to change things too quickly – evolution, not revolution, is key.

• Looks to the exciting times ahead and expresses the progress he’d like to see with the B Corp movement across other businesses.