At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice to charities and social enterprises, driving positive impact.
- Company: Award-winning law firm committed to social purpose and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible working, progressive benefits, and a focus on well-being.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a team making a real difference in the charity sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in charity and corporate law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re an award-winning, purpose-driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market-leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out. Our values are key to our success, and you’ll be able to make a real impact from day one. Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we’ll never prioritise profit over people and planet.
This is an excellent opportunity for a charity and social enterprise lawyer to join our market-leading team. You will provide legal and strategic advice on a full range of corporate and commercial issues affecting these sectors, with specialist focus on regulation and operations. You’ll have significant client contact, building networks and relationships, helping to originate work, and leading the day-to-day running of matters with supportive supervision to support your development. The work will often be innovative and/or technically and strategically challenging, working with leading lawyers in these fields to help inspiring clients to create positive impact.
Your work will cover a wide range of issues, including:
- Establishment, incorporation, mergers, de-mergers, and restructuring
- Joint ventures and collaborations
- Commercial contracts (including IP)
- Charity fundraising and technical charity law
- Regulatory and governance matters, including crisis management
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high quality legal and strategic advice to our clients.
- Maintain high standards of client service via excellent relationship and matter management.
- Continue developing your expertise to provide practical advice and increase your profile at the firm.
- Identify and deliver business development opportunities.
- Maintain awareness and flexibility to respond effectively to the market.
About You
- A qualified solicitor with at least 2 years’ PQE, ideally with experience advising charities and social enterprises (candidates with transferable skills may also be considered).
- Experience advising on a range of charity, commercial and corporate law issues, including governance and Charity Commission regulation.
- Experience in fundraising, charity trading and international partnerships is desirable.
- The ability to drive matters forward, taking ownership of client contact, project management and day-to-day delivery.
- An interest in business development and building networks.
- Excellent technical, communication, negotiation and advocacy skills.
- Able to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with a proportionate and commercial approach.
- Able to work both independently and collaboratively, including supervising and developing trainees and paralegals.
About our Charity and Social Enterprise team
We advise on the full range of corporate and commercial issues affecting charities and social enterprises, with specialist overlays relating to the regulation and operation of those sectors. Our clients span household name charities, social enterprises, purpose-driven businesses, corporates, governments, and public authorities or institutions, ranging from start-ups and grassroots groups to large national and international organisations. They include thought leaders on charitable and social impact issues. Our strong focus on innovation and positive social change provides opportunities to advise on novel and developing areas of law. The sheer depth and breadth of our practice provides enormous variety, and an interesting and challenging combination of complex and more routine advice.
What are we like to work for?
- Impact-Driven Purpose: We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.
- Committed to the Climate: Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.
- Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
- Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.
- Progressive Benefits: We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.
At Bates Wells, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose-driven law firm, we’re committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.
Charity and Social Enterprise Associate employer: Bates Wells
Bates Wells is an award-winning, purpose-driven City law firm that stands out as a leader in the charity and social enterprise sector. With a strong commitment to social impact, our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and innovation while providing flexible working arrangements and progressive benefits that support employee well-being and growth. Join us to make a meaningful difference from day one, working alongside top legal professionals dedicated to using law as a force for good.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity and Social Enterprise Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity and social enterprise sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for purpose-driven work! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your commitment to social impact and how it aligns with their values. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s recent projects and initiatives. Being able to discuss their work and how you can contribute will impress them. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their mission to drive positive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team at Bates Wells.
We think you need these skills to ace Charity and Social Enterprise Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for charity and social enterprise shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission of making a positive impact.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in charity law and social enterprises. We love seeing specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bates Wells
✨Know Your Purpose
Before the interview, dive deep into the firm's mission and values. Understand their commitment to social impact and how they align with your own values. This will not only help you answer questions more authentically but also show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their purpose-driven culture.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with charities and social enterprises. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex legal issues or contributed to impactful projects. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness to take on the responsibilities of the role.
✨Build Connections
Networking is key in this field. Research who you might meet during the interview and try to find common ground or shared interests. Mentioning mutual connections or relevant experiences can help establish rapport and make a lasting impression.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the firm’s work and the challenges faced by charities and social enterprises. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your proactive approach to understanding the sector better.
