At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice to charities and social enterprises, driving positive social impact.
- Company: Award-winning law firm committed to purpose and social change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, sustainable pensions, private healthcare, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a team making a real difference in the charity sector and beyond.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in charity and corporate law.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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 grass roots 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 & Social Enterprise Associate employer: Bates Wells
Bates Wells is an award-winning, purpose-driven law firm located in London, renowned for its commitment to social impact and sustainability. As the first UK law firm to become a B Corp, we prioritise people and the planet alongside profit, fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and personal growth. Our flexible working model and progressive benefits ensure that employees can thrive both professionally and personally while making a meaningful difference in the charity and social enterprise sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity & 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 relevant groups, 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 express why you care about charities and social enterprises. Share your experiences and how they align with their mission. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s recent projects and initiatives. Knowing what they’ve been up to will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in their work. Plus, it gives you great talking points to impress them!
✨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 shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the charity and social enterprise space.
We think you need these skills to ace Charity & Social Enterprise Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Charity & Social Enterprise Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our values and the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about charity and social enterprise work. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in these sectors.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Bates Wells!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bates Wells
✨Know Your Purpose
Before the interview, dive deep into Bates Wells' mission and values. Understand their commitment to social impact and how they align with your own values. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the role and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨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, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨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 show your proactive approach to relationship-building.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the charity and social enterprise sector. Inquire about recent challenges the firm has faced or upcoming projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your strategic thinking and engagement with the role.
