At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice to charities and social enterprises, driving positive impact through innovative solutions.
- Company: Award-winning B Corp law firm committed to social purpose and environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, sustainable pensions, private healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a strong focus on inclusion and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a team making a real difference in the world while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 2+ years' 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 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 & Social Enterprise Lawyer — Impact & Growth (Hybrid) employer: Bates Wells
Bates Wells is an award-winning, purpose-driven law firm located in the City, renowned for its commitment to social impact and sustainability. As the first UK law firm to achieve B Corp status, we offer a unique work culture that prioritises people and the planet alongside profit, providing employees with meaningful opportunities to make a difference from day one. Our flexible hybrid working model, progressive benefits, and strong focus on inclusion foster an environment where creativity thrives and professional growth is supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity & Social Enterprise Lawyer — Impact & Growth (Hybrid)
✨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 potential contacts 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 set you apart from other candidates who might just be in it for the paycheck.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s recent projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their mission of using law as a force for good. Tailoring your responses to reflect their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a firm that prioritises people and planet over profit. Let’s make a positive impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Charity & Social Enterprise Lawyer — Impact & Growth (Hybrid)
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 your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your relevant experience in charity law and any specific projects that demonstrate your skills. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
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 what being a B Corp means and how it aligns with your own values. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in their purpose-driven approach.
✨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. Tailoring your experiences to their needs will make you stand out.
✨Engage in Business Development Talk
Since the role involves building networks and identifying business opportunities, think of ways you've successfully developed client relationships or originated work in the past. Bring these examples to the table to demonstrate your proactive approach and interest in business development.
✨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 helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
