At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business management and collaborate with teams to drive positive change.
- Company: Award-winning, purpose-driven law firm leading in social impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, progressive benefits, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment focused on people and planet.
- Qualifications: Experience in practice management and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Department: Practice Management
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London
Description
Why Bates Wells?
We are 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 will be able to make a real impact from day one. Come and join the firm that has a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we will never prioritise profit over people and planet.
The Practice Manager will support the Practice Director in providing business management support to our practice groups. The work is varied, differs between groups, and involves close collaboration with lawyers and colleagues across Business Teams. This is a 1-year fixed-term contract, starting in June.
Key Responsibilities
- Business management
- Partners' meetings: helping to prepare agendas and papers; note taking; tracking actions and giving reminders; inviting and briefing guests from other teams; general co-ordination
- Department meetings: helping to prepare agendas; inviting and briefing guests from other teams; general co-ordination
- Allocating legal work: if requested by partners or senior lawyers
- Department inductions: delivering to new joiners
- Process improvement: working with Practice Support Managers and other Business Teams
- Supervision arrangements: co-ordinating and documenting changes for new joiners, promotees, returners etc., liaising with HR.
- Gathering feedback: for annual reviews in collaboration with HR.
- Team updates: preparing updates for the department on joiners, leavers, secondments etc.
- Secondments: Managing client secondment requests end-to-end, including reverse secondments, liaising with the practice and other Business Teams.
- Resource sharing: Coordinating resource-sharing requests across practice groups, e.g. during busy periods or absence cover.
- Utilisation: Monitoring utilisation across the practice, identifying trends and concerns to raise with supervisors or Heads of Department. Identifying reporting errors and working with colleagues to resolve them. Responding to queries from lawyers and partners about individual or team utilisation.
- Intranet: Maintaining and improving the Practice Management team's intranet pages.
- Projects: Supporting the Practice Director on projects, including: Working with the Emerging Talent Manager on paralegal role design and resourcing; Improving management information for the practice; Streamlining communications from Business Teams to the practice.
About You
You will have experience working as a Practice Manager or Practice Advisor, ideally gained within a law firm or professional services environment. Proactive self-starter with a can-do attitude. Well-organised with excellent attention to detail. Comfortable navigating new areas and working fluidly with colleagues across functions. Able to build effective and trusting relationships quickly at all levels, from partners and directors to early-career colleagues. Strong influencing skills, including the confidence to provide constructive challenge where appropriate and the openness to adjust approaches based on feedback.
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 support a just transition to net zero.
- Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse and inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
- Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with at least two office days per week.
- Progressive Benefits: We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare and a range of wellbeing and personal-development benefits.
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 are committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive and representative of all.
Practice Manager / Practice Advisor (1‐Year FTC) in London employer: Bates Wells
Bates Wells is an award-winning, purpose-driven City 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 creativity and innovation. With flexible working arrangements and progressive benefits, including sustainable pensions and private healthcare, we offer our employees meaningful opportunities for growth and the chance to make a real difference from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager / Practice Advisor (1‐Year FTC) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Bates Wells on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the firm’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making an impact in a purpose-driven environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm for the role show!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager / Practice Advisor (1‐Year FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Practice Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in practice management or professional services, and show us how your skills align with our values and mission.
Showcase Your Impact-Driven Mindset:We love candidates who share our commitment to making a positive impact. In your application, mention any previous experiences where you've contributed to social purpose or sustainability initiatives, as this resonates with our ethos.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us see your organisational skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bates Wells
✨Know the Firm's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Bates Wells' commitment to social purpose and their B Corp status. Be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of making a positive impact.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Given the varied responsibilities of the Practice Manager role, think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage projects, coordinate teams, and improve processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with lawyers and business teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Highlight instances where you’ve influenced others or navigated challenges through collaboration.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that show your interest in the firm’s future projects or their approach to sustainability and inclusion. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
