At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Practice Director in managing business operations and collaborating with teams.
- Company: Award-winning, purpose-driven law firm leading in social impact and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible working, progressive benefits, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on driving positive change and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a firm prioritising people and planet over profit.
- Qualifications: Experience in practice management or professional services, with strong organisational skills.
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.
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: Supporting the Practice Director with business management across the firm’s largest practice groups, including:
- 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. 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’ll ideally 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’re committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive and representative of all.
Practice Manager / Practice Advisor (1‑Year FTC) employer: Bates Wells
Bates Wells is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and collaboration, making it a fantastic place for professionals seeking meaningful work. With a strong focus on employee growth, the Practice Manager role offers opportunities to engage with diverse teams, contribute to strategic projects, and enhance operational efficiency within a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant community, Bates Wells not only values its employees but also fosters a culture where everyone can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager / Practice Advisor (1‑Year FTC)
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Bates Wells, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager / Practice Advisor (1‑Year FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Bates Wells, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Bates Wells and the specific role of Practice Manager / Practice Advisor (1‑Year FTC). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Bates Wells’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bates Wells
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Bates Wells.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Bates Wells.
