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, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where collaboration and social impact are at the forefront of our mission. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health support, and green pensions, ensuring that our team thrives both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values your growth and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager / Practice Advisor (1‑Year FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in making an impact at our purpose-driven law firm.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Practice Manager. Highlight your experience in business management and your proactive approach to problem-solving.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager / Practice Advisor (1‑Year FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Purpose:When writing your application, let your passion for purpose-driven work shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, especially in creating a positive impact for people and the planet.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have as a Practice Manager or Advisor. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so showcase your skills in business management and collaboration with legal teams.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:Since the role involves a lot of coordination and documentation, emphasise your organisational skills in your application. Mention specific examples where your attention to detail made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bates Wells
✨Know the Firm's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the firm's 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. Practise articulating these scenarios clearly and concisely.
✨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 your communication skills and give examples of how you've navigated challenges while collaborating with others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that show your interest in the firm’s culture and future projects. Inquire about how they measure success in the Practice Management team or what initiatives they have in place to support professional development.
