At a Glance
- Tasks: Support charities with legal and governance matters, making a real difference in the community.
- Company: Join a leading charity law firm known for its collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, and tailored career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse team with excellent career growth and support for all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that impacts charities and not-for-profits across the UK.
- Qualifications: Solicitor with 4-6+ years' PQE; enthusiasm for charity law is key.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 € per year.
Are you a solicitor with experience in charity, corporate, or commercial law, seeking a meaningful and rewarding career? Join our highly regarded Charity and Not‐for‐Profit team and help make a real difference.
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a broad, stimulating and varied role. You will support charities of all sizes to meet their legal and regulatory obligations, acting as a trusted advisor on strategic governance and commercial matters. Your work will include:
- Establishing new charities and drafting or updating governing documents
- Advising on company and charity law
- Supporting charity restructures, mergers and incorporations
- Providing guidance on commercial contracts, including brand licences and fundraising agreements
The role is genuinely diverse and would suit someone who is enthusiastic about expanding their expertise across a wide range of legal areas. You will be part of a close and collaborative team. One of our three governance partners will act as your supervisor, but you will work closely with colleagues across the team – including specialists in property, data protection and employment. You will be encouraged to take ownership of matters, manage your own workload, and build strong client relationships.
We expect the role to suit someone with 4-6+ years' PQE, but we have some flexibility around this. We welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds. This includes:
- Lawyers in private practice
- Those returning from a career break
- Lawyers with relevant in‐house experience
- Individuals who have come to law as a second career
While previous experience advising charities is beneficial, it is not essential. What matters most is an interest in the charity and not‐for‐profit sector, a proactive and curious approach to learning, and enthusiasm for getting involved in business development.
Our team is recognised as one of the leading charity practices in the UK, consistently ranked in The Legal 500 and Chambers UK. We work with a wide variety of clients – from some of the country's best‐known charities to innovative start‐ups, philanthropists and corporate foundations – and we have particular strength in international work.
We are a team of 18 lawyers and one trainee, all dedicated exclusively to charities and not‐for‐profit organisations. Our combined expertise spans governance, commercial, property, intellectual property, data protection, employment, and safeguarding.
Russell‐Cooke was named Law Firm of the Year: The Independents at The Lawyer Awards in 2025. Our lawyers are rounded professional advisers with strong commercial awareness and a commitment to outstanding client service. All lawyers benefit from our cohort‐based career development programme, which supports cross‐firm collaboration and helps you build your internal network. As you move through each career stage, you will have access to tailored training designed to support your development and progression.
We offer competitive salaries and a generous package of benefits. For more information or to apply please follow the link on the portal. We welcome direct applications. If you would like any further information about the firm, please contact a member of the HR team.
We have a diverse workforce and aim to attract high‐calibre applicants that reflect the demography of our geographical location and client base. Individuals will be employed solely on merit and the requirement of the position. No applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. Reasonable adjustments will be made to eliminate or reduce disadvantage.
Associate - Charity and Governance in London employer: Russell Cooke LLP
At Russell-Cooke, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Our Charity and Not-for-Profit team is not only recognised as a leader in the field but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth through tailored training and a cohort-based career development programme. Located in a vibrant area, we foster diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels valued while making a meaningful impact in the charity sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Charity and Governance in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for charity law shine through. Share your experiences and why you’re keen to make a difference in the not-for-profit sector. It’s all about showing them you’re the right fit!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand the organisation's mission, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Charity and Governance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Charity:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the charity and not-for-profit sector shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference and supporting organisations in meeting their legal obligations.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in charity, corporate, or commercial law. Even if you haven't worked directly with charities before, we’d love to hear about transferable skills and experiences that demonstrate your capability.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly, and you’ll find all the information you need about the role and our firm there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Russell Cooke LLP
✨Know Your Charities
Before the interview, do your homework on the charity sector. Familiarise yourself with current issues, key players, and recent developments in charity law. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in charity, corporate, or commercial law. Think of specific examples where you've advised clients or handled legal matters relevant to the role. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and how you've navigated complex legal situations will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a collaborative team, be ready to talk about your experiences in teamwork. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success, managed relationships, and supported colleagues in achieving common goals. This will show that you're a great fit for their close-knit environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the firm's approach to charity governance, their biggest challenges, or how they support professional development. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if the firm aligns with your career aspirations.
