Bates Wells
Charity and Social Enterprise Associate
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Why Bates Wells?
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 recognized as the market-leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organizations, 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 prioritize profit over people and planet.
The Role
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
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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.
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Our clients span household name charities, social enterprises, purpose-driven businesses, corporates, governments, and public authorities or institutions, ranging from start-ups and grass roots groups to large national and international organizations. 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.
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