Charity & Social Enterprise Associate

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 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 Role This is a rare opportunity for an excellent lawyer to join our market leading charity and social enterprise team, advising mission driven clients. You will provide legal and strategic advice on the full range of corporate, commercial, governance and regulatory issues affecting these sectors. You will have the opportunity to develop specialism in sectors and technical areas of particular interest to you. The team works on Politics, Elections and Campaigning, as well as complex trusts and unincorporated charities, and there will be opportunities to work across the department in a wide range of other sectors, including Culture & Creative, Sports, International Development, Education, Climate and faith based organisations. You will have a high degree of client contact, developing your own networks and relationships and helping to originate work, as well as leading on the day to day running of matters with supervision which supports your development. Key Responsibilities Provide high quality legal and strategic advice to clients Advise charities and social enterprises on a wide range of matters, including set up, mergers, spin outs and restructuring; joint ventures and collaborations; commercial contracts (including IP); fundraising; and regulatory, governance and technical charity law issues, including investigations and crisis management Maintain high standards of client service through strong relationship and matter management Continue developing your expertise to deliver practical advice and build your profile within the firm Identify and support business development opportunities Stay aware of market developments and adapt accordingly About our Charity and Social Enterprise team We advise on the full range of corporate, commercial and governance issues affecting charities and social enterprises, with specialist overlays relating to the regulation and operation of those sectors. 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 organisations. 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. About You A qualified lawyer with up to 4 years’ PQE Transferable skills, either from direct experience advising charities and social enterprises, or from another area of law, with a willingness to learn the legal and regulatory frameworks affecting these sectors Excellent technical, communication, negotiation and advocacy skills Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines, managing competing priorities across chargeable and non-chargeable work Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with the ability to take a proportionate and commercial approach Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, including delegating to, supervising and developing trainees and paralegals 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.