Senior Knowledge Lawyer – Charity Law (part-time)
Department: Charity & Social Enterprise
Employment Type: Part Time
Location: London
Description
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
* An excellent opportunity for an experienced charity lawyer to share and grow their expertise
* You’ll have time to dig into the detail of charity law in a way that’s not generally possible as a fee earner
* Involved in all aspects of our knowledge work – including sharing knowledge via training and written updates, drafting and updating precedents, helping fee earners with technical queries, and contributing to business development and policy work
* Opportunity to contribute to business development, policy work, and knowledge innovation across the firm
* The role offers a clear path to future leadership of the Knowledge team, making it ideal for someone looking to take on more strategic and managerial responsibilities over time
* You’ll also bring an interest in new technology and how ways of working can support knowledge management
Key Responsibilities
* Update and create precedents and practice notes on charity and social enterprise law
* Maintain and improve the Charity and Social Enterprise section of the firm-wide knowledge bank
* Share knowledge through departmental meetings and internal training sessions
* Support fee earners by responding to technical queries and conducting legal research
* Contribute to internal and external publications and resources
* Participate in client events and occasionally deliver client training or write articles
* Contribute to newsletters and client briefings
* Provide a high-quality legal service when client contact arises and record any chargeable time
* Attend team meetings, internal and external training, and sector conferences
* Keep up to date with developments in the law and knowledge management best practices
* Supervise and support the Knowledge Paralegal in their work
* Develop leadership capabilities and contribute to strategic improvements in the Knowledge team
Which qualities do we look for?
* A qualified solicitor with ideally 10 years’ PQE advising charities and social enterprises
* Comfortable providing detailed technical advice to fee earners at all levels
* Skilled in drafting precedents, maintaining practice notes, and producing clear legal updates
* Experience managing know-how, including suggesting and implementing system or process improvements
* Able to deliver engaging training on charity law and related legal issues
* Capable of supervising others technically and supporting their career development
* Strong ability to build, maintain, and nurture relationships across teams
* Client-focused, with a genuine interest in supporting excellent legal advice
* Results-driven and willing to challenge the status quo for better outcomes
* Clear, accessible, and effective written and verbal communication skills
* High levels of technical ability with strong attention to detail and a positive problem-solving mindset
* Finally, we want people whose values reflect our own and who feel inspired working in a firm with a strong social purpose
About our Charity and Social Enterprise team
Our top-ranked Charity and Social Enterprise department advises on some of the most complex, high-profile, and high-value matters for charities, philanthropists, and purpose-driven businesses.
With exceptional breadth and depth of expertise, we act for clients of all sizes across the full spectrum of non-profit activity.
The Knowledge team sits within the department and includes four experienced solicitors (one Lead Knowledge Lawyer and three Senior Knowledge Lawyers), supported by a Knowledge Paralegal.
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 Programme, 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 green 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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