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 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 aid your development.
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
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
* You’re a qualified solicitor with 1–3 years’ PQE advising charities and social enterprises. We’re also open to candidates with pro bono or corporate law backgrounds, or other areas with transferable skills.
* You have experience driving matters forward—taking ownership of client contact, project management, and day-to-day matter management.
* You bring enthusiasm for business development and building networks.
* You’re comfortable working on a wide range of issues, from incorporations and restructures to commercial contracts, governance, and regulatory matters.
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.
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.