Job Description

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 exciting opportunity to join our Charity and Social Enterprise team as a Knowledge Paralegal. If you're passionate about legal drafting, research, and sharing knowledge, you'll play a key role in supporting our lawyers with high-quality resources.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting the other members of the Charity and Social Enterprise Knowledge team, your responsibilities will include:Coordinating and contributing to newsletters and briefings for the team and clients. Updating existing knowhow and creating new resources on specialist areas of law affecting charity and social enterprise clients. Maintaining and enhancing precedents by updating existing ones and drafting new templates. Managing the charity and social enterprise section of the firm-wide knowledge database and helping to support and shape strategies to improve knowledge sharing. Supporting knowledge dissemination through departmental meetings and internal training sessions--planning, taking minutes, and presenting when opportunities arise. Providing high-quality support to fee earners by conducting legal research and responding to queries. Assisting and participating in client events as needed.
Specific tasks may change over time, so we'll need you to be adaptable and flexible as we continue to meet our clients' needs.

About You

A law graduate or holder of a legal conversion qualification. Charity law experience isn't required, but some knowledge of company law would be useful. Previous paralegal experience is preferred. Excellent technical legal knowledge and a genuine interest in learning about charity law. Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail. An understanding of the importance of effective knowledge management and sharing processes within a law firm. Ability to collaborate effectively with others, valuing teamwork while also contributing independently when needed. Confidence to test assumptions and challenge constructively. A desire for exposure to a variety of challenges that encourage innovation.

About our Charity and Social Enterprise Knowledge Lawyer team

Our top-ranked Charity and Social Enterprise department handles the most complex, high-profile and high-value matters for charities, philanthropists and businesses. The depth and breadth of our practice, range of technical knowledge and personal commitment to the sector mean we act for clients of all sizes across the full spectrum of non-profit activity.


The Knowledge team sits within the department and comprises four experienced solicitors supported by a Knowledge Paralegal, supporting a growing team of fee earners across a broad and exciting practice.

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.



If you have any questions about this vacancy or require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the process due to a disability, please contact:

Nadia Bryan

n.bryan@bateswells.co.uk

About Bates Wells

At Bates Wells, we're not the average law firm. We believe that actions speak louder than words. We strive to do the right thing as a business and to help our clients make a positive impact on their people and society.

Recruitment at Bates Wells - The use of AI

At Bates Wells, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our recruitment processes. We understand the importance of ensuring that our methods align with best practices and respect the privacy and rights of all candidates.

We would like to clarify that we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, sift, score, reject, or approve any recruitment decisions, at any stage of our recruitment process. Our recruitment decisions are made by hiring managers and the HR team, ensuring a personal and thoughtful approach to each candidate.

We do utilise AI technology in a limited capacity to enhance our recruitment process. Specifically, we use Metaview to record and transcribe interviews. This tool helps us maintain accurate records of interviews, to support objective scoring of answers based on evidence and ensures that we can review and reflect on the conversations held during the recruitment process. Importantly, Metaview is not used to evaluate candidates or make any decisions regarding their suitability for a role.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and fairness in our recruitment processes and will continue to review and update our practices to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.