Medium

We’re Bates Wells, a City firm with a difference.

We believe in making a positive impact, whether that’s achieving legislative and regulatory change around sustainability, or working on a landmark case with wide-ranging implications. We’re not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Our clients are diverse – from global household names, to public bodies, to start-ups. We’re also the firm of choice for thousands of charities and social enterprises.  

As a values-driven firm we show commitment to our clients, our people, the environment and society. We’re the first UK law firm with a B Corp certification.  



Bates Wells

We're a truly purpose & impact driven law firm and the first UK law firm to be a B Corp.

You must be a UK-qualified solicitor with 5+ years' experience, skilled in corporate transactions, client management, mentoring, and business development, with strong communication and adaptability.

You will lead corporate transactions, advise on governance and law, handle private equity, manage reorganisations, mentor juniors, and drive business development efforts.

Consulting

Legal

London

<div><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Description</b></h3><div><br>
We&rsquo;re seeking a Senior Associate in our corporate team to play a pivotal role in our growing practice. Working closely with the Corporate Partners, you&rsquo;ll have significant client exposure, take on leadership responsibilities, and contribute to strategic business development. With opportunities to expand your professional network and grow your practice, you&rsquo;ll also support junior colleagues and help drive the corporate team&rsquo;s strategy in a collaborative, cross-departmental environment.</div><br>
<div></div>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>
Key Responsibilities</b></h3><br>
<ul>
<li>
Lead corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, and investments.</li>
<li>Advise on shareholders&rsquo; agreements, corporate governance, and company law.</li>
<li>Handle private equity, and corporate finance matters.</li>
<li>Manage corporate reorganisations and related transactions.</li>
<li>Build client relationships and mentor junior team members.</li>
<li>Drive business development and contribute to the corporate team&rsquo;s goals.</li></ul><div></div><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b><br>
About You</b></h3><br>
<ul>
<li>
A UK-qualified solicitor with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience, including experience of leading on corporate transactional work.</li>
<li>Skilled in managing client relationships, mentoring junior colleagues, and contributing to business development.</li>
<li>Strong commercial awareness with excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.</li>
<li>Proactive, adaptable, and enthusiastic about working in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.</li></ul><div></div><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b><br>
Why Join Us</b></h3><div><br>
<b>
Impact-Driven Purpose: </b>We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.</div><div></div><div><br>
<b>
Committed to the Climate: </b>Through our Climate Programme, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.</div><div></div><div><br>
<b>
Championing Inclusion: </b>We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.</div><div></div><div><br>
<b>
Flexible and Hybrid Working: </b>Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.</div><div></div><div><br>
<b>
Progressive Benefits: </b>We offer green pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.</div><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b><br>
About Bates Wells</b></h3><div>
At Bates Wells, we&rsquo;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.</div></div><div></div>

Description
We’re seeking a Senior Associate in our corporate team to play a pivotal role in our growing practice. Working closely with the Corporate Partners, you’ll have significant client exposure, take on leadership responsibilities, and contribute to strategic business development. With opportunities to expand your professional network and grow your practice, you’ll also support junior colleagues and help drive the corporate team’s strategy in a collaborative, cross-departmental environment.


Key Responsibilities


Lead corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, and investments.
Advise on shareholders’ agreements, corporate governance, and company law.
Handle private equity, and corporate finance matters.
Manage corporate reorganisations and related transactions.
Build client relationships and mentor junior team members.
Drive business development and contribute to the corporate team’s goals.
About You


A UK-qualified solicitor with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience, including experience of leading on corporate transactional work.
Skilled in managing client relationships, mentoring junior colleagues, and contributing to business development.
Strong commercial awareness with excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
Proactive, adaptable, and enthusiastic about working in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
Why Join Us

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.
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.

Senior Associate - Corporate - Bates Wells

Senior Associate - Corporate

You should have experience leading hybrid teams, strong in process improvement, performance management, and relationship building, with solid legal operations knowledge and excellent communication skills.

You will manage a team, ensure high-quality support for lawyers, implement process improvements, oversee workflows, assist in projects, and optimize matter management and compliance.

People, HR & Administration

<div><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Description</b></h3><div><br>
We are recruiting two Practice Support Managers to optimise our Practice Support teams. Reporting to the Secretarial Services Manager, they will work with Heads of Department to implement business plans, enhance performance, and ensure compliance with client and matter management processes.</div><br>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>
Key Responsibilities</b></h3><br>
<ul>
<li>
Support Heads of Department in executing business plans and monitoring performance.</li>
<li>Manage and develop a team of secretaries, including appraisals, recruitment, and professional growth.</li>
<li>Ensure high-quality administrative and client support, enabling lawyers to focus on core work.</li>
<li>Identify and implement process improvements in collaboration with Business Teams.</li>
<li>Oversee workflow distribution, fostering teamwork and secondments.</li>
<li>Assist in managing complex projects and coordinating efforts across departments.</li>
<li>Optimise matter management, billing, and compliance with firm policies.</li></ul><div></div><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b><br>
About You</b></h3><br>
<ul>
<li>
Experienced in leading hybrid teams within a law firm or professional services.</li>
<li>Strong in process improvement, relationship building, and service delivery excellence.</li>
<li>Skilled in performance management, including appraisals, setting objectives, and team development.</li>
<li>Commercially and financially aware with solid knowledge of legal practice operations.</li>
<li>Effective at prioritising, delegating, and managing team resources to meet business needs.</li>
<li>Proficient in IT, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.</li>
<li>Detail-oriented, organised, proactive, and adaptable.</li>
<li>Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.</li></ul><div></div><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b><br>
Why Join Us?</b></h3><div><br>
<b>
Impact-Driven Purpose: </b>We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities,<b> </b>and planet.<br>
</div><div><b>Committed to the Climate: </b>Through our Climate Programme, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.</div><div>
<br>
<b>Championing Inclusion: </b>We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.</div><div>
<br>
<b>Flexible and Hybrid Working: </b>Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.</div><div>
<br>
<b>Progressive Benefits: </b>We offer green pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.</div><div></div><h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b><br>
About Bates Wells</b></h3><div>
At Bates Wells, we&rsquo;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.</div></div><div></div>

Description
We are recruiting two Practice Support Managers to optimise our Practice Support teams. Reporting to the Secretarial Services Manager, they will work with Heads of Department to implement business plans, enhance performance, and ensure compliance with client and matter management processes.

Key Responsibilities


Support Heads of Department in executing business plans and monitoring performance.
Manage and develop a team of secretaries, including appraisals, recruitment, and professional growth.
Ensure high-quality administrative and client support, enabling lawyers to focus on core work.
Identify and implement process improvements in collaboration with Business Teams.
Oversee workflow distribution, fostering teamwork and secondments.
Assist in managing complex projects and coordinating efforts across departments.
Optimise matter management, billing, and compliance with firm policies.
About You


Experienced in leading hybrid teams within a law firm or professional services.
Strong in process improvement, relationship building, and service delivery excellence.
Skilled in performance management, including appraisals, setting objectives, and team development.
Commercially and financially aware with solid knowledge of legal practice operations.
Effective at prioritising, delegating, and managing team resources to meet business needs.
Proficient in IT, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Detail-oriented, organised, proactive, and adaptable.
Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.
Why Join Us?

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.
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.

Bates Wells

Mission