Charities & Philanthropy Associate (1-3 PQE)

About Withersworldwide

Withersworldwide has been acting for successful individuals, businesses and institutions for 125 years. We advise clients on their business, personal and philanthropic needs both at home and abroad. In this fast moving and increasingly regulated world the need for integrated and timely advice has never been more urgent.

We are recognised as the leading international law firm for successful people. With offices in Europe, Asia, the United States and the Caribbean we provide coverage across the world that other law firms focussed on the individual cannot. We have represented 70% of the Top-100 ‘Sunday Times Rich List’, as well as a significant number of people listed in the US (Forbes) and Asian (Hurun) Rich Lists.

The firm consists of three global legal Divisions: Business; Dispute Resolution and Private Client & Tax. Each Division is headed by a Divisional CEO and Divisional Operating Officer, working with the CEO of the global firm.

The Team

Providing legal services to charities has always been a core area of work at Withers. The team helps not-for-profit organizations at every stage of their development involving lawyers from many of the firm's different practice areas.

We are recognized as one of England's leading charity law practices advising both domestic and international clients, being ranked in Band 1 in both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We act for many of the UK's top charities and are frequently referred work by other lawyers and intermediaries because of our in-depth knowledge of charities and the laws that apply to them.  We have particular experience in relation to charities operating in the fields of education, healthcare and the arts.

Many members of our Charities and Philanthropy team are themselves charity trustees, giving our team a very real insight as to the concerns, governance and aspirations of not-for-profit organizations.  Members of our team are also regularly seconded to major clients, gaining further valuable insights and experience.

Our charity clients represent the diversity of the sector.  We act for charities across the sector, including those working in education (including schools, Oxbridge college and various universities), healthcare and research (including Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS Charities Together), international relief (including British Red Cross), the arts (including Arts Council England, Royal Academy of Dance and the TATE), the protection of the vulnerable (including the RSPCA) and the support of the charity sector itself (including National Council for Voluntary Organisations).

The Role

We are seeking to appoint a junior-mid level associate to work on a caseload consisting of charity law, trust, tax and commercial advice for charities; regulatory work in dealing with the Charity Commission; and philanthropy advice for businesses and individuals wishing to establish or work with charities.

The successful candidate will be involved in all legal aspects affecting the businesses of many leading organisations including:

Key skills and experience

• Must be admitted to practice in England & Wales
• 1-3 years post qualification experience
• Excellent academics and the benefit of a broad training in a well-regarded charities team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, technical ability and solid drafting skills
• Effective team player - able to work effectively with colleagues in a vibrant but close-knit, friendly environment
• An engaged attitude with excellent people skills and a good, clear communication style
• A willingness to take responsibility and ability to form strong working relationships across all areas of the practice in the UK and internationally
• Ability to communicate and handle client contact (both internal and external) from the outset
• Good commercial awareness and a pragmatic outlook
• Familiarity with using IT e.g. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• 6 month probation period
• 12 week notice period
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

We endeavour to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, we operate a preferred supplier list ('PSL') and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is our policy to provide equal opportunities for all employees/prospective employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.

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