Associate (NQ-3PQE) - Charities and Philanthropy

About Withers

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

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 law and regulation that apply to them.  We have particular experience in relation to charities operating in the fields of education, healthcare and the arts and in advising family foundations and on international projects. 

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 organisations. 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 colleges and various universities), healthcare and research (including Cancer Research UK and NHS Charities Together), international relief (including British Red Cross), the arts (including Arts Council England and the TATE), animal rights charities (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 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 in England & Wales
• NQ - 3 years' post qualification experience
• Excellent academics and the benefit of broad training in a well-regarded charities team or strong commercial and/or trust law skills
• Demonstrable enthusiasm for the charity sector, and an entrepreneurial mindset - keen to develop your profile in charity law, and your network of contacts at charities, referring intermediaries, legal and accounting firms, and regulators
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, technical ability and solid drafting skills
• Strong 'team player' skills - able to work effectively with colleagues in a vibrant but close-knit, friendly environment, and able to represent our team's capabilities with colleagues in our London and international offices
• 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
• Quality organisational skills to help you keep up with a fast-paced practice
• Familiarity with using IT e.g. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• Hybrid working (minimum of 2 days per week in the office)
• Flexible benefits package 

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

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

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withers to provide equal opportunities for all 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.