Impact Finance Associate/Senior Associate at Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP

City of London, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Mar, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

21 Dec, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Debt Finance, Impact Investing, Client Relationships, Transaction Management, Legal Advisory, Regulatory Issues, Commercial Debt Financing, Real Estate Financing, Social Enterprises, Charity Law, Governance Matters, Emerging Markets, Financial Returns, Social Impact Metrics, Policy Shaping, Document Structuring

Industry

Law Practice

Description

Impact Finance Associate/Senior Associate Department: Charity & Social Enterprise Employment Type: Full Time Location: London 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 excellent opportunity for an experienced debt finance lawyer to join our market-leading impact finance team, advising banking, finance and impact investing clients including ethical lenders, banks, UK and international impact investors, DFIs, social enterprises and charities. The role offers significant client contact, with responsibility for leading transactions, developing client relationships and supervising junior team members. Key Responsibilities Impact investing, including development finance (two thirds of the role) We have a deep understanding of the issues faced by those seeking to make or raise investments that provide both a financial return and positive value for society. Impact finance transactions are typically tailored and may incorporate social impact metrics to honour the integrity and social purpose of the organisation receiving investment. Our advice centres on delivering social impact deals with integrity. We do not just advise on the law in this field; we also shape policy and key developments. This includes making the case for the statutory social investment power for charities, working with Government on the design of social investment tax relief, and structuring institutions such as Big Society Capital, Social Finance and Charity Bank. Our fast-growing international development finance practice focuses on transactions in emerging markets and the Global South, including debt (such as development impact bonds), blended finance, quasi-equity, equity and fund investments. Clients include DFIs, credit funds, family offices and foundations, as well as international NGOs, social enterprises and grassroots organisations. We support clients in structuring and documenting the full range of impact finance transactions, and in navigating related legal and regulatory issues, including charity law, FCA regulation, and constitutional and governance matters. Commercial debt financing, including real estate financing (one third of the role) We advise a broad spectrum of clients, including ethical and traditional lenders and borrowers and private banks, on a wide range of financing arrangements, including corporate, acquisition, receivables, trade and real estate finance. We are panel lawyers for a number of lenders, ranging from those focused on social impact to traditional clearing banks. Our borrower clients range from SMEs to multinational corporations, as well as social housing providers, charities, other not-for-profit entities, developers, investors, funds, trusts and high-net-worth individuals. We regularly advise on the financing of real estate developments and commercial and residential portfolios, including social housing, care homes, schools and sporting facilities, working closely with our real estate, construction and planning teams, supported by corporate, tax, charity and trust specialists. About You You will be a UK-qualified solicitor 3-7 years PQE (with some flexibility). Experience of LMA-based secured and unsecured complex lending transactions. About our Impact Finance team Our Impact Finance team focuses on impact investment transactions and social investment advisory work, both in the UK and internationally. The team is led by partners with specialist expertise in debt and equity financing, combined with deep sector knowledge and a strong understanding of the charity and social enterprise sector. We regularly advise on innovative and emerging models that are at the cutting edge of the market and seek to address key social and environmental challenges. The Impact Finance team sits within our wider charity and social enterprise practice, and the successful candidate is also likely to be involved in a broad range of work across the firm, advising a diverse portfolio of charities and social enterprises. 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.

Responsibilities

The role involves advising clients on impact finance transactions and commercial debt financing, with a focus on developing client relationships and leading transactions. The associate will also supervise junior team members and navigate legal and regulatory issues.