Locations: London | Leeds | Manchester
Practice Area: Corporate Tax / Employee Incentives / Share Schemes
Firm: Leading International Law Firm
Experience Level: Senior Associate / Managing Associate
Hybrid Working: Minimum 3 days office-based
Overview
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Employee Incentives Lawyer (5+ PQE) to join a highly regarded Corporate Tax and Employee Incentives team within a leading international law firm.
This role offers the chance to work on high-value corporate transactions, complex executive remuneration structures, and share incentive schemes for clients ranging from owner-managed businesses to FTSE 100 and multinational organisations.
You will work closely with partners and senior lawyers on public and private M&A transactions, private equity deals, share schemes and executive compensation structures, while also managing your own client advisory work.
The team operates collaboratively across London, Leeds, Manchester and Scotland, supporting major corporate transactions across the UK and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
Employee Incentives & Share Schemes
Advising on the design, implementation and operation of employee share schemes and executive incentive plans, including:
- EMI (Enterprise Management Incentive) schemes
- CSOP (Company Share Option Plans)
- JSOP (Joint Share Ownership Plans)
- Growth share structures
- Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
- Tax advantaged and non-tax advantaged share schemes
You will advise on:
- Executive remuneration structures
- Equity participation and management incentive plans
- Employee benefit trusts (EBTs)
- International executive tax planning
- Corporate governance and regulatory matters
- Share scheme implementation and employee communications
Corporate Transaction Support
Providing specialist incentives support on:
- Private Equity transactions
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Corporate restructurings
- IPO / flotation transactions
- Business reorganisations
You will work closely with corporate and tax teams on transactional share incentives and management equity arrangements.
Client Advisory Work
Clients range from high-growth companies and private equity-backed businesses to major listed organisations, including well-known international companies.
You will:
- Provide clear, commercially focused legal advice
- Draft incentive documentation and scheme rules
- Advise on tax and regulatory implications
- Support clients through implementation and operation of schemes
Business Development & Team Contribution
As a Managing Associate or Senior Associate, you will:
- Support the growth of the employee incentives practice
- Develop relationships with existing and new clients
- Contribute to thought leadership and client initiatives
- Mentor trainees and junior lawyers within the team
- Collaborate across multiple offices
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Qualified solicitor with 5+ years PQE
- Experience advising on employee incentives and share schemes
- Background in corporate tax, executive remuneration, or employee benefits law
- Experience supporting corporate transactions (M&A / PE deals)
- Strong drafting and advisory skills
Desirable
- Experience advising public and private companies
- Exposure to international executive tax planning
- Previous experience within a leading law firm or accountancy practice
- Interest in business development and client relationship building
Why Apply?
This role offers the opportunity to join a high-performing and collaborative employee incentives team advising on sophisticated corporate transactions and executive compensation structures.
You will benefit from:
- Exposure to major corporate deals
- Working alongside leading corporate tax partners
- A supportive and collaborative firm culture
- Clear progression towards Managing Associate and Partnership
- Cross-office collaboration with national and international clients
Apply
If you are an Employee Incentives Lawyer, Share Schemes Lawyer, Corporate Tax Associate or Executive Remuneration specialist (5+ PQE) looking for your next move in London, Leeds or Manchester, we would welcome a confidential discussion.
Please apply with your CV or contact us directly for more information.