The Team

The equity incentives and employee ownership group is a friendly and open team, operating at a high level whilst retaining a healthy respect for work-life balance. Due to increased demand for our services, we are looking for a new member who has existing experience of working in this area, to join the team.

The advisory work of the team covers the design and implementation of all types of equity-based incentive plans, from bespoke solutions for executives and management teams to cross-border, all-employee share plans, including establishing employee benefit trusts. The practice has a diverse client base, from start-ups and high growth businesses to larger AIM-listed companies. Although our work is UK based, there are invariably international aspects to many projects, where we are required to source overseas advice. The work is wide ranging, from EMI option arrangements to growth share structures implemented as part of private equity transactions.

The team also supports the firm's corporate group on the incentives aspects of M&A transactions and IPOs, working with the firm's corporate tax team, when required.

The team is a destination practice for clients wanting to convert to the employee ownership trust model of ownership, having been involved in this sector from its inception in 2014 and in employee ownership more generally for more than 30 years. Our clients are some of the most successful and well known businesses in their respective sectors, including leading firms of architects, designers, technology consultancies and ethically focused businesses. The work is technically challenging, but highly rewarding, and forms a core part of the practice.

You

You may have a tax or corporate law background and work in either a law firm or a firm of accountants with a recognised incentives practice. Some experience of employment tax, corporate tax, listed/ AIM company work, and trust law will be helpful. A keen interest in the valuation of shares for tax purposes would also be an advantage and you should have experience of advising on share scheme issues on corporate transactions.

What is on offer

The role is based in the London office but with a "hybrid" working pattern so working from home will be an option for some of the time, if desirable. The practice is based in London, but there may also be a possibility for a candidate who has more relevant experience to be based in our Manchester or Birmingham office.

We are highly rated in all the legal directories, and participate fully in external membership organisations such as Share Plan Lawyers, the ESOP Centre and the Employee Ownership Association. You will have the opportunity to attend lectures and courses provided by all these bodies.

You will also have an opportunity to participate fully in the business development side of the practice, whether that is contributing to regular newsletters, writing social media articles, attending the Employee Ownership Association national conference and smaller regional events.