The Team The Employee Ownership and Equity Incentives team, which sits within the firm’s Tax and Private Client Team, is a friendly and open team, operating at a high level whilst retaining a healthy respect for work-life balance. We are looking for a new team member who has experience of working in this area. The team is a destination practice for clients wanting to convert to the employee ownership trust (EOT) 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. We advise on deals of all shapes and sizes, and we are increasingly taking on larger and more complex deals of the type that suits a full service law firm. The work is technically challenging, but highly rewarding, and forms a core part of the practice. 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 (both onshore and offshore). We also advise on the full range of tax under Part 7 of ITEPA 2003. 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 Corporate Tax team when required. Inclusiveness and Diversity At Fieldfisher, led by the social model of disability, we are working towards removing accessibility barriers and maximising disability and neurodiversity inclusion in our recruitment processes. Should you have any accessibility requirements, please contact a member of Fieldfisher’s Recruitment Team who will work with you to implement suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are treated in the strictest of confidence and we would appreciate your feedback to ensure we can provide an accessible and enjoyable recruitment process. For accessibility information on our London offices, please visit our website: https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/locations/united-kingdom/contact-us/offices/accessing-fieldfisher-london What can you expect? Advising businesses on conversions to EOT-ownership, working closely with the firm’s Corporate team to manage projects from beginning to end (with partner support as required); Assisting EOT-owned clients with maintaining employee ownership structures which will include: advising on adopting and operating equity-based incentive plans alongside EOT-ownership; advising on "qualifying bonus plans"; and assisting with governance arrangements; Advising on the design and implementation of all types of equity-based incentive plans including, in particular, EMI and CSOP; and Assisting with business development and continuing our role as a thought leader in the sector including writing articles, attending conferences and events with our clients. Please note that providing support to the firm’s Corporate group on the incentives aspects of transactions is not intended to be a key element of this role although it could be if desired. A bit about you We are looking for a qualified lawyer at Senior Associate/Legal Director level with either a tax/incentives or corporate background. Experience of advising companies on converting to EOT-ownership and equity-based incentives is essential and some experience of employment tax generally and trust law will be helpful. A keen interest in the valuation of shares for tax purposes would also be an advantage. Although the work is technical, this is very much a client facing role, with extensive interaction with clients required on a regular basis. 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 team 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, or to work between offices. 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. What can we offer you? Our people are at the core of what we do. Fieldfisher’s benefits package is designed to enable all colleagues to thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment. These benefits range from private health insurance, life assurance & income protection, flexi-gym discounts, season ticket loans, bike-to-work loans, electric vehicle scheme and much more. Fieldfisher HQ is based in the vibrant and thriving City of London, which has something for everyone. Offering excellent commuter links based a 5-minute walk away from Monument and Bank tube stations. Views overlooking the River Thames and Tower Bridge from our 9th floor terrace, open plan workspaces that encourages a sense of camaraderie, hybrid working and hot-desking, discounted coffee in our on-site cafe, bike storage, shower facilities and much more. We have diverse teams made up of our Partners, Lawyers and Business Services Professionals, collaborating to provide outstanding service to our clients, working across our many different sectors and practice areas. We understand the importance of collaboration outside of work with lots of different clubs and networks for our people to get involved in, including quiz nights, book club, choir, firm-funded yoga, fitness challenges, football teams, and inclusive events with our nominated charity partners. If you would like to know more, chat with our recruitment team or visit our social media channels to see for yourself! Culture & personal development We’re a firm with real entrepreneurial drive and we don’t believe in squashing people’s individuality. We want you to use your unique talents and experiences to help the firm grow. You can only do that by being yourself. And working closely and collaboratively with people throughout the firm. That’s why we foster a culture that encourages you to be yourself. We’ll give you bespoke support to develop your own career. Whether that’s through allowing you to “access all areas” across the firm, funding you through training for professional development qualifications, or making sure you have a structured career plan, we’ll make sure your talents are being nurtured. How to apply Enter your email address on the job advert and press the ’apply now’ button to submit your CV and to start your application. Please note that we recruit on a rolling basis, meaning that your application will most likely be reviewed before the application deadline. We will continue to accept applications until we have successfully filled the role. The Firm Fieldfisher is Times Top 20 Law Firm, a highly commended firm in the European Financial Times Innovative Lawyers rankings and is repeatedly nominated for awards in areas including dispute resolution, M&A and IP. Many of our lawyers are recognised by legal directories as leading professionals in their areas of specialism and we are top two-ranked in a number of our key practice areas. Our network spans over 1,700 people across 26 international offices in 11 countries. We operate across our offices in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Beijing, Belfast (2), Berlin, Birmingham, Bologna, Brussels, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Guangzhou, Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Turin, Venice and Silicon Valley. Fieldfisher aims to ensure equality of opportunity and we are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. All applications will only be considered on merit and the applicant’s suitability to meet the requirements of the role. Benefits Generous annual leave Health insurance Pension contributions Life assurance Season ticket loans Bike to work loans