Employee Incentives 2 – 5 & 6+ years’ PQE ESSEX

Commercial law firm in Essex is seeking to recruit two Employee Incentives lawyer – one of 2 to 5 years PQE and the other 6 or more years’ PQE. The specialist team guides employers on the design and implementation of incentive arrangements and advises on the consequences of leavers and other changes in circumstances (both from a legal and tax perspective) in relation to all forms of employee incentive schemes. For the more senior role (6+ years’PQE), the successful candidate will have experience of advising in relation to the taxation of employment-related securities and in the preparation and implementation of both approved and unapproved share plans. You will advise on all aspects of employee remuneration structures and incentive plans, including the design, implementation and communication of: • senior executive and employee share incentive plans • cash based long term incentives advising on deferral and clawback provisions • employee benefit trusts. 

You will be particularly well versed in helping clients to determine the most appropriate incentive for their business and be able to structure bespoke and innovative arrangements to align with the client’s business plans and objectives. You will also support the firm’s corporate team in relation to the operation of incentive plans in the context of mergers and acquisitions and flotations.

For the mid-level role (2 to 5 years’ PQE), work includes advising clients on the implications of both direct and indirect employee share ownership, the various models (HMRC approved and unapproved) for achieving employee share ownership via employee trusts, options or other arrangements, drafting the necessary legal documentation and employee friendly communications, preparing corporate ancillary documents, liaising with HMRC and research on a range of related technical questions.

Strong technical drafting, research and communication skills, with good attention to detail and a commercial/pragmatic approach are essential qualities. Prior experience of employee incentives is not essential, but candidates must be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in becoming an employee incentives specialist. Candidates with good quality experience of either corporate, employment or private client work (in particular, trust law) who have a desire to specialise in employee incentives would be suitable for the role.