NQ Solicitor – Equity Incentives

We are looking for a Newly Qualified Solicitor to join our leading Equity Incentives and Employee Ownership team, part of Fieldfisher’s Tax and Private Client department.

You will assist on a wide range of projects for clients including start-ups, growth companies, AIM-listed and overseas corporates.

We are a market leader in employee ownership, having advised on EOT structures since their introduction in 2014 and on broader employee ownership matters for over 30 years.

The role offers exposure to technically challenging and rewarding work, including the design and implementation of all forms of equity-based incentive plans, establishing employee benefit trusts (onshore and offshore) and employee ownership trusts as part of wider EO transitions, and providing tax advice in all areas of employment related securities. You’ll also support the firm's corporate teams on M&A and IPO-related incentives work, often with international aspects.

This is a great opportunity to join a small, highly regarded but friendly Tier 1 ranked practice, where you will have direct client contact and clear career progression.

Responsibilities

• Advising on the legal and tax aspects of employee share plans, including EMI, CSOP, growth shares, and bespoke arrangements.
• Advising businesses on conversions to EOT-ownership including advising on qualifying bonus plans and assisting with governance arrangements.
• Supporting transactional work, including M&A and investment rounds, with a focus on equity incentives due diligence and documentation.
• Drafting plan rules, option agreements, trust deeds, shareholder resolutions, and board minutes.
• Conducting legal research and preparing client briefings and internal know-how.
• Assisting with business development initiatives, including writing posts for social media.

Experience and Knowledge

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales (NQ level).
• Completion of a training seat in incentives/benefits (or equivalent), tax or corporate is essential.
• Strong academic background.
• A genuine interest in employee incentives, share valuations and a willingness to develop technical expertise.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and manage tasks independently.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to client service and practice development.

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 we offer you?

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, offering excellent commuter links with 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 encouraging camaraderie, hybrid working and hot-desking, discounted coffee in our on-site cafe, bike storage, shower facilities and more.