Incentives Associate – London
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an Incentives Associate to join a growing and highly specialised team within a leading international law firm’s London office. This role sits within a lean and expanding practice focused exclusively on employee incentives and executive compensation, offering the chance to take on significant responsibility from an early stage and play a key role in shaping the team’s future growth.
The London team is currently small, creating a genuinely entrepreneurial environment where associates are given high levels of exposure, autonomy, and client contact. The practice works closely with innovative, high-growth companies, particularly in the technology and life sciences sectors, advising on sophisticated and often cross-border compensation structures.
This is a pure incentives role and does not involve general employment work. The successful candidate will work on a broad mix of transactional and advisory matters, including supporting on mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs, as well as providing strategic advice on the design and implementation of equity and cash-based incentive arrangements. The work includes advising on equity incentive plans such as stock options and growth shares, structuring executive compensation packages, and ensuring compliance with relevant tax and regulatory frameworks in both the UK and internationally.
The team is particularly well known for its expertise in advising fast-growing and listed companies on complex incentive arrangements, including tax-advantaged plans and global equity structures. Associates can expect to be closely involved in high-value transactions and to work directly with senior stakeholders, including founders, executives, and in-house legal teams.
Candidate Profile
* Qualified lawyer in England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction (or eligible to register locally)
* Demonstrable experience in incentives / employee benefits (essential)
* Experience advising on equity incentive plans, executive compensation, or related tax matters
* Exposure to transactional support (e.g. M&A, IPOs) is advantageous
* Strong technical skills with attention to detail in complex, cross-border matters
* Entrepreneurial mindset and a proactive approach to problem-solving
* Comfortable working in a lean team with high levels of responsibility
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with clients and colleagues
* Collaborative and adaptable, with a willingness to work flexibly in line with deal flow
Qualification in England & Wales is advantageous but not essential. The firm is open to candidates qualified in other common law jurisdictions and can support registration where required.
The role is based in London and operates on a hybrid working model, with flexibility around office attendance. While there is no strict requirement to work US hours, candidates should be comfortable with a degree of flexibility in line with transaction timelines and client demands.
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-growth practice at an early stage, offering excellent progression prospects, exposure to premium work, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the development of a market-leading incentives team within a dynamic and forward-thinking firm.