Incentives/Employment Associate

About the Team

Our People and Reward (P&R) department advises on all aspects of contentious and non‑contentious employment, pensions and incentives law on a national and multi‑jurisdictional basis. The global practice comprises 23 partners and approximately 100 lawyers across Europe, Asia and the US, and the London team includes six partners and around 25 associates. We advise on strategic and reputationally significant matters and collaborate closely with colleagues across corporate, tax, regulatory and disputes teams.

This role is part of the Incentives team within the P&R department in London. The team advises on the design, implementation and operation of share schemes, executive remuneration and other incentive arrangements, alongside related tax, corporate governance, securities law and regulatory considerations. In addition, you will have the opportunity to be involved in the wider work the P&R team undertakes, including advising on executive employment matters.

The Role

We are seeking an Associate with experience in Incentives work, a strong technical grounding and commercial awareness. You will focus primarily on incentive arrangements including executive compensation, employee share plans, management equity and related tax and governance issues for clients including listed companies, regulated businesses (including those in the financial sector), multinationals, private equity houses and portfolio companies.

Work will include:

• Designing and implementing bespoke share plans, cash‑based incentives and long‑term incentive arrangements.
• Advising on adoption and operation of tax qualifying share plans.
• Advising on tax, corporate governance and regulatory considerations relating to executive pay and share plans.
• Supporting clients on public and private M&A, restructurings and capital markets transactions.
• Reviewing and updating remuneration policies and guiding clients through shareholder expectations and governance norms.
• Advising on management equity arrangements for private equity transactions.
• Advising on operation of malus and clawback.
• Optional involvement in executive employment matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft clear, succinct and technically precise incentive plan documentation and employee-friendly communication materials.
• Negotiate incentive and remuneration issues independently or alongside partners.
• Manage matter delivery and mentor junior associates and trainees.
• Participate in client training, seminars and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
• Build strong client relationships and deliver commercially focused advice.
• Maintain robust financial management including WIP, billing and deadlines.

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer with 2–4 years’ PQE in incentives, executive compensation or share plans.
• Strong technical grounding in tax, corporate, securities and employment law as it relates to incentive arrangements.
• Experience advising on incentive aspects of M&A, restructurings or capital markets transactions.
• Experience within a top‑tier incentives practice at a global firm.
• Interest and experience in business development and thought leadership.
• Strong team ethos and willingness to share knowledge.

Competencies

• Technical Skills: Solid understanding of share plans, executive remuneration structures, tax implications and governance requirements (including the PRA’s and FCA’s remuneration rules applicable to companies in the financial sector).
• Client Relationships: Commitment to exceptional client service and confidence engaging with stakeholders.
• Business Advisor: Ability to identify issues, conduct research and develop solutions‑driven advice.
• People & Team: Works collaboratively, supports junior colleagues and contributes to knowledge development.
• Project Management: Manages workload efficiently with strong attention to detail.
• Business Development: Curious about market trends and supports partners in BD initiatives.
• Personal Skills: Professional, credible, adaptable and accountable.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer. All applications are considered on merit alone, and the firm welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background.

All offers of employment are conditional on the candidate having, or securing, the right to work in the UK, and providing evidence as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. Applicants are asked to disclose criminal convictions only once a conditional offer of employment has been made. A conviction does not automatically lead to the withdrawal of an offer; any disclosure is assessed case by case, taking into account the role applied for and the circumstances of the offence, and the candidate will have the opportunity to discuss the matter before any decision is made.