Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The London office, since its opening in 2018, has been focused on offering Silicon Valley-style business and legal advice to UK and European tech companies. The team offers international experience to support the growth of such companies, from launching, scaling, and raising capital to exiting via M&A, IPO or otherwise, with a particular focus on UK and European tech companies exploring US expansion, fundraising or exit.
We are looking for a UK qualified tax lawyer to join the London office to help develop the existing tax practice. This will involve working closely with corporate teams on M&A transactions (including drafting and negotiating any tax covenant and tax aspects of the SPA) and advising on venture capital finance, international business structuring for clients which are highly internationally mobile, UK/US advisory work in conjunction with the US tax practice, and funds tax. The role requires a broad technical knowledge of tax law (both individual and corporate tax) relevant to these scenarios, in particular M&A and international business structuring. You need to be able to work with a flexible mindset, enjoy resolving new and challenging tax issues and be solution driven. You will also be able to explain tax issues at a number of levels – switching comfortably between explaining these in pure commercial terms to investors and founders and engaging in detailed technical discussion with in-house tax team members. The role will also involve business development activities, such as attending client facing events and drafting articles and alerts where relevant, and assisting in the development of the London tax team’s precedent bank.
Given the current small size of the team, the candidate will gain excellent experience and exposure to clients, with the role offering excellent progression opportunities.
Requirements:
- UK qualified, holding or being eligible for a valid Solicitors’ Practicing Certificate.
- 2-5 years PQE, excellent academics and strong relevant experience of corporate and individual tax including international tax issues, which could have been gained in a law firm, accounting firm or in-house
- Can demonstrate a commitment to and relevant experience of tax advisory work in addition to transactional support
- Must enjoy working directly with clients and building relationships alongside providing specialist support to colleagues in other teams
- Clear, confident communicator who is a team player
- Knowledge of tax issues relevant to growth companies a benefit but not a requirement, provided candidate has a strong interest in and commitment to this sector
- Knowledge of UK/US cross border tax issues for corporate groups an asset, but candidate can be supported to develop this after joining
This is an exciting time in the growth of the firm’s London practice and you will be provided with coaching and support to develop your professional experience and take your career to the next level.
Note: PQE levels are provided as a guide – we will consider candidates who can otherwise demonstrate that they meet the relevant criteria.
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