Herbert Smith Freehills

Tax Associate, Mid-Senior Level

London Full time

The Opportunity

Primary Responsibilities

Role-specific – the opportunity to both:

  • advise on a broad range of transactions, including financings (public and private) and structured finance/securitisations and on M&A often in the context of cross border deals, corporate restructuring, energy taxation (including upstream work), equity capital markets, UK real estate, projects, funds and private equity; and

  • work on tax disputes and investigations with the disputes specialists within the team, backed by the firm's leading disputes practice.

Responsibilities will vary depending on level of qualification and experience to date; our culture is to reward ability and enthusiasm with responsibility early, and our associates are encouraged to adopt a client facing role.

Support the firm and others - extend effective relationships across the global network; contribute to the development of team members; uphold the firm’s values; contribute to the firm’s initiatives; take steps to cultivate an excellent reputation and profile in the market and internally; attend marketing/industry events and draft or help prepare articles, precedents and know-how materials; lead the development and delivery of training and presentations.

Qualifications, skills and experience

  • We expect the successful candidate to have between 3-6 years' PQE but are happy to consider Associates with more or less experience who have the relevant skills for the role.

  • We are looking for a strong technical tax lawyer, able to make the most of contentious and non-contentious opportunities that will exist. A willingness to tackle new areas and apply knowledge and experience across a varied diet of matters will be key for any successful candidate.

  • Experience in securitisations (preferably of various asset types and acting for different counterparties, e.g. seller, lead arranger etc.) and other finance tax work is essential.

  • Ability and drive to work on bespoke, big-ticket and complicated transactions and disputes.

Competencies

We would expect the successful candidate to have a minimum of one years' experience in private practice who meet the required competencies;

Technical

  • Legal ability - detailed grasp of complex legal concepts, strong drafting skills, ability to see issues from a commercial perspective and able to communicate complex legal advice to clients effectively

Personal leadership

  • Takes personal responsibility; is pro-active and takes pride in client service delivery and quality of work

Teamwork

  • Contributes to collaborative and high performing teams

  • Works effectively with others to achieve success and prioritises the success of the team

Enhances the client experience

  • Delivers high quality work and excellent service; builds relationships with peers at clients and builds trust with senior client stakeholders

Contributes to building the firm

  • Finds ways to contribute to the broader success of the firm

Team

Corporate

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.