Private Client and Tax Associate (1-4 PQE)

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems. It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute, or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

Private Client and Tax Division

Today, we are the only global law firm dedicated to the personal and private capital needs of high-net-worth individuals and families.

Many of our clients are international families with interests in a number of locations. In a fast-moving and increasingly compliance focused world, the need for integrated advice that reaches across borders has never been greater. With offices across Europe, the United States and Asia-Pacific we provide coverage that other law firms in this area cannot match. Our team of experienced private client solicitors continually look for opportunities to ensure we have a strong presence in the locations where our clients live, work and invest. 

Our advice to fiduciaries covers the design and implementation of new plans, as well as the modernization and consolidation of older trusts. We also assist them in complying with the complex rules surrounding investments, accounting, taxes and compliance.

This practice generates approximately 55% of the partnership's revenues and is the largest in the world with over 300 people. We advise on domestic and international tax, estate planning, succession and mental capacity laws in Europe, the US and Asia, as well as facilitating our client's philanthropic endeavours. We have immigration teams in the major financial centres and are well placed to deal with tax investigation and litigation cases. Real estate is very important to our clients, and we have a specialist residential and rural team. 

Clients from every walk of life

Our clients have achieved success in many fields, from senior executives to multi-generational families, owners, managers and investors in private capital and some of the world’s wealthiest people. In Europe we have represented 70% of The Sunday Times top 100 Rich List and in Asia we act for 35% of the Hong Kong Forbes Rich List. 

We act not just as private client lawyers but trusted advisers, looking to build strong relationships with you and with other professionals advising you. This is one of the reasons we are proud to have been asked to represent families down the generations.

Our mission: To be recognised as the top, and only truly global, law firm offering integrated domestic and international private client and tax advice.

Accolades

The private client team is ranked top in our offices around the world by the leading legal directories and have won and been shortlisted for a number of well recognised awards over the years.

The Role

The role will cover a mixed caseload involving all aspects of tax, domestic and international wealth planning and trusts. 

Other key accountabilities will include:

• UK personal tax advice for both domestic and international families on their succession and tax planning using wills, corporates, partnerships, trusts and other structures. 
• Delivering high quality professional services with a focus on UK tax. 
• Advice to settlors, fiduciaries and beneficiaries regarding the establishment and management of offshore structures. 
• Managing clients’ affairs effectively and profitably through delivery of own case load. 
• Building and maintaining a network of intermediaries and enthusiasm for developing business. 
• Actively working on business development with domestic and international clients. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job and, as such, the role may include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Key skills and experience

• Previous experience of private client, wealth structuring and tax advice
• Candidates must be between 1-4 PQE
• Experience of working on transactions and large projects
• Strong academics
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Excellent research skills
• Team player
• Strong IT skills (e.g., Word & Excel)

The essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• Six-month probation period
• 12 weeks' notice period
• Hybrid working
• Flexible benefit package

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training, and promotion. Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.