At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a top-tier law firm and work on high-profile corporate tax cases.
- Company: Leading international law firm with a market-leading tax practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus eligibility, and exceptional career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious team recognised globally for its expertise in tax law.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years PQE in corporate tax and strong transactional experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic, partner-led environment with a focus on quality over volume.
The predicted salary is between 108000 - 180000 £ per year.
We are instructed by the London office of a top-tier international law firm to hire a 2–3 PQE Corporate Tax Associate into its market-leading tax practice. This is a strategic growth hire to help rebalance a currently partner-heavy team, following sustained demand across transactional and contentious mandates.
The tax group is widely recognised as one of the very best in the UK and globally. The firm is uniquely ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners across:
- UK Tax
- UK Contentious Tax
- Europe-wide Tax
- Global Tax
The team operates across the full tax spectrum:
- Corporate & Private Capital - Advising on public and private M&A, IPOs, demergers, restructurings, returns of capital, joint ventures and complex private capital transactions.
- Finance & Restructuring - Covering tax aspects of corporate equity and debt financings, refinancing mandates and innovative restructuring solutions in stressed or volatile markets.
- Real Estate - Advising developers, institutional investors, lenders and fund managers on the tax structuring of major commercial real estate transactions.
- Tax Disputes - Acting on large-scale, multi-jurisdictional tax disputes in the UK and internationally, with a strong track record of resolving complex matters.
The practice is highly international in nature, with frequent cross-border coordination across its global office network.
The team is partner-led and currently relatively top-heavy, creating a clear need to strengthen at the 2–3 PQE level. A March NQ is in final stages, so the preference is for someone with at least two years’ post-qualification experience. Junior associates tend to operate as generalists across corporate, finance, real estate and disputes tax. As such, minor gaps in exposure are not a deal breaker — but strong corporate tax fundamentals are essential.
The firm is taking a targeted approach to the search. Applications have been limited given the niche nature of high-end corporate tax, and the team is focused on attracting genuine top-tier quality.
Candidate Profile
- ~2–3 PQE
- ~ England & Wales qualified required
- ~ Trained at a leading corporate tax practice
- ~ Strong grounding in transactional corporate tax (more important than niche specialisms)
- ~ Experience across international or cross-border matters preferred
The team is open to candidates from leading UK, international or select US platforms, though the emphasis is on the strength of the tax practice rather than firm brand alone. Strong applicants from Ireland or New Zealand with relevant international exposure will also be considered.
Remuneration & Hours
- NQ salary: £150,000
- Total compensation sits immediately below US law firms and exceeds most Magic Circle firms
- Bonus eligibility begins at 1,750 billable hours
- The firm’s salary scale is publicly known and consistently positioned at the very top of the London market outside of US firms.
Corporate Solicitor - Solicitor / Senior Solicitor in City of London employer: Buchanan Law
Contact Detail:
Buchanan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Solicitor - Solicitor / Senior Solicitor in City of London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at firms you’re interested in. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informational interviews with professionals in corporate tax. This is your chance to learn more about the field and showcase your enthusiasm. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider tips on what firms are really looking for in candidates like us!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Prepare examples of your work in corporate tax, especially any cross-border matters you've handled. We want to show them we’re the high-calibre addition they need!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s land that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Solicitor - Solicitor / Senior Solicitor in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Corporate Tax Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in transactional corporate tax, and don’t forget to showcase any international exposure you might have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this top-tier firm. Mention your passion for corporate tax and how your background aligns with their needs.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just listing duties. Quantify your successes where possible, like successful transactions or resolved disputes, to really stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan Law
✨Know Your Tax Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your corporate tax fundamentals before the interview. Given the emphasis on strong transactional corporate tax knowledge, be prepared to discuss key concepts and recent developments in the field. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but also engaged with current trends.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience in corporate tax, especially in transactional matters. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Research the Firm's Tax Practice
Dive deep into the firm’s tax practice and understand its unique strengths, especially its Band 1 rankings. Familiarise yourself with their recent cases or transactions, and be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to their ongoing success. This shows genuine interest and initiative.
✨Prepare for Cross-Border Scenarios
Since the team often deals with international matters, think about any relevant cross-border experiences you have. Be prepared to discuss how you navigated complex tax issues in different jurisdictions, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the firm's diverse client base.