EPPICC Associate

Our EPPICC team provides comprehensive advice across a broad range of areas, including trusts and succession planning, family governance, and tax-related matters. We are currently looking to recruit a mid-level associate with high-quality, non-contentious private wealth experience — ideally with a strong UK tax and trusts focus, and exposure to an international (Asia-facing) practice. Robust technical knowledge of UK taxation for international clients is essential. Candidates with alternative and/or equivalent experience would be considered. Our client base extends beyond UHNW individuals and families to include trustee companies, charitable organisations, and social enterprises.

• Manage Asia-Pacific non-contentious private wealth matters for HNW/UHNW clients, including international tax, cross-border estate and succession planning and trust establishment and restructuring.
• Deliver UK tax advice in-region in collaboration with partners, Ross Davidson (Hong Kong) and Suzanne Johnston (Singapore), including residence, pre-UK arrival planning, remittance/FIG regime, trust taxation, reorganisations, UK IHT exposure, UK property structuring, and tax disclosures.
• Advise on and implement family offices, Private Trust Companies and governance frameworks; establish philanthropic/charitable vehicles; address related regulatory and compliance issues (CRS, economic substance, licensing etc.).
• Act as day-to-day client lead: set strategy for client matters in consultation with partners, coordinate multi-jurisdictional advice with colleagues in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, London, and Paris, and external counsel; liaise with trustees, private banks and family offices.
• Draft clear, concise documentation and advice: tax memoranda, trust law advice, trust deeds and supplements, Wills, letters of wishes, lasting/enduring powers of attorney, probate applications, board/resolution papers and transactional documents for wealth-holding structures, family charters.
• Manage matters proactively (scope, budgets, timelines, risk/conflicts), ensure exemplary client service, accurate time recording and financial hygiene.
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers, trainees, and paralegals; allocate work, review output and provide training; contribute to know‑how, precedents and internal/client alerts (UK/HK/SG developments).
• Identify contentious risk and collaborate with the firm’s Private Wealth Disputes colleagues where appropriate (e.g. capacity/undue influence issues, trustee/beneficiary dynamics).
• Contribute to practice growth in Asia, supporting the team's long-term business development and profile-raising initiatives as capacity allows, for example by building intermediary networks, preparing articles and client updates, and participating in seminars/webinars.  These activities are encouraged as part of career progression, but the immediate focus of the role, given current client demand and team structure, is on the delivery of high-quality client work. 
• Maintain a strong focus on delivering exceptional client service and contributing to the team’s overall financial and practice objectives, with non-billable activities to be balanced flexibly alongside core client responsibilities.

• High-quality non-contentious private wealth experience with a strong UK tax/trusts focus and an international (Asia-facing) practice.
• Robust technical knowledge of UK taxation for international clients (residence, remittance/FIG regime, offshore and domestic trust taxation, IHT, CGT/IT, UK property taxes) and international trust law; awareness of Hong Kong/Singapore private wealth considerations.
• Willingness to assist with Hong Kong tax matters.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-jurisdictional matters and coordinate multiple stakeholders (clients, trustees, banks, family offices, foreign counsel).
• Exceptional drafting, analytical and research skills; accuracy, numeracy and attention to detail.
• Client-centric, commercially pragmatic and discreet; able to build trusted relationships with HNW/UHNW clients and intermediaries.
• Organised self-starter with strong matter management, prioritisation and deadline discipline; proactive approach to budgeting and billing. 
• Collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with partners and associates across offices and time zones. 
• Experience supervising and developing juniors; contributes to knowledge management and training.
• Willingness to contribute to the team’s profile-raising activities as part of long-term career progression, while maintaining a primary focus on client delivery. 
• Excellent written and spoken English; additional language capability (e.g.  Cantonese/Mandarin) advantageous.

This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm’s strategy and business.

Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm, and we are committed to creating "positive partnerships" with our clients. 
We represnt listed and private companies, institutions and individuals, building lasting relationships to help them succeed in a complex and ever-changing world.

Our focus is on five core sectors: Energy Transition, Life Sciences + Healthcare, Private Capital + Funds, Technology, and Transportation + Trade.