Employee Share Schemes & Incentives
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
About
Provided by Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie is known for providing a stand-out client service and partners with some of the world's largest companies on their share schemes both locally and globally. The firm's combination of experts in the UK and outside the UK allows us to help clients with complex cross border transactions, identifying the implications of transactions for share plan participants and on the action points needed.
Jeremy Edwards is a prominent adviser to London Stock Exchange listed companies in relation to the structure and disclosure of remuneration for directors and senior executives and (supported by Gillian Parnell and other team members) has taken a leading role in monitoring and exploring the wide range of recent executive remuneration reforms.
The team offers cutting edge employee tax advice, which (allied with the employment practice) takes a prominent role on cases involving "gig economy" issues. The team also provides connected/holistic advice to share plan clients, such as on the areas of gender pay reporting and data protection, being (in many cases) the first to inform the market of impending developments and to offer solutions to clients.
Chambers Review
Baker McKenzie handles multi-jurisdictional matters for domestic and international companies. The firm is noted for its work on global share plans and share scheme matters. The expertise of the team includes advising businesses on share schemes and incentives following senior executive and partnership restructuring. The group's sector expertise covers financial services, healthcare and media.
Work Highlights
- Baker McKenzie drafted executive share plans, the 2020 Global Share Plan and Deferred Share Plan for Smith & Nephew as its lead share plan adviser.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are very capable at answering questions in a timely manner, are very skilled at their jobs and were a pleasure to work with."
"They dealt with all issues efficiently, in a timely manner and with clear guidance."
"The team works well together, especially in managing changes to requirements globally."
"They are very capable at answering questions in a timely manner, are very skilled at their jobs and were a pleasure to work with."
"They dealt with all issues efficiently, in a timely manner and with clear guidance."
"The team works well together, especially in managing changes to requirements globally."
Notable Practitioners
Jeremy Edwards is head of the employee benefits group at Baker McKenzie in London. He advises a broad range of clients on all manner of employee benefits schemes and is acknowledged for his experience handling global share plans.
"Jeremy is always quick to respond and provides top-class service."
"Jeremy is incredibly commercial and technical."
"He's an amazing lawyer and really delivers for his clients."
Gillian Parnell serves a portfolio of high-profile international companies and financial services clients. She advises on remuneration and assists with the tax implications of financial structuring arrangements.
"She knows her subject very well and is able to explain the rigours of it very easily."
"She is very hard-working and good at client relationships, going above and beyond to provide a service that builds the relationship."
"She is always quick to respond and provides top-class service."