Share incentive arrangements cover schemes that grant employees or directors a stake in a company, such as share options or other equity rewards. A solicitor drafts, reviews and negotiates scheme rules, option grants, and related documentation, ensures tax-advantaged options (where available) comply with applicable legislation, and coordinates with payroll, tax authorities, and company secretaries. They help secure HM Revenue & Customs approvals where required, and advise on eligibility, valuation, vesting, exercise, and share disposal to protect the client’s interests as the scheme unfolds.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
Key provisions, structures and procedures include the design of option pools, the interaction with the Companies Act and corporate governance, tax-advantaged regimes such as EMI, CSOP and SAYE, and the administration of vesting, exercise, and potential dilution. The solicitor explains risks around valuation, mis-selling, and potential clawback, and handles drafting and compliance to avoid disputes or unintended liabilities.