Associate (International Legal Services, Private Client Practice)

Position Title: Associate - International Legal Services

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Experience Level: 2-4 years

Education: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) /Master of Laws(LLM)

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled corporate lawyer to join our dynamic legal team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in private client practice which may inter-alia include estate planning, asset protection and a thorough understanding thereof. This role primarily involves research related to U.S. and other international jurisdictions, with a strong emphasis on wealth structuring for high-net-worth individuals and families.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent legal interpretation skills, research and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

The key responsibilities may inter-alia include:

• Conduct in-depth legal research on international estate planning, asset protection, and wealth structuring with a primary focus on international laws particularly U.S. law.
• Analyse and interpret corporate laws and their interaction with trusts, foundations, and estate planning structures.
• Assist in designing and reviewing cross-border corporate and trust structures for clients.
• Prepare detailed research notes, draft legal memorandums, opinions and comparative analysis (with respect to jurisdictions and structures).
• Draft and review documentation related to trusts, estate planning instruments, corporate entities, and holding structures in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Prepare high quality client facing content, presentations and research publications (specifically with respect to private client practice) in increase the data repository.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through effective communication and understanding of their business needs.
• Stay updated on changes in relevant laws and regulations.
• Advise clients on regulatory compliance and best practices to mitigate legal risks.
• Work closely with other legal team members, external counsel, and business partners to ensure seamless execution of transactions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide integrated legal solutions.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to support transactional work and provide strategic legal advice.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and developments to anticipate legal issues and provide proactive solutions.

Qualifications:

• Degree in LL.B/LLM from a recognized university.
• 2-4 years of PQE in private client practice or corporate transactional work.
• Strong understanding of estate planning and succession corporate law, or foreign exchange transitions transactions.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in a private client practice of a law firm (highly preferred).
• Background in estate planning and trust advisory.
• Exposure to international corporate structuring and cross border advisory work.
• Familiarity with U.S. estate planning, trust law or international tax concepts is a strong plus.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Exposure to global legal frameworks and high-value wealth structuring work.
• Continuous learning which will enable you to develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Diverse and inclusive culture which will enable you to embrace who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications to legal@waterandshark.com & careers@waterandshark.com.

Please include "Associate-International Legal Services (Private Client Practice)" in the subject line.