Tax Associate

Job Overview

A nationally recognized law firm is seeking a Tax Associate with 5+ years of experience to join its tax practice serving high-growth technology, life sciences, and emerging enterprises. The position offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of complex tax matters, including federal, state, and international tax planning, with cross-collaboration across corporate, capital markets, and IP teams. This role is ideal for an attorney interested in advising companies at all stages of their lifecycle—from startup to exit—on transactional and operational tax matters.

Location

• San Francisco, CA

Duties

• Advise clients on federal, state, and international tax planning and structuring

• Handle tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and corporate finance transactions

• Counsel clients on equity financings, complex licensing, and collaboration arrangements

• Work with clients in the technology and life sciences sectors throughout various stages of business growth

• Collaborate with attorneys across practice groups, including corporate, intellectual property, and regulatory

• Draft and negotiate tax provisions in transactional documents and commercial agreements

• Analyze and communicate the impact of tax law developments on client operations and transactions

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of tax-related legal experience

• Strong transactional background, especially in M&A, capital markets, and corporate finance

• Prior experience with equity financing, technology transfer, and international tax planning preferred

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, client-driven environment

• Demonstrated success working in a collaborative, team-based legal setting

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

• LLM in Taxation preferred but not required

Certifications

• Active license to practice law in one of the relevant jurisdictions or ability to gain admission

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Strong legal research and drafting abilities

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Business-oriented mindset with practical problem-solving capabilities

• Ability to build trusted client relationships

• Comfort working across multiple jurisdictions and legal disciplines

Benefits

• Discretionary merit-based bonuses

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents (including domestic partners)

  • Monthly wellness reimbursements

  • 24/7 behavioral health support and virtual counseling

  • Family-building benefits (IVF, surrogacy, adoption, egg-freezing)

  • Paid parental leave and caregiver support

  • Career coaching and parenting concierge

  • In-home and center-based back-up childcare

  • Tutoring and college prep support for children

  • Health Savings Accounts (with firm contribution)

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Commuter and parking pre-tax benefits

  • Basic and supplemental life insurance

  • Short- and long-term disability

  • Voluntary insurance options: long-term care, critical illness, accident, pet, and ID theft protection

  • Medicare consulting services

  • Firm-paid CLE, bar exam prep, and bar dues reimbursement

This Vault Law 100 and one of the Best Law Firm in the Emerging Companies & Venture Capital firm boasts cutting-edge clients, pleasant people, and a flexible work/life balance. The firm is a global player with very deep tech roots and has been ranked among the top 10 M&A advisors in the nation. As the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, the firm is appealing to associates for fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment across its attorney ranks, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, career growth, and building leadership and relationship skills with clients and colleagues. Compensation at this firm is competitive with peer firms in the region.