Executive Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Executive Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney with 2–6 years of experience to join a leading global law firm and its highly regarded Executive Compensation & Benefits practice.

Locations

Boston, Chicago, New York, or San Francisco

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have experience handling executive compensation and employee benefits matters in connection with sophisticated corporate transactions, including private equity and public company M&A, IPOs, and asset sales. This role offers the opportunity to advise companies, investors, and executives on complex compensation and benefits matters while working closely with attorneys across corporate, tax, and other practice areas.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on executive compensation and employee benefits matters arising in corporate transactions.
• Support the executive compensation and benefits aspects of private equity and public company transactions, including M&A, IPOs, and asset sales.
• Advise companies, investors, and executives on executive compensation and benefits issues.
• Assist with the design, implementation, and administration of executive compensation plans and programs.
• Draft and review employment agreements, executive employment contracts, severance agreements, and other compensation-related documents.
• Conduct legal research and analysis regarding applicable laws, regulations, and industry developments.
• Advise clients regarding compliance with federal and state laws, including ERISA, tax laws, and securities regulations.
• Assist with negotiating executive employment and severance arrangements.
• Collaborate with corporate, tax, and other practice groups to provide comprehensive client advice.
• Monitor emerging legal developments and best practices in executive compensation and employee benefits.
• Utilize legal AI tools responsibly and ethically to improve efficiency and client service.

Qualifications

• 2–6 years of experience handling executive compensation and employee benefits matters in connection with M&A and other corporate transactions.
• Experience preferably gained at a law firm with continuous practice in executive compensation and employee benefits.
• Strong knowledge of applicable executive compensation, employee benefits, ERISA, tax, and securities laws and regulations.
• Experience advising clients on transactional executive compensation and benefits matters.
• Strong drafting, research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team-oriented environment.
• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Admission to practice law in the state of employment or eligibility for prompt admission required.
• Familiarity with legal AI tools preferred.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $235,000–$390,000 annually, depending on qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.

Application Requirements

Candidates should be prepared to submit a resume, cover letter, and law school transcript.