Executive Compensation & Benefits Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Mid-Level Executive Compensation & Benefits Associate to join a nationally respected law firm with a dynamic and collaborative team in its Nashville office. This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact role within the firm’s well-established Executive Compensation and Benefits Group, known for its involvement in sophisticated corporate transactions and its client-centered approach.

Position Overview:

The successful candidate will join a close-knit, high-performing team and take on substantive work from day one. The practice focuses on advising public and private companies, boards of directors, and management teams on a broad range of executive compensation and employee benefits issues, including those arising in the context of mergers, acquisitions, financings, and other corporate transactions.

This associate will also provide day-to-day counseling on tax-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise clients on executive compensation and employee benefits matters, including equity and incentive compensation plans, deferred compensation, retirement plans, and health and welfare benefits

• Support M&A and other transactional matters by identifying and assessing benefits-related risks, conducting due diligence, and drafting relevant portions of deal documents

• Assist clients with the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of employee benefit plans and executive compensation arrangements

• Provide counsel on compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code (including 409A and 280G), COBRA, HIPAA, and ACA requirements

• Draft and review plan documents, employee communications, board materials, and other relevant documents

• Collaborate closely with corporate, tax, and employment attorneys across the firm

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of experience in executive compensation and employee benefits, ideally in a law firm setting

• Experience working on benefits and compensation aspects of mergers and acquisitions

• Deep knowledge of applicable laws and regulatory frameworks (ERISA, IRC, etc.)

• Strong academic credentials and excellent writing, research, and communication skills

• A proactive, detail-oriented, and client-focused mindset

• Admission to the Tennessee Bar or eligibility to become licensed in Tennessee

• Residency in or willingness to relocate to the Nashville area prior to the start date

Why Join This Team?

This is a high-visibility role offering meaningful client contact, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to work with a collegial group of attorneys who take pride in fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment. The firm offers a platform for long-term career growth, training, and advancement within a nationally recognized practice group.