Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney

Job Description Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY; Palo Alto, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Raleigh, NC; Reston, VA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Short Hills, NJ; Washington, DC; Wilmington, DEDirect Counsel is seeking an Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney to join a leading Am Law firm's nationally recognized Tax/Corporate practice . This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 3+ years of applicable corporate or executive compensation experience , particularly someone interested in working on sophisticated private equity and M&A-driven compensation and benefits matters .The ideal candidate will have strong experience advising on equity plans, executive compensation arrangements, retention and incentive packages, retirement and welfare plans, and employee benefits issues arising in mergers and acquisitions , with a particular emphasis on private equity transactions . This role offers substantive deal involvement, close collaboration with corporate deal teams, and meaningful client-facing responsibility in a highly strategic practice.Key Responsibilities Advise on employee benefits and executive compensation matters in complex transactionsSupport private equity, M&A, and other strategic corporate transactionsDraft and negotiate equity plans, award agreements, executive employment agreements, and retention packagesCounsel clients on retirement plans, welfare plans, and incentive compensation arrangementsConduct legal research and analysis related to ERISA, tax, securities, and executive compensation issuesAssist with transaction diligence, structuring, and closing supportAdvise on employee benefits and compensation issues in change-of-control and sponsor-backed transactionsWork collaboratively with corporate, tax, labor, and private equity teamsParticipate directly in client calls, negotiations, and strategic planning discussionsStay current on legal developments affecting benefits, compensation, and transactional structuresQualifications 3+ years of relevant corporate, employee benefits, or executive compensation experienceStrong interest in executive compensation and employee benefits lawExperience with equity compensation, executive retention, and incentive structuresFamiliarity with benefits and compensation issues in M&A and private equity transactionsAm Law 100 experience preferredExcellent research, drafting, analytical, and communication skillsStrong organizational skills and attention to detailSound business judgment and client management abilityAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environmentJD from an accredited law schoolActive bar admission in the state of office locationCompensation $260,000 – $390,000 , depending on geographic market, experience, and overall qualifications.Why This Opportunity This is an exceptional opportunity to join a top-tier executive compensation and benefits platform working on sophisticated sponsor-side and strategic corporate transactions. The role offers a highly collaborative culture, strong mentorship, hybrid flexibility, and the chance to develop a specialized, high-value practice at the intersection of tax, private equity, and M&A .