Senior Executive Compensation & Benefits Attorney

Senior Executive Compensation & Benefits AttorneyNew York, NY | Hybrid | $390K - $455K BaseShields Group Search is partnered with a top-tier law firm client on a search for a senior-level attorney to join its Executive Compensation & Benefits practice in New York.We are seeking an attorney in roughly the 2016-2020 class year range or Counsel equivalent with deep experience in executive compensation and benefits from a major law firm. This person should be comfortable leading the executive compensation workstream in complex corporate transactions and have a track record of advising boards, companies, and executives on high-stakes compensation matters.Bonus points if you have experience with public company disclosure, compensation committee counseling, or cross-border equity arrangements.CompensationBase salary: $390K - $455KHybrid Work PolicyThis is a hybrid role based in New York. Attorneys are expected to be in the office Monday through Thursday, with eligibility to work remotely for specified periods during the year.Seniority4-8 years of experienceExperience as a practicing attorney in a major law firm’s Executive Compensation & Benefits groupWork ExperienceSenior Associate 2016-2020 class years or Counsel levelCurrently at a major law firm in an Exec Comp groupPrimary focus is transactional (M&A, PE, IPOs), not complianceHas independently run deal workstreams for executive compensationEducationJuris Doctor (JD) from a reputable law schoolHard SkillsDrafted core exec comp documents from scratch, for example employment agreementsAbility to run diligence and drive deliverables under deadlinesSolved complex Section 409A and 280G issues in live dealsExperience with public company disclosure such as CD&A supportExperience with cross-border equity or restructuring-related benefitsSoft SkillsStrong communication and collaboration with corporate deal teamsCan operate with autonomy and minimal partner oversightExplains complex technical rules clearly to non-specialistsMaintains precision and error-free drafting under tight deal deadlinesMiscellaneousHolds New York bar membership or has a clear pathWhat You’ll DoSupport M&A, private equity, spin-offs, IPOs, and restructuring matters on all executive compensation and benefits issuesTake ownership of diligence reviews, identifying liabilities and deal risks related to benefit plans and executive arrangementsWork closely with corporate, tax, and governance teams to draft and negotiate transaction agreement provisions related to employee benefits and executive compensationAdvise on equity award treatment in deals, including cash-out, assumption, conversion, acceleration, and retention packagesLead the structuring and documentation of executive employment agreements, severance arrangements, and equity incentive plansAnalyze and solve complex tax issues related to Sections 409A (deferred compensation), 280G (golden parachutes), and 162(m) (deductibility limits)Why Candidates Should JoinDeal-facing Executive Compensation role at an elite platformYou’ll run complex exec comp workstreams in major M&A deals, private equity transactions, IPOs, and restructurings, not back-office compliance workDirect board and compensation committee exposure where your advice shapes deal terms and governance outcomesPremium compensation at $390K-$455K base plus discretionary bonus for senior associate / counsel levelEnhanced lateral mentor program specifically designed for experienced attorneys transitioning firmsHybrid work model with Monday through Thursday in office and defined remote flexibility periodsYou’ll draft and negotiate core documents independently, including employment agreements, severance packages, equity plans, and change-in-control arrangementsReal ownership of 409A and 280G issues in live transactions where mistakes can kill dealsStrong professional development infrastructure and meaningful pro bono creditOur client’s Executive Compensation group sits at the center of major corporate events, you won’t be peripheral to the actionIf this looks relevant, feel free to reach out directly.