Our client, a leading international law firm, is seeking a mid-level Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate to join its nationally recognized practice. The Associate will advise employers, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and corporate clients on sophisticated ERISA, executive compensation, retirement plans, ESOPs, health and welfare benefits, and corporate transactional matters. This opportunity offers meaningful responsibility, direct client interaction, and collaboration with nationally recognized practitioners on complex regulatory and transactional matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Advise on executive compensation arrangements, including employment agreements, deferred compensation, equity incentive plans, restricted stock, stock options, and other incentive programs; analyze Internal Revenue Code Sections 409A and 280G and benefits-related issues arising in M&A transactions, dispositions, and restructurings
•  Counsel clients on ERISA compliance, fiduciary obligations, governmental audits and investigations; advise on qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, 401(k), defined benefit and cash balance plans, and ESOP arrangements, including plan corrections and ongoing compliance
•  Advise on health and welfare benefit plans, including HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and FMLA requirements; assist with the design, implementation, administration, and maintenance of employee benefit and executive compensation programs; draft and review plan documents, amendments, summary plan descriptions, agreements, and disclosures

REQUIREMENTS:

•  5–6 years exp. handling substantive employee benefits and executive compensation matters in a law firm, accounting firm, consulting firm, government agency, or comparable setting
•  Significant knowledge of ERISA and Internal Revenue Code requirements applicable to retirement, welfare, and executive compensation arrangements; experience advising on benefits and compensation matters in corporate transactions
•  Experience with ESOP transactions and ongoing ESOP compliance
•  Exceptional analytical, drafting, communication, project management, and client-service skills; ability to independently manage multiple matters and collaborate effectively with a national practice team
•  JD from a nationally recognized and accredited law school with excellent academic credentials
•  Must be bar licensed or prepared to become licensed in the jurisdiction of the hiring office

TO APPLY: Please submit in PDF format a resume, transcript, and cover letter. A corporate transactional deal sheet is also strongly encouraged, or several representative transactional matters/deals should be included in your resume.