ERISA & Executive Comp/Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mid to Senior Associate – ERISA & Executive Compensation

Practice Area: Tax, Securities & Employee Benefits – Executive and Equity Compensation

Location: Washington, D.C.

Schedule: Full-time; aligned with large firm billable expectations

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience; includes eligibility for performance-based bonuses and full benefits

About the Firm:

Our client is a nationally prominent law firm with a sophisticated and growing Executive Compensation & ERISA practice. The firm represents public and private companies at all stages of growth, from emerging startups to multinational corporations, with a strong emphasis on equity compensation design and compliance in connection with corporate transactions, IPOs, and ongoing advisory matters.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will join the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as part of its Business Law Department. Core responsibilities will include:

• Advising on the design, implementation, and operation of equity-based and other incentive compensation plans.
• Counseling public and private companies on complex tax and securities issues (including Sections 409A, 280G, and 162(m)) related to executive compensation.
• Supporting M&A, SPACs, IPOs, and private equity transactions by providing analysis and documentation related to compensation and benefits.
• Interpreting and advising on ERISA, COBRA, and benefits compliance issues, especially in transactional settings (preferred but not required).
• Working closely with clients, boards of directors, and compensation committees on strategic executive pay matters.

Required Credentials:

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school with excellent academic credentials
• 4–6 years of experience in a law firm setting with a focus on executive compensation and/or ERISA
• Demonstrated experience leading workstreams in transactions or equity compensation plan administration
• Strong understanding of relevant tax and securities compliance matters
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Admission to the D.C. Bar or eligibility to obtain it promptly (preferred)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working directly with clients in highly regulated industries or public companies
• Background in advising on golden parachutes, deferred compensation, and proxy disclosure requirements
• Familiarity with employee benefits diligence in M&A or capital markets transactions
• Exposure to qualified retirement plans and welfare plan compliance is a plus

Legal Notice:

"This job advertisement is a general announcement created to attract qualified candidates on behalf of our client. It is not a complete job description or an offer of employment. Salary and benefits details may vary and are not always disclosed. We pre-vet every employer but cannot guarantee how the offer and the job will turn out. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages individuals of all religions, nationalities, genders, sexualities, ideologies, creeds, beliefs or backgrounds who are qualified for the role to apply! By applying you consent to People Placers messaging you via SMS or other means to update you on the application progress. You may opt out at any time."