Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits/ERISA Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

People Placers Staffing is proud to present this exceptional opportunity on behalf of a premier legal institution seeking to integrate high-caliber judicial clerks into their world-class corporate and litigation infrastructure.

§ Title: Judicial Clerkship Transition | 2026 Associate Class – Executive Remuneration & Employee Benefits

Practice Area: Sophisticated Executive Compensation, ERISA, and Strategic Human Capital Governance

§ Location: New York, NY

§ Salary: $235,000 to $460,000 Base Salary (Subject to clerkship bonus eligibility and the prevailing 2026 New York market scale; comprehensive elite-tier benefits included)

§ Schedule: Full-time, Direct-Hire, Minimum 1,850 hours annual billed

§ The Firm

Our client is a preeminent Global Top 10 law firm, frequently lauded as a cornerstone of the international legal landscape with a legacy of excellence spanning over a century. Consistently securing Tier 1 rankings across Chambers USA and The Legal 500, the firm is a dominant force in high-stakes corporate transactions and complex litigation. Their Executive Compensation & Benefits practice is particularly renowned, serving as the architect for multi-billion dollar M&A remuneration structures and advising the boards of the most influential Fortune 100 entities.

Founded on the principles of intellectual rigor and unwavering client service, the firm has cultivated a culture that prizes the unique analytical perspective of former judicial clerks. Recognized by Martindale-Hubbell with the highest possible ratings, this institution provides a platform where the transition from the bench to private practice is supported by unparalleled mentorship and access to the world’s most significant legal matters.

§ Duties

As a member of the 2026 Associate Class, the incoming attorney will leverage their refined judicial insights to navigate the intersection of tax law, securities regulation, and labor dynamics. The role demands an ability to synthesize complex statutory frameworks into actionable strategic counsel for a diverse roster of global clients.

Core responsibilities include:

⨖ Advising on the technical intricacies of Executive Compensation within the context of massive corporate mergers, acquisitions, and initial public offerings.

⨖ Drafting and negotiating complex employment agreements, equity-based incentive programs, and sophisticated severance arrangements.

⨖ Analyzing and interpreting the implications of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically sections 409A, 280G, and 162(m), to ensure tax-optimized remuneration.

⨖ Collaborating with the litigation and transactional teams to provide expert guidance on ERISA fiduciary responsibilities and employee benefit plan compliance.

⨖ Conducting deep-dive legal research and drafting high-level memoranda regarding evolving corporate governance standards and regulatory disclosures.

§ Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate the elite academic and professional pedigree required for a Top 10 global practice.

⨖ Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a top-tier, ABA-accredited law school with exceptional academic honors.

⨖ Completion of, or current service in, a prestigious Federal or State Supreme Court clerkship concluding in 2026.

⨖ Active Bar Membership in the State of New York, or eligibility for prompt admission via reciprocity or examination.

⨖ Superior writing and analytical skills, as evidenced by a distinguished record during the judicial clerkship tenure.

⨖ Commitment to a career in high-end transactional or specialized regulatory law.

§ Skills

The following credentials and experiences are highly valued and will distinguish top applicants:

⨖ Prior experience or a demonstrated interest in corporate tax, securities law, or employment litigation.

⨖ Advanced coursework or an L.L.M. in Taxation or Corporate Law.

⨖ Proven ability to manage multi-faceted projects with extreme attention to detail and a high degree of discretion.

⨖ Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to articulate complex legal concepts to C-suite executives and boards of directors.

!Notice¡

*This a job advertisement on behalf of our client and does not reflect the full job description for the role. Any qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. You will need to provide law school transcripts, a writing sample or deal sheets, and a cover letter in order to be considered for this role. This posting does not constitute an offer of employment. and the listed compensation details may vary by state or experience and will be discussed thoroughly during interview phase.