Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate (Chicago)

⚖️ Position: Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate

Location: Chicago, IL | Denver, CO

Experience: 4-6 years of experience

Compensation: $250,000–$315,000 annually

A nationally recognized law firm is seeking a Mid-Level Employee Benefits Associate to join its Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice in Chicago or Denver, advising employers, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and corporate clients on sophisticated benefits and compensation matters.

The role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced practitioners and practice leadership on complex executive compensation arrangements, ERISA matters, ESOP transactions, and benefits-related aspects of corporate transactions, while contributing to strategic benefits planning and regulatory counseling for public and private companies.

What You’ll Work On

• Executive compensation, including employment agreements, deferred compensation, equity incentive plans, restricted stock, and stock options
• Employee benefits matters arising from mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, and restructurings
• ERISA compliance, fiduciary matters, governmental audits, and investigations
• Qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, including 401(k), defined benefit, cash balance, and ESOP arrangements
• Health and welfare benefits, including HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and FMLA matters
• ESOP transactions and ongoing ESOP compliance
• Drafting and reviewing plan documents, amendments, SPDs, agreements, and disclosures
• Regulatory counseling and emerging employee benefits and executive compensation developments

What They’re Looking For

• 4-6 years of substantive employee benefits and executive compensation experience
• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
• Experience advising on ERISA and Internal Revenue Code requirements
• Experience supporting employee benefits matters in corporate transactions
• ESOP transaction and ongoing compliance experience
• Strong analytical, drafting, communication, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters and collaborate within a national team environment

Professional Development & Benefits

• Work alongside experienced lawyers and practice leadership
• Collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Robust training and professional development programs
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plans
• Paid parental leave, PTO, and paid holidays

Compensation

The estimated annual compensation range is $250,000–$315,000 , depending on relevant experience, skills, and other job-related factors.

Interested in exploring this opportunity? Submit your application through LinkedIn or reach out directly for a confidential conversation about the Mid-Level Employee Benefits Associate position in Chicago or Denver.