Associate / Attorney - Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a recognized national full service firm with Chambers ranked corporate practice seeking a mid level Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate to join its Chicago, IL office.

This role offers direct access to sophisticated benefits and executive compensation work embedded in complex corporate and M&A transactions for major businesses. You will work closely with senior partners, take substantive ownership of key workstreams, and build a long term advisory practice on a growing national platform.

Company Highlights

• Join a well established national full service platform recognized by leading directories for corporate and litigation strength
• Advise on sophisticated corporate and M&A transactions for public and private companies, financial sponsors, and high growth businesses
• Benefit from a 14 office U.S. footprint offering cross office collaboration and exposure to varied markets
• Gain direct partner access within a collaborative, mentoring focused culture that supports early responsibility and client contact
• Leverage structured training, career development support, and a strong emphasis on work life balance and wellbeing

The Role

• Review employee benefit plans, agreements, and executive compensation programs in connection with corporate and M&A transactions
• Advise clients on design, implementation, and administration of employee benefits and executive compensation arrangements
• Draft and refine sophisticated plan documents, equity and incentive agreements, and related corporate documentation
• Manage multiple matters concurrently from initial analysis through execution, with substantial client and deal team interaction
• Collaborate with partners on business development initiatives and help strengthen relationships with key corporate clients

Ideal Candidate Profile

The firm is seeking a mid level Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate with:

• At least 5 years of focused experience in employee benefits and executive compensation
• Substantial background drafting and reviewing sophisticated corporate and transactional documents
• Current bar admission in Illinois or ability to obtain Illinois admission promptly
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Capacity to work in the Chicago office 5 days per week with strong client facing skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive package aligned with comparable national firm associate roles

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