Corporate & Tax Associate Attorney Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Mid-Level)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a mid-level Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate to join a sophisticated Corporate & Tax practice in Los Angeles. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with significant experience advising companies, executives, boards, and compensation committees on executive compensation, employee benefits, and related transactional matters.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in executive compensation design, ERISA compliance, equity compensation arrangements, and the benefits aspects of complex corporate transactions.

ResponsibilitiesExecutive Compensation

• Advise public and private companies, boards, and senior executives on executive compensation matters
• Structure, negotiate, and draft:
  • Employment agreements
  • Executive compensation arrangements
  • Retention agreements
  • Separation and severance agreements
  • Change-in-control agreements
  • Equity award agreements
• Counsel clients on executive compensation strategies and governance considerations
• Advise compensation committees regarding fiduciary duties and best practices

Employee Benefits

• Advise clients regarding employee benefit plans and related compliance matters
• Counsel on:
  • ERISA compliance
  • Section 409A compliance
  • Deferred compensation arrangements
  • Top hat plans
  • Severance plans
  • Retirement and incentive compensation programs
• Assist with plan design, implementation, and administration issues

Equity Compensation

• Structure and advise on equity incentive programs, including:
  • Stock options
  • Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
  • Profits interests
  • Other equity-based compensation arrangements
• Review and draft equity compensation documentation
• Advise on tax, governance, and compliance considerations associated with equity plans

Transactional Support

• Lead employee benefits and executive compensation workstreams in:
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Financings
  • Corporate restructurings
  • Bankruptcy and restructuring transactions
• Conduct benefits and compensation due diligence
• Draft and negotiate transaction-related compensation provisions
• Advise clients on integration and post-closing compensation issues

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar membership or eligibility to practice in California
• 4–7 years of executive compensation and employee benefits experience
• Significant experience advising both companies and senior executives
• Strong knowledge of:
  • ERISA
  • Internal Revenue Code Section 409A
  • Executive compensation structures
  • Equity compensation arrangements
  • Employee benefit plans
• Experience with:
  • Employment agreements
  • Separation agreements
  • Equity incentive plans
  • Compensation committee matters
  • M&A compensation and benefits support
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to independently manage sophisticated matters and client relationships
• Strong academic credentials

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $250,000 – $300,000
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Generous paid time off and parental leave
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Professional development and business development support
• Formal mentoring and associate training programs

Why This Opportunity

• Work on sophisticated executive compensation and employee benefits matters
• Advise companies, boards, compensation committees, and senior executives
• Significant involvement in high-value M&A, financing, and restructuring transactions
• Direct client contact and meaningful responsibility
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial firm culture
• Strong mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth opportunities
• Opportunity to develop a highly specialized and in-demand practice

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.