Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate (DC)

Summary DLA Piper is seeking an associate to join its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group. The group prides itself on being collaborative and supportive, offering an environment in which you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. We are looking for candidates who are intellectually curious and have a solid interest in executive compensation and employee benefits law, including with respect to equity plans and agreements, executive retention packages, retirement and welfare plans, and employee benefit plans and compensation arrangements in mergers and acquisitions. This position is open to our Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington D.C offices. Interested candidates should have strong analytical and writing skills, attention to detail, good business judgment, excellent organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively and independently. Responsibilities Responsibilities as an Associate will vary based on level of experience and specific practice group. Legal Research: Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy. Legal Writing: Draft well‑written, error‑free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence. Case/Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement. Internal/External Client Interaction: Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly and with the utmost professionalism. Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative case/transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients. Attend, support, and participate in high‑level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials, etc. Compliance: Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents. Professional Development: Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills. Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement: Engage in and contribute to firm programs and initiatives; civic and professional organizations; pro bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities. Desired Skills Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Strong research, analytical and problem‑solving skills. Attention to detail. Good business and professional judgment. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively and independently. Conceptual thinking. Persuasive communication. Management skills. Minimum Education JD from an accredited law school. Certifications Admitted to practice in the state in which they are officing. Minimum Years of Experience 1 year of direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience preferred. Essential Job Expectations Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties; Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner; Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product; Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required; Foster positive work relationships; Comply with all firm policies and practices; Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as working at a computer for extended periods of time, participating in digital/virtual conference calls, and participating in meetings as needed; Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment; Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned. Physical Demands Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Work Environment Hybrid – Regular in‑office presence with some flexibility for work‑from‑home. Pay Transparency The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $225,000 – $260,000 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k). Equal Opportunity Employer DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #J-18808-Ljbffr DLA Piper