Global Equity Junior Associate Attorney (Employee Benefits) - Am Law 100

Job Description

Job Description

Global Equity Junior Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Global Equity Junior Associate Attorney with at least 2 years of experience to join a leading Am Law 100 law firm and its market-leading Global Equity practice.

Locations

Palo Alto, CA | San Francisco, CA

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have experience advising on executive compensation, employee stock plans, equity awards, and cross-border employment matters . This role offers the opportunity to work with public and private companies on sophisticated international compensation matters involving securities, tax, employment, labor, data privacy, and corporate transactions.

Responsibilities

• Advise U.S. and multinational companies on the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of global equity compensation and employee stock purchase plans.
• Assist clients with international legal, tax, employment, exchange control, securities, and regulatory issues affecting equity awards and incentive compensation arrangements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate documentation related to:
  • Equity incentive plans
  • Stock option, restricted stock unit (RSU), and performance award agreements
  • Employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs)
  • Deferred compensation arrangements
  • Executive compensation and employment-related agreements
• Support mergers and acquisitions , spin-offs, initial public offerings (IPOs), and other corporate transactions involving employee stock plans and equity awards.
• Conduct legal research and prepare analyses regarding global equity compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Coordinate with local counsel worldwide to implement and maintain international equity compensation programs.
• Advise clients on evolving global tax, securities, employment, labor, and data privacy requirements affecting compensation arrangements.
• Collaborate with attorneys across Corporate, Tax, Employment, Privacy, and Benefits practices on complex cross-border matters.
• Provide practical, business-focused legal advice on complex global compensation issues.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in executive compensation, employee benefits, global equity, tax, employment, or related corporate transactional matters at a law firm or Big Four accounting firm.
• Experience with global equity compensation and incentive plans.
• Experience with employee stock options and other equity awards.
• Familiarity with cross-border employment and labor law issues.
• Understanding of international tax and regulatory considerations affecting compensation programs.
• Knowledge of securities law compliance related to equity compensation.
• Familiarity with data privacy considerations impacting employee compensation programs.
• Experience supporting corporate transactions involving equity awards and incentive arrangements preferred.
• Prior exposure to cross-border transactions, international employment issues, or global equity compensation programs strongly preferred.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical, legal writing, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and client relationships in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• J.D. from an accredited law school; LL.M. preferred.
• Admission to the California Bar required.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $235,000–$310,000 annually , depending on geographic location, experience, skills, educational and professional background, and other relevant factors.

Work Environment

This position follows a hybrid work model with regular in-office presence and some flexibility to work from home.

Application Requirements

Candidates should be prepared to submit a resume, cover letter, and law school transcript .