Employee Benefits Associate

Job Overview:
A highly regarded Am Law 100 law firm is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Associate to join its Tax Department within the Employee Benefits Practice Group. This role is based in the firm’s New York office and involves sophisticated advisory work related to employee benefits, executive compensation, and ERISA matters. The ideal candidate will bring strong transactional experience, particularly with private equity-backed mergers and acquisitions, as well as broad knowledge of compliance requirements under the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA. This is an excellent opportunity for a mid-to-senior level associate looking to work with a collaborative, client-focused team on high-impact matters.

Location:

• New York, NY

Duties:

• Advise clients on employee benefits and executive compensation issues in the context of mergers & acquisitions, particularly private equity transactions

• Draft, negotiate, and counsel on a wide range of executive compensation arrangements, including equity plans and employment/severance agreements

• Provide guidance on public company compensation programs and disclosure requirements

• Conduct due diligence and risk assessment related to employee benefit plans in corporate transactions

• Research and counsel clients on compliance with the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, and related laws

• Provide advice on qualified plan corrections and IRS/DOL compliance matters

• Advise on ERISA Title I issues related to fund formation and investment management

• Support deal teams on the benefits aspects of real estate, private credit, and structured finance transactions

Requirements:

• 5–7 years of experience in employee benefits and executive compensation law

• Substantial experience advising on private equity M&A transactions

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex benefit plan compliance matters

• Experience working with cross-practice teams in a large firm environment

• Strong client service orientation and team-based approach to legal practice

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited and nationally recognized law school

Certifications:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of New York or eligible for admission by waiver

Skills:

• Deep understanding of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and securities laws affecting executive compensation

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills related to compensation and benefit plan documents

• Excellent legal research and writing abilities

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects under tight deadlines

• Professional presence and interpersonal communication skills suited for client interaction

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with nationally recognized practitioners in a top-tier practice group

• Access to cutting-edge transactional and regulatory work

• Supportive, team-based professional environment

• Full suite of benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development resources

Providing sophisticated top-quality legal representation nationally and globally, this full-service law firm offers services in areas of corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, commercial finance, intellectual property, and trusts and estates. The firm's clients include public and private companies, Fortune 100, government and nonprofit organizations, and individuals. The firm has a collaborative and collegial environment where the most talented team of lawyers and professionals create creative and strategic solutions for clients' needs. In addition, the firm has an innovative team that provides strategies using new processes and software. The firm is committed to providing pro bono service and sponsoring a variety of programs that support education, arts and culture, health and welfare, and human rights. Focused on attracting diverse talents the firm provides various training and mentoring programs for professional growth. This nationally recognized firm has all the features of a successful law firm: highly skilled attorneys, amazing staff, a supportive work environment, and a competitive salary with great benefits.