Executive Compensation and Benefits Associate

A law firm seeks a highly motivated junior to mid-level associate to join its Executive Compensation and Benefits practice in Boston, MA. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work alongside a skilled team specializing in crafting compensation and benefits solutions that meet the needs of employers, while also optimizing benefit spending. The ideal candidate will bring a tax background and an eagerness to develop expertise in executive compensation and employee benefits law, with training provided to enhance skills in this specialized area.

Duties:

• Collaborate with a team to develop and administer employee compensation and benefits programs, including retirement plans, welfare plans, and equity compensation packages.
• Advise employers on the design and implementation of severance agreements, employment contracts, and change-in-control arrangements.
• Guide clients in the financial services industry, focusing on investment management agreements and pension plan structuring.
• Assist clients in navigating complex fiduciary and prohibited transaction issues under ERISA.
• Support clients with structuring pension plan investments to avoid ERISA regulations when possible, utilizing tools like VCOCs (venture capital operating companies) and REOCs (real estate operating companies).
• Stay updated on regulatory changes, tax developments, and legal trends affecting executive compensation and benefits.
• Work closely with labor and employment teams to formulate practical solutions to various employment-related issues.
• Conduct legal research and draft client-facing documents, such as memorandums and agreements.

Requirements:

• Junior to mid-level associate with some experience in executive compensation, employee benefits, or tax law (experience in either field is ideal).
• Strong academic background, including a law degree from an accredited institution.
• A tax background (through practice or academic experience) is preferred.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and provide practical solutions.
• Interest in developing expertise in executive compensation and benefits law.
• Strong communication and drafting skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A genuine interest in staying current with evolving industry trends and regulatory changes.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• LL.M. degree in tax law is preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Tax law expertise or coursework, ideally with some exposure to executive compensation or employee benefits.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to think critically and provide creative legal solutions.
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career development and professional growth.
• Access to continuous training in executive compensation and benefits law.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plans with firm contributions.
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Work-life balance initiatives and flexible work arrangements.

This position is a fantastic opportunity for a driven associate to deepen their expertise in executive compensation and benefits while working with a dynamic team in a growing practice.

This mid-sized Boston offices practice is transactional in nature and focused on banking and real estate finance, development, and leasing. Attorneys represent domestic banks, investment banks, and U.S. branches of major European, Scandinavian and Japanese banking organizations. All beginning associates participate in a formal legal education program designed to acquaint them with the fundamentals of the firm's practice. Attorneys enjoy competitive salaries and benefits and are encouraged to participate in pro bono work.