Lateral Associate Attorney

A law firm in Boston, MA, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lateral Associate Attorney with 3-7 years of experience in executive compensation and employee benefits matters. The candidate will play a key role in advising companies, investors, and executives on all aspects of executive compensation, benefits, and ERISA issues, particularly in the context of corporate transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs. The ideal candidate should be well-versed in drafting legal documents, developing strategies, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance and support on executive compensation and employee benefits issues related to corporate transactions, including private equity and public company transactions like mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and asset sales.
• Advise clients on all aspects of executive compensation, benefits, and ERISA issues, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, including tax laws and securities regulations.
• Assist in the design, implementation, and administration of executive compensation plans and programs.
• Draft, review, and negotiate employment agreements, severance agreements, and other compensation-related documents.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on executive compensation, employee benefits regulations, and emerging industry trends.
• Advise clients on the legal implications of their executive compensation arrangements and employee benefits plans.
• Assist in the negotiation and drafting of executive employment contracts, equity compensation plans, and deferred compensation arrangements.
• Collaborate with other practice groups, such as tax and corporate, to provide comprehensive legal solutions for clients.
• Monitor and advise clients on compliance with federal and state laws, including ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor regulations.
• Stay up to date on developments and best practices in executive compensation and employee benefits, providing proactive counsel to clients.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Admission to practice in Massachusetts or eligibility for admission.
• 3-7 years of experience in executive compensation and employee benefits matters, including M&A-related transactional work.
• Proven experience working on executive compensation and employee benefits issues in the context of corporate transactions, including private equity and public company matters.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, tax laws, and securities regulations as they pertain to executive compensation and employee benefits.
• Ability to draft and negotiate employment agreements, severance agreements, and compensation-related documents with a high degree of accuracy and detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising companies, investors, and executives on complex executive compensation and employee benefits matters.
• Expertise in handling the benefits and executive compensation aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs for both private and public companies.
• Familiarity with retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and other traditional employee benefits arrangements.
• Experience designing, implementing, and administering executive compensation plans and programs in compliance with applicable regulations.

Education and Certifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Massachusetts State Bar or eligibility for admission.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of executive compensation and employee benefits laws, including ERISA, tax laws, and securities regulations.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.
• Sharp analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with other team members.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Intellectual curiosity and a commitment to staying updated on relevant legal developments and best practices.

Corporate work is the driving force in this large firm although in recent years, IP has played an increasingly important role. Its Boston offices are spacious, modern, and beautifulone of the most satisfying and prestigious firms in which to work. We know of few firms that compete with this firm in terms of the quality and consistency of the work product. Although the hours can be substantial, the compensation is top of the line here, and associates are generally quite happy to be practicing at the top of their profession.