Lateral Associate Attorney

A law firm is seeking an experienced Lateral Associate Attorney to join its team in New York City. The ideal candidate will have 3-7 years of expertise in executive compensation and employee benefits matters, including experience in M&A-related transactional benefits work. This role involves providing legal support and strategic guidance on the benefits and executive compensation aspects of corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs. The candidate will work closely with companies, investors, and executives to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations while developing customized solutions for clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and guidance on executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs
• Advise companies, investors, and executives on all aspects of executive compensation, benefits, and ERISA issues
• Work with teams to develop strategies, draft legal documents, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Draft and review employment agreements, executive compensation plans, and other compensation-related documents
• Assist in the design, implementation, and administration of executive compensation and benefits programs
• Conduct legal research and analysis on relevant federal and state laws, including ERISA, tax laws, and securities regulations
• Provide legal counsel on compliance with executive compensation and employee benefits laws, ensuring that clients meet all regulatory requirements
• Assist in the negotiation and drafting of executive employment contracts, severance agreements, and other compensation-related agreements
• Work on the executive compensation and employee benefits portions of private equity and public company transactions, including asset sales
• Collaborate with other practice groups, such as tax and corporate, to provide comprehensive client solutions
• Stay updated on emerging legal developments and best practices in executive compensation and employee benefits
• Support the development of client relationships through responsive service and tailored legal advice

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• Admission to practice law in the state of New York, or eligibility to obtain admission promptly
• 3-7 years of experience in executive compensation and employee benefits matters, including M&A-related transactional benefits work
• Experience advising on ERISA issues, retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive compensation arrangements
• Strong understanding of federal and state laws related to executive compensation, benefits, ERISA, tax laws, and securities regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with both private equity and public company transactions, including IPOs and asset sales
• Expertise in designing and administering executive compensation plans, including equity compensation and incentive programs
• Strong drafting skills, with experience preparing employment agreements and severance agreements
• Ability to handle complex legal research and analysis with a focus on employee benefits and compensation issues

Education and Certifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• Admission to the New York State Bar (or eligibility to obtain admission promptly)

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of executive compensation and employee benefits laws and regulations, including ERISA, tax laws, and securities regulations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment
• Keen attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively to clients and colleagues

This law firm has an office in New York that provides legal services and advice on intellectual property matters, with a special focus on patent and other proprietary rights arising within the field of the Life Sciences. Attorneys provide high quality legal representation and creative solutions in bankruptcy and business restructuring, business and securities litigation, capital markets, finance, M&A, and white collar defense. The firm also specializes in health care, private equity, hedge funds, intellectual property, healthcare, and tax law. Clients include New York-based financial and business leaders. This office has a great atmosphere and offers competitive salaries. Pro bono work is also encouraged.