Associate Attorney with 4-8 years of experience

A law firm in Los Angeles, CA, is seeking an Associate Attorney with 4-8 years of experience in compensation and benefits matters, specifically focusing on IRC Section 409A and 280G. The ideal candidate will also have a strong desire to expand the firm’s tax practice to include corporate and partnership tax matters.

Duties:

• Advise clients on executive compensation and benefits, with a focus on compliance with IRC Section 409A and 280G regulations.
• Provide legal counsel on tax-related aspects of compensation plans, stock options, deferred compensation, and employee benefits.
• Draft, review, and negotiate compensation and benefits agreements for corporate transactions, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Handle matters related to golden parachute payments, severance packages, and equity compensation plans.
• Assist in the development and expansion of the firm’s corporate and partnership tax practice.
• Conduct legal research on tax laws, including corporate and partnership tax issues, to support client transactions and compliance efforts.
• Work collaboratively with clients’ financial and tax advisors to ensure integrated and compliant tax and benefits strategies.
• Represent clients in dealings with tax authorities, including the IRS, on matters related to compensation and benefits.
• Stay informed of new developments in tax laws, particularly those affecting executive compensation and corporate tax structures.
• Assist senior attorneys with complex corporate transactions and tax planning strategies.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active member of the California State Bar in good standing.
• 4-8 years of experience handling compensation and benefit matters, with a specific emphasis on IRC Section 409A and 280G.
• A demonstrated desire to expand expertise into corporate and partnership tax law.
• Familiarity with federal and state tax regulations related to compensation and benefits.

Certifications:

• Tax LLM (preferred but not required).
• Certifications in Executive Compensation or Benefits Law (a plus).

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of IRC Section 409A and 280G, with experience advising on compliance and structuring compensation plans.
• Strong legal drafting skills for compensation agreements, executive contracts, and benefits plans.
• Excellent research and analytical skills to navigate complex tax and compensation regulations.
• Strong client communication and advisory skills, with the ability to explain complex tax issues clearly.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
• Desire to contribute to the growth and development of the firm’s tax practice.
• Team-oriented, with the ability to collaborate with colleagues and clients’ advisors on tax planning and compliance strategies.

Benefits:

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Contributions to health and dental plans.
• Subsidized gym membership.
• Disability coverage.

Although this Los Angeles-based firm boasts a fairly solid full-service practice, its high-profile entertainment department has brought the firm celebrity status and established it as one of the nations premier entertainment law firms. The firm has an entrepreneurial and aggressive feel to it, yet candidates often remark how wonderfully balanced its attorneys lives appear to be. While associates work hard, people are friendly and seem to genuinely enjoy spending time together outside of work. The pay is decent though slightly lower than the top firms (reputedly a trade-off for lower billable hour requirements); nevertheless, the firm consistently manages to attract some of the best talent in the United States.