Compensation and Benefits Associate, Multiple US Locations · Vault Top 10 Firm

This role offers the chance to join a top 10 law firm's executive compensation and benefits team, handling complex pay structures and governance issues in major M&A transactions and executive arrangements. The team advises corporations, investors, and executives on compensation architecture and regulatory compliance.

The work:

• Navigate executive compensation and benefits aspects of private equity and public company M&A transactions, IPOs, and asset sales
• Structure, design, and advise on executive compensation plans and programs
• Draft and review employment agreements, equity arrangements, and severance provisions
• Advise on compliance with tax law, ERISA, securities regulations, and state employment laws
• Conduct legal research on emerging compensation law and market trends
• Collaborate with tax and corporate colleagues to integrate compensation issues into deal structure

What they're looking for:

• 2–6 years of transactional legal experience, with meaningful work on M&A executive compensation and benefits matters
• Strong background in executive compensation, employee benefits, or ERISA
• Drafting and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and with partners and clients
• Practical experience with legal AI tools is preferred
• Admitted or eligible for prompt admission to practice in employment state