Our client is seeking a Chicago associate with 2–6 years of experience in executive compensation and employee benefits to advise companies, investors, and executives on complex compensation issues arising in corporate transactions and ongoing plan matters.
The Work
- Handle executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of private equity and public-company transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and asset sales.
- Advise companies, investors, and executives on compensation and benefits arrangements, compliance questions, and practical legal strategies.
- Support the design, implementation, and administration of executive compensation plans and programs.
- Draft and review employment agreements and other compensation-related documents, including executive employment contracts and severance agreements.
- Research and analyze applicable laws, regulations, and industry developments, including ERISA, tax laws, and securities regulations.
- Coordinate with corporate and tax colleagues to provide integrated advice to clients on transactional and compensation matters.
What You Bring
- Two to six years of legal experience handling executive compensation and employee benefits matters in M&A transactions.
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and strong academic standing.
- Admission to practice in Illinois or eligibility for prompt admission.
- Knowledge of relevant executive compensation, employee benefits, ERISA, tax, and securities laws and regulations.
- Experience drafting and negotiating executive employment agreements, severance agreements, and compensation-related documents.
- Strong analytical skills and careful attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with lawyers across practice areas.
- Familiarity with legal AI tools is preferred.
Why Consider It
This position combines hands-on executive compensation and benefits work across private equity and public-company transactions with counseling on plan design, employment arrangements, and compliance.
Associates work with companies, investors, and executives and collaborate with corporate and tax colleagues, offering varied matter exposure and meaningful involvement in client solutions.
Compensation & Benefits
The supplied base compensation estimate is $235,000–$390,000, based on the 2026 Cravath base scale; this is an estimate rather than firm-stated compensation.
Confidentiality
This is a confidential opportunity. Contact Advocates Legal Recruiting to discuss the role and receive additional details about the client and team. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.