ERISA & Executive Comp/Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Title: Mid to Senior Associate – ERISA & Executive Compensation

Practice Area: ERISA, Executive Compensation, Tax & Securities – Equity Compensation & Employee Benefit Plans

Location: San Francisco or Santa Monica, CA (candidate may indicate preference)

Schedule: Full-time; standard billable hour target for AmLaw 100 firms

Salary: 310,000 to $390,000 per year

About the Firm:

Our client, a premier national law firm ranked among the top 50 in the U.S., is seeking a midlevel or senior associate to join its ERISA and Executive Compensation practice within the Business Law Department. The firm is known for its strong business-focused counsel, collaborative culture, and sophisticated work across emerging growth, public companies, and private equity transactions.

Responsibilities:

The associate will work as part of a nationally recognized ERISA and executive compensation team, advising on matters such as:

• Structuring and implementing equity-based compensation plans (stock options, RSUs, PSUs, and other incentive programs).
• Counseling public and private companies on tax (IRC 409A, 280G, 162(m)) and securities law considerations related to executive and employee compensation.
• Supporting M&A, IPOs, and other strategic transactions by providing compensation- and benefits-related diligence, drafting, and negotiation.
• Advising on ERISA compliance and issues related to qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation, and employee benefit plan administration (preferred but not required).
• Collaborating cross-functionally with corporate, tax, labor, and litigation teams on compensation-related issues.

Required Credentials:

• J.D. from an accredited, top-tier U.S. law school
• 4 to 6 years of legal experience focused on equity compensation, executive compensation, or ERISA at a reputable law firm
• Excellent drafting skills and strong command of applicable tax and securities laws
• Demonstrated experience managing workstreams in complex transactions and working closely with clients
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Admission to the California Bar (or eligibility to obtain admission promptly) preferred

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to employee benefits-related diligence in M&A and IPOs
• Familiarity with qualified plan compliance (ERISA fiduciary rules, 401(k), DB/DC plans)
• Experience in advising boards, compensation committees, and HR leaders on incentive design and compliance
• Comfort operating in fast-paced deal environments with tight deadlines

Legal Notice:

"This job advertisement is a general announcement created to attract qualified candidates on behalf of our client. It is not a complete job description or an offer of employment. Salary and benefits details may vary and are not always disclosed. We pre-vet every employer but cannot guarantee how the offer and the job will turn out. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages individuals of all religions, nationalities, genders, sexualities, ideologies, creeds, beliefs or backgrounds who are qualified for the role to apply! By applying you consent to People Placers messaging you via SMS or other means to update you on the application progress. You may opt out at any time."