Compensation and Benefits Counsel

Block is one company built from many blocks, all united by the same purpose of economic empowerment. The blocks that form our foundational teams — People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, and more — provide support and guidance at the corporate level. They work across business groups and around the globe, spanning time zones and disciplines to develop inclusive People policies, forecast finances, give legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. Every challenge creates possibilities, and we need different perspectives to see them all. Bring yours to Block.

The Role

Block is looking for an experienced attorney with expertise across all things comp and benefits to join our legal team. You'll play a critical part supporting our Employment Legal team in all aspects of compensation and benefits matters, in the US and internationally. You will report into our Global Head of Employment Legal and act as a strategic advisor supporting all of our teams across Block.

You Will

•  Provide advice and counseling on a broad spectrum of issues regarding benefit plans and compensation programs, in the U.S. and internationally, including: equity award agreements, employee stock purchase plans, health benefits, wellness programs, perks, 401(k) plans, retirement, deferred compensation, and severance/executive severance, and the governance, interpretation and application of such plans, including appeals of benefits decisions.
• Perform due diligence and advise on compensation and benefits aspects of M&A, including purchase agreement review.
• Provide advice and counsel on legal requirements for stock administration, including updates to equity award agreements and granting equity outside the U.S.
• Support escalations regarding Block’s visa sponsorship program and immigration matters, working with and overseeing outside immigration counsel.
• Collaborate with partners and manage projects with a team-oriented approach.
• Evaluate benefit and compensation practices, policies, and processes to assess and complete priorities, and ensure compliance.
• Draft and review plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and employee communications, and assist with reporting.
• Conduct audits and support other compliance efforts.
• Provide guidance on executive compensation and separation including, Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 409A issues.
• Draft and review incentive compensation plans and templates.
• Monitor and provide proactive updates on legal developments regarding benefits, executive compensation and disclosure matters; assist with implementation and ongoing compliance with any new requirements.
• Manage outside counsel as appropriate on compensation and benefits matters.
• Assist in developing and conducting training and education programs for employees, managers, and the People team.
• Collaborate with local counsel to advise the People team and management on international compensation and benefits issues.

You Have

• J.D. degree and membership in at least one state bar.
• Minimum 8 years of post-bar legal experience in compensation and benefits. 
• Experience advising on complex and cross-border M&A matters.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with team members at all levels of the organization.
• Skill at balancing risk with business and practical considerations.
• The ability to make clear and concise recommendations, tailored to individual circumstances.
• Subject matter expertise in Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
• Subject matter expertise in executive compensation and governance matters.
• Knowledge of relevant tax laws, including IRC 409A and 162(m).
• International and in-house experience is a plus.
• Experience with visa sponsorship matters and/or benefits litigation is a plus.

We’re working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is an equal opportunity employer evaluating all employees and job applicants without regard to identity or any legally protected class. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, and always assess candidates on an individualized basis.

We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we’re doing to build a workplace that is fair and square? Check out our I+D page.

Block will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and "fair chance" ordinances.