ERISA & Executive Comp/Benefits Associate Attorney
Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Mid to Senior Associate – ERISA & Executive Compensation
Practice Area: Executive Compensation, Equity Incentives, and Employee Benefit Plans (ERISA)
Location: Boston, MA
Schedule: Full-time; aligned with AmLaw 100 billable expectations
Salary: Competitive based on experience; includes annual bonus eligibility and comprehensive benefits
About the Firm:
Our client is a nationally acclaimed law firm with a sophisticated ERISA and Executive Compensation team that advises on high-stakes corporate transactions and provides strategic guidance to both public and private companies. The Boston office is a core hub of the firm’s business law practice and offers a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment supporting innovation and top-tier client service.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
- Counsel clients on equity and incentive compensation programs (stock options, RSUs, performance-based equity, etc.).
- Advise on federal tax and securities law issues affecting executive compensation (including Sections 409A, 280G, and 162(m)).
- Provide support on M&A, IPOs, and other strategic transactions, including plan rollovers, golden parachute analysis, and due diligence.
- Interpret and apply ERISA, COBRA, and related benefits laws in both advisory and transactional contexts (preferred but not required).
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across corporate, tax, employment, and litigation practices on client engagements.
Required Credentials:
- J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school
- 4–6 years of relevant experience, ideally at a nationally recognized law firm
- Strong foundation in executive compensation and incentive plan design
- Experience advising clients on complex tax and securities regulations
- Outstanding communication skills and proven ability to manage workstreams independently
- Admission to the Massachusetts Bar or eligibility to obtain promptly (preferred)
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with public company reporting obligations and proxy disclosures for executive pay
- Experience handling compensation issues in connection with mergers, SPACs, and other exits
- Prior experience working directly with boards of directors, HR professionals, or compensation committees
- Exposure to qualified plan rules and benefits compliance (ERISA, 401(k), health & welfare plans)
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."