Direct Counsel
Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits Attorney (24 Years)
Direct Counsel, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60601
Job Description
Job Description
Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits Associate Attorney (2–4 Years) Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, or Washington, D.C.
Direct Counsel is partnering with a
nationally respected law firm
to identify a
mid-level associate
for its
Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits practice . This role offers the rare chance to work on a mix of
transactional deal work
and
day-to-day advisory matters , including
ESOPs, retirement plans, welfare plans, and executive compensation issues . If you're looking for a career path that combines high-impact client work, mentorship, and early responsibility, this opportunity deserves your attention. About the Role
This associate will support a broad range of matters, including: Structuring and negotiating employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) transactions
Advising on retirement plans (including compliance and corrections)
Drafting executive compensation agreements and incentive plans
Counseling clients on welfare benefit plans and regulatory compliance
You’ll work closely with shareholders and receive tailored feedback and development support while managing your own matters and contributing directly to the firm’s clients and growth. Ideal Candidate Profile
2–4 years of experience focused on executive compensation, employee benefits, or related transactional work
Exposure to ESOP transactions and/or compliance is preferred (but not required)
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Strong academic credentials and J.D. from an accredited law school
Admitted (and in good standing) or seeking admission in one of the following jurisdictions: IL, NY, CA, or D.C.
Why Join This Firm
Opportunity to handle complex and varied work within a supportive and collaborative team
Clear path for career growth and direct client exposure from day one
Hybrid work model: three days in office, two days remote
Transparent compensation, promotion structure, and business development training
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary:
$230,000 – $255,000 depending on experience
Discretionary annual bonus
Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision), wellness programs, and firm-paid life/disability insurance
401(k) with pre-tax and Roth options (administered by Vanguard)
Competitive PTO policy (vacation, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays)
Additional perks such as commuter benefits, backup child and elder care, EAP, and more
Job Description
Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits Associate Attorney (2–4 Years) Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, or Washington, D.C.
Direct Counsel is partnering with a
nationally respected law firm
to identify a
mid-level associate
for its
Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits practice . This role offers the rare chance to work on a mix of
transactional deal work
and
day-to-day advisory matters , including
ESOPs, retirement plans, welfare plans, and executive compensation issues . If you're looking for a career path that combines high-impact client work, mentorship, and early responsibility, this opportunity deserves your attention. About the Role
This associate will support a broad range of matters, including: Structuring and negotiating employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) transactions
Advising on retirement plans (including compliance and corrections)
Drafting executive compensation agreements and incentive plans
Counseling clients on welfare benefit plans and regulatory compliance
You’ll work closely with shareholders and receive tailored feedback and development support while managing your own matters and contributing directly to the firm’s clients and growth. Ideal Candidate Profile
2–4 years of experience focused on executive compensation, employee benefits, or related transactional work
Exposure to ESOP transactions and/or compliance is preferred (but not required)
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Strong academic credentials and J.D. from an accredited law school
Admitted (and in good standing) or seeking admission in one of the following jurisdictions: IL, NY, CA, or D.C.
Why Join This Firm
Opportunity to handle complex and varied work within a supportive and collaborative team
Clear path for career growth and direct client exposure from day one
Hybrid work model: three days in office, two days remote
Transparent compensation, promotion structure, and business development training
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary:
$230,000 – $255,000 depending on experience
Discretionary annual bonus
Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision), wellness programs, and firm-paid life/disability insurance
401(k) with pre-tax and Roth options (administered by Vanguard)
Competitive PTO policy (vacation, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays)
Additional perks such as commuter benefits, backup child and elder care, EAP, and more