Job Details

Tax Associate – Executive Compensation, Employment & Benefits (Junior-Level)

Direct Counsel is representing an AmLaw 100 firm seeking a junior-level associate to join the Executive Compensation, Employment & Benefits practice group within the Tax Department. The role is ideal for attorneys with foundational experience in compensation and benefits matters who are looking to develop within a sophisticated and collaborative team.

Locations: Century City | New York, NY | Orange County | San Diego | San Francisco | Silicon Valley | Washington, D.C.

Practice Area: Executive Compensation, Employment & Benefits

Experience Level: Minimum 2 Years

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on the design, implementation, and administration of executive compensation and employee benefit plans.
• Assist with equity compensation, deferred compensation, employment agreements, severance arrangements, and incentive plans.
• Provide support in the tax and ERISA aspects of M&A, private equity, and capital markets transactions.
• Draft and negotiate compensation-related documentation in transactional and advisory contexts.
• Stay current on developments in IRS regulations, Code Sections 409A, 280G, and 162(m), and relevant securities law and labor considerations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction or eligible for admission.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in executive compensation, employment benefits, or related tax law.
• Familiarity with ERISA, IRC compliance, and benefits issues in corporate transactions is strongly preferred.
• Excellent drafting, communication, and legal analysis skills.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and a collaborative mindset.