Executive Compensation & Benefits Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Mid-Level Executive Compensation & Benefits Associate

Location : Nashville, TN; Dallas, TX; Philadelphia, PA

Direct Counsel is seeking a Mid-Level Executive Compensation & Benefits Associate to join a nationally respected law firm with a dynamic and collaborative team in its Nashville office. This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact role within the firm’s well-established Executive Compensation and Benefits Group, known for its involvement in sophisticated corporate transactions and its client-centered approach.

Position Overview :

The successful candidate will join a close-knit, high-performing team and take on substantive work from day one. The practice focuses on advising public and private companies, boards of directors, and management teams on a broad range of executive compensation and employee benefits issues, including those arising in the context of mergers, acquisitions, financings, and other corporate transactions.

This associate will also provide day-to-day counseling on tax-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities :

Advise clients on executive compensation and employee benefits matters, including equity and incentive compensation plans, deferred compensation, retirement plans, and health and welfare benefits

Support M&A and other transactional matters by identifying and assessing benefits-related risks, conducting due diligence, and drafting relevant portions of deal documents

Assist clients with the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of employee benefit plans and executive compensation arrangements

Provide counsel on compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code (including 409A and 280G), COBRA, HIPAA, and ACA requirements

Draft and review plan documents, employee communications, board materials, and other relevant documents

Collaborate closely with corporate, tax, and employment attorneys across the firm

Preferred Qualifications :

3–5 years of experience in executive compensation and employee benefits, ideally in a law firm setting

Experience working on benefits and compensation aspects of mergers and acquisitions

Deep knowledge of applicable laws and regulatory frameworks (ERISA, IRC, etc.)

Strong academic credentials and excellent writing, research, and communication skills

A proactive, detail-oriented, and client-focused mindset

Admission to the Tennessee Bar or eligibility to become licensed in Tennessee

Residency in or willingness to relocate to the Nashville area prior to the start date

Why Join This Team?

This is a high-visibility role offering meaningful client contact, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to work with a collegial group of attorneys who take pride in fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment. The firm offers a platform for long-term career growth, training, and advancement within a nationally recognized practice group.