About the Position:
Our client, a large international law firm, is seeking an employee benefits attorney to join its Chicago office as an associate. The firm helps employers handle the full range of retirement, welfare, and executive pay matters, from plan design and administration to litigation and corporate transactions.

Highlights:
· Relationship-driven and collaborative culture
· Recognized as a top law firm for innovation and technology use
· Commitment to pro bono work and community engagement initiatives

Responsibilities:
· Counsel employers, plan sponsors, and fiduciaries on executive compensation arrangements, including employment agreements, deferred compensation, equity incentive programs, and Section 409A considerations
· Handle the benefits and compensation aspects of M&A deals, dispositions, restructurings, and other corporate transactions
· Advise on retirement plans and health and welfare plans
· Prepare and review plan documents, amendments, and related disclosures, and guide clients through ERISA compliance, fiduciary issues, and government audits

Required Qualifications:
· 5-6 years of employee benefits and executive compensation experience
· Substantive knowledge of ERISA and Internal Revenue Code rules affecting retirement, welfare, and executive compensation arrangements
· Experience supporting benefits matters in corporate transactions, along with a background in ESOP transactions and compliance
· Strong academic credentials paired with excellent drafting skills

Location:
Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Compensation:
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $250,000 – $315,000.