The role's focus includes executive compensation and employee benefits law, encompassing equity plans and agreements, executive retention packages, retirement and welfare plans, and employee benefit plans and compensation arrangements in mergers and acquisitions, particularly within private equity transactions.
Key responsibilities involve conducting legal research and analysis to support transaction preparation and strategy, and drafting legal documents such as memos, contracts, and correspondence.
The associate will assist and manage a variety of complex transactions from inception to resolution, including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, and closings.
Engage in building and cultivating internal and external client relationships, collaborating with other lawyers and business professionals to develop innovative transaction strategies, and participating in high-level legal activities like client calls, meetings, and negotiations.
Responsibilities also include ensuring rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents, and proactively seeking ongoing training for professional development in legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
Candidates are expected to contribute to firm programs and initiatives, civic and professional organizations, and pro bono work.
A minimum of 3 years of corporate experience is required, with direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience preferred.
The position follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home.

DLA Piper

Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate

3+ PQE · August 27, 2026 (3 months ago)

DLA Piper

3+ PQE · August 27, 2026 (3 months ago)

Salary

$260,000 - $390,000

Employment type

Full-time

Practice area

ERISA · Employee Benefits · Exec Comp · Private Equity

Location

Chicago

Trusted recruiters

Work with a recruiter who has a real relationship with the hiring team and comes recommended by your peers.

Overview

The role's focus includes executive compensation and employee benefits law, encompassing equity plans and agreements, executive retention packages, retirement and welfare plans, and employee benefit plans and compensation arrangements in mergers and acquisitions, particularly within private equity transactions.
Key responsibilities involve conducting legal research and analysis to support transaction preparation and strategy, and drafting legal documents such as memos, contracts, and correspondence.
The associate will assist and manage a variety of complex transactions from inception to resolution, including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, and closings.
Engage in building and cultivating internal and external client relationships, collaborating with other lawyers and business professionals to develop innovative transaction strategies, and participating in high-level legal activities like client calls, meetings, and negotiations.
Responsibilities also include ensuring rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents, and proactively seeking ongoing training for professional development in legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
Candidates are expected to contribute to firm programs and initiatives, civic and professional organizations, and pro bono work.
A minimum of 3 years of corporate experience is required, with direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience preferred.
The position follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home.

Trusted recruiters

Top recruiter for this opening
Andrew J. Merson
Aardvark Legal Search
Andrew J. Merson
Aardvark Legal Search
T.J. Miller joined DLA’s Chicago office in the Real Estate group.
One thing that really stood out to me was Andrew sending me an opportunity even though it didn’t allow recruiter submissions. That told me he genuinely cared more about helping me find the right opportunity than just getting credit for a placement and I really respected that. Highly recommend!

View this job posting on the firm's site.

Last updated: November 10, 2026

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