This Associate position is with the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group, based in the Washington D.C. office.
You will advise on executive compensation and employee benefits law, covering areas such as equity plans, executive retention packages, retirement and welfare plans, and compensation arrangements in mergers and acquisitions.
Core responsibilities include conducting legal research and writing for various legal documents (e.g., briefs, contracts, correspondence), assisting with and managing complex cases and transactions, and engaging with clients to provide updates and advice.
You will also ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations.
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of direct and applicable experience, with a preference for experience gained at an AmLaw 100 firm.
A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required, and you must be admitted to practice in the District of Columbia.
Essential skills include strong analytical, research, writing, and organizational abilities; attention to detail; sound business judgment; and the capacity to work both collaboratively and independently.
The work arrangement is hybrid, requiring regular in-office presence in Washington D.C. with some flexibility for remote work.
The anticipated annual salary range for this role is $225,000 to $260,000, subject to market location, experience, and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k), is provided.

June 2, 2026

Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate (DC)

ERISAEmployee BenefitsExec CompM&A

DLA PiperDistrict of Columbia

Practice area

ERISA · Employee Benefits · Exec Comp · M&A

PQE

2+ years

Location

District of Columbia, District of Columbia

Salary

$225,000 - $260,000

Employment type

Full-time

Overview

This Associate position is with the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group, based in the Washington D.C. office.
You will advise on executive compensation and employee benefits law, covering areas such as equity plans, executive retention packages, retirement and welfare plans, and compensation arrangements in mergers and acquisitions.
Core responsibilities include conducting legal research and writing for various legal documents (e.g., briefs, contracts, correspondence), assisting with and managing complex cases and transactions, and engaging with clients to provide updates and advice.
You will also ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations.
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of direct and applicable experience, with a preference for experience gained at an AmLaw 100 firm.
A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required, and you must be admitted to practice in the District of Columbia.
Essential skills include strong analytical, research, writing, and organizational abilities; attention to detail; sound business judgment; and the capacity to work both collaboratively and independently.
The work arrangement is hybrid, requiring regular in-office presence in Washington D.C. with some flexibility for remote work.
The anticipated annual salary range for this role is $225,000 to $260,000, subject to market location, experience, and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k), is provided.

Trusted recruiters

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

Top recruiter for this opening
Susan Belardi
Legal Recruiter
Legal Placement Consultants LLC
Why talk to Susan Belardi?
Sean Robinson joined DLA Piper's District of Columbia office in the Intellectual Property group.
A chain of work colleagues put me in touch with Susan when I wanted to transition to a new position. Susan was extremely transparent about her process and asked for my explicit permission before contacting firms on my behalf, which gave me the chance to research firms and decide whether I felt the fit was right. Susan helped me learn information about firms and helped me practice my interview skills so I went into an interview confident and armed with knowledge that immediately struck a chord with the people who interviewed me. She never gave up on me, even when I got discouraged. I got a great job with DLA Piper thanks to Susan's hard work, and I'm extremely happy!
Sean Robinson
DLA Piper • District of Columbia

Trusted recruiters

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

Top recruiter for this opening
Susan Belardi
Legal Recruiter
Legal Placement Consultants LLC
Why talk to Susan Belardi?
Sean Robinson joined DLA Piper's District of Columbia office in the Intellectual Property group.
A chain of work colleagues put me in touch with Susan when I wanted to transition to a new position. Susan was extremely transparent about her process and asked for my explicit permission before contacting firms on my behalf, which gave me the chance to research firms and decide whether I felt the fit was right. Susan helped me learn information about firms and helped me practice my interview skills so I went into an interview confident and armed with knowledge that immediately struck a chord with the people who interviewed me. She never gave up on me, even when I got discouraged. I got a great job with DLA Piper thanks to Susan's hard work, and I'm extremely happy!
Sean Robinson
DLA Piper • District of Columbia

Last updated: June 3, 2026

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