Associate - Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation - Chicago or Washington, DC

McDermott Will & Schulte; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 235,000 - 455,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte is actively seeking attorneys with 3–5 years of experience advising on employee benefits and executive compensation in corporate transactions. The role involves handling employee benefits and compensation issues across private equity deals, strategic acquisitions, healthcare transactions, and carve-outs.

The successful candidate will draft and negotiate provisions in purchase agreements and related documents, oversee benefits due diligence, and work closely with deal

Qualifications

• 3–5 years advising on employee benefits and executive compensation in corporate transactions.
• Experience with private equity transactions, strategic acquisitions, healthcare transactions, and carve-outs.
• Knowledge of qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation, and health and welfare benefit plans.
• Experience due diligence of employee benefits and executive compensation matters.
• Ability to identify transaction-related risks and provide practical, business-oriented advice.
• Experience drafting and negotiating provisions in purchase agreements, TSAs, credit agreements, and related transaction documents.
• Ability to manage the employee benefits portion of transactions with corporate deal teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing, communication, analytical and client service skills; strong academic background.
• Must be admitted or eligible to practice in the jurisdiction of the office.

Responsibilities

• Advise on employee benefits and executive compensation in merger, acquisition and other corporate transactions.
• Help manage due diligence and integration of benefit plans during deals.
• Draft and negotiate provisions in transaction documents.
• Coordinate with deal teams to scope and resolve employee benefits issues during closings.

Skills

Employee benefits

Executive compensation

M&A due diligence

Contract drafting

Transaction management

Project management

Writing & communication

Academic excellence

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,450 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.

Here, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With Us, You’ll Find

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our McDermott Well program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

Job Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of experience advising on employee benefits and executive compensation matters in connection with mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions.
• Experience handling the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of a variety of transaction types, including private equity transactions, strategic acquisitions, healthcare transactions, and corporate carve-outs.
• Working knowledge of qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, and health and welfare benefit plans.
• Experience managing employee benefits and executive compensation due diligence, including reviewing, analyzing, and summarizing employee benefit plans, executive compensation arrangements, and related compliance matters.
• Ability to identify transaction-related risks and provide practical, business-oriented advice regarding employee benefits and executive compensation issues.
• Experience drafting and negotiating provisions in transaction documents, including purchase agreements, transition services agreements (TSAs), credit agreements, and related transaction documents.
• Ability to manage the employee benefits portion of transactions and work closely with corporate deal teams throughout all stages of a transaction.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing, communication, analytical, and client service skills, coupled with a strong academic background.
• Must be admitted, or eligible to be admitted, to practice in the jurisdiction of the office in which the candidate is located.

As part of our ongoing commitment to be #AlwaysBetter for our people, clients and communities, we have created a culture of belonging that champions your individuality as both a person and a professional. From our competitive compensation, top benefits and award-winning professional development programs to industry-leading wellness initiatives, we support you through every stage of your life and career. With McDermott, you can live a life you love both in and outside of the office.

Expected Pay Range for Associates: 2026/2025 Class Compensation Years: $235,000

2024 Class Compensation Years: $245,000

2023 Class Compensation Years: $270,000

2022 Class Compensation Years: $320,000

2021 Class Compensation Years: $385,000

2020 Class Compensation Years: $410,000

2019 Class Compensation Years: $440,000

2018 and more senior class compensation years: $455,000