Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate (CA)

DLA Piper; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 235,000 - 435,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking an associate to join its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group in California, with a focus on equity plans, executive retention packages, retirement and welfare plans, and other benefit arrangements in mergers and acquisitions. The role supports offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Palo Alto and Los Angeles and emphasizes collaboration and career growth.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical and writing skills, attention to detail, good business judgment,

Qualifications

• JD required; LLM/EB cert preferred.
• Bar admission in the state where you office.
• Minimum 2+ years in an AmLaw 100 firm.

Responsibilities

• Legal research to support transaction preparation and strategy.
• Draft memos, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist/manage complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution.
• Build and maintain internal and external client relationships.
• Collaborate with lawyers and professionals on transaction strategies.
• Attend client calls and meetings, including negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and precedents.
• Pursue ongoing training to enhance knowledge and leadership skills.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Strong research, analysis & problem‑sl

Attention to detail

Business and professional judgment

Organizational skills

Collaborative & independent work

Conceptual thinking

Persuasive communication

Management skills

Education

JD

LLM in Tax / Employee Benefits cert (preferred)

Accredited law school degree

Job description

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking an associate to join its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group. The group prides itself on being collaborative and supportive, offering an environment in which you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. We are looking for candidates who are intellectually curious and have a solid interest in executive compensation and employee benefits law, including with respect to equity plans and agreements, executive retention packages, retirement and welfare plans, and employee benefit plans and compensation arrangements in mergers and acquisitions. This position is open to our San Diego, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, and San Francisco offices. Interested candidates should have strong analytical and writing skills, attention to detail, good business judgment, excellent organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities as an Associate will vary based on level of experience and specific practice group.
• Legal Research: Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support transaction preparation and strategy.
• Legal Writing: Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including memos, contracts, and correspondence.
• Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement.
• Internal/External Client Interaction: Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly and with the utmost professionalism.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.
• Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities including client calls and meetings, negotiations, etc.
• Compliance: Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
• Professional Development: Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
• Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement: Engage in and contribute to firm programs and initiatives; civic and professional organizations; pro bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Desired Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good business and professional judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Conceptual thinking.
• Persuasive communication.
• Management skills.

Minimum Education

• JD (LLM in Tax and/or Employee Benefits Certificate preferred)
• Degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

Admitted to practice in the state in which you are officing.

Minimum Years Of Experience

• 2+ years of direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience preferred.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties;
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner;
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product;
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required;
• Foster positive work relationships;
• Comply with all firm policies and practices;
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as working at a computer for extended periods of time, participating in digital/virtual conference calls, and participating in meetings as needed;
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment;
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

• Hybrid – Regular in‑office presence with some flexibility for work‑from‑home.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at‑will nature of employment.

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $235,000 – $435,000 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k). Non‑California applicants who apply for this California‑based role do so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.