Pensions, Benefits and Executive Compensation Attorney

Dentons; Kansas City, St. Louis (MO, MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Dentons US LLP is seeking an associate or counsel to join our national Pensions, Benefits and Executive Compensation practice in Missouri. This role offers meaningful responsibility, direct client contact and mentorship within a market-leading team.

The position emphasizes sophisticated benefits/EXEC compensation work, client-facing advisory roles, and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; distill complex concepts into actionable advice.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative approach and enthusiasm for teamwork across practices and offices.

Responsibilities

• Advising on the full spectrum of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including plan design, compliance, fiduciary governance, IRS/DOL/PBGC issues, corrections and risk mitigation, and pay and benefits strategy.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating plan documents, equity plans, award agreements, employment and severance arrangements, and related disclosures.
• Providing strategic counseling on benefits and compensation issues in corporate transactions, including due diligence, 280G analysis, integration and post-closing harmonization.
• Conducting targeted legal research and translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance for clients.
• Contributing to thought leadership and internal know how to advance the practice and deepen client engagement.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organization

Teamwork

Job description

Pensions, Benefits and Executive Compensation Attorney - Kansas City or St. Louis

Culture and Engagement at Dentons

Fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture is a core priority at Dentons. We are committed to creating an environment that values and respects the contributions of all colleagues. By attracting, supporting, promoting and retaining highly qualified individuals of various backgrounds and experiences, we strengthen our ability to provide innovative solutions, deliver exceptional client service, and advance the success of our Firm. Dentons takes an active approach to promoting a collaborative and inclusive workplace by investing in professional development and culture initiatives.

Responsibilities and practice

Dentons US LLP is seeking an associate or counsel to join our nationally recognized Pensions, Benefits and Executive Compensation practice. This is an ideal role for a lawyer who is excited to advise sophisticated clients on cutting-edge employee benefits and executive compensation matters while developing as a trusted counselor within a market-leading practice. The position offers meaningful responsibility, direct client contact, mentorship from leading practitioners, and a clear pathway for professional growth. Candidates motivated by sophisticated work, a supportive team, and the opportunity to make an immediate impact are encouraged to apply and build their careers at Dentons.

Core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Advising on the full spectrum of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including plan design, compliance, fiduciary governance, IRS/DOL/PBGC issues, corrections and risk mitigation, and pay and benefits strategy.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating plan documents, equity plans, award agreements, employment and severance arrangements, and related disclosures.
• Providing strategic counseling on benefits and compensation issues in corporate transactions, including due diligence, 280G analysis, integration and post-closing harmonization.
• Conducting targeted legal research and translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance for clients.
• Contributing to thought leadership and internal know how to advance the practice and deepen client engagement.

Dentons offers a collegial, entrepreneurial environment where associates benefit from extensive resources, training, and mentorship while cultivating deep local and national client relationships. We operate at the forefront of pension, benefits and executive compensation strategy, bringing creativity, precision and practicality to help clients navigate evolving regulations, complex transactions and dynamic workforce trends.

Location and Compensation

Based on years of experience, Dentons US LLP associates may have a title of Associate, Managing Associate, or Senior Managing Associate. Dentons US LLP offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, short-term/long-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

• competitive salary
• medical
• dental
• vision
• 401k
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• life insurance
• tuition reimbursement
• paid time off
• paid holidays
• discretionary bonuses

Position requirements

Personal skills/attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill complex concepts into actionable advice.
• Meticulous attention to detail, strong presentation skills and a client-service mindset.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for teamwork across practices and offices.

Technical skills

• At least six years of experience advising on employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including qualified plans, health and welfare plans, equity compensation and nonqualified arrangements, is required.
• Prior law firm experience is required.

Other requirements

• The associate position will be located in Missouri and the individual must be licensed to practice law and be in good standing in the State of Missouri.
  • Location is more flexible for the counsel position; however, the individual must be licensed to practice law and be in good standing in the jurisdiction in which they reside and practice.
• Submission of a cover letter, resume, and law school transcript.

Equal opportunities

Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Disability/Vet. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.