Senior ESOP Transactions Associate – Chicago

Watts & Associates Recruitment; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Insurance benefits

Paid time off

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Watts & Associates is seeking an experienced ESOP Transactions & Services Associate to join its Chicago office in a hybrid arrangement. The role focuses on sophisticated ESOP transactions, ERISA compliance, and related corporate and governance matters for private companies, executives and fiduciaries.

The successful attorney will own complex matters, work with partners, and participate in a national platform that rewards initiative and business development.

Qualifications

• At least four years of substantive ESOP experience.
• Experience advising on ESOP transaction planning.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA and qualified retirement plans.
• Experience with Section 409A and executive compensation matters.
• Corporate governance experience.
• General corporate transactional capabilities.
• Excellent legal drafting, analytical and communication skills.
• Collaborative and commercially minded approach.
• Top law school background preferred; candidates from top schools attractive.

Responsibilities

• Advise on sophisticated ESOP transactions and related corporate and employee benefits matters.
• Structure, negotiate and document ESOP transactions.
• Counsel on ERISA and retirement plan requirements.
• Address Section 409A and executive compensation matters.
• Support corporate governance and fiduciary considerations.
• Assist with general corporate and private company transactions.
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents.
• Collaborate with owners, management, trustees, lenders and advisers.
• Manage workstreams with limited supervision.

Skills

ESOP transactions

ERISA knowledge

Section 409A

Corporate governance

Drafting & negotiation

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Watts & Associates is seeking an experienced ESOP Transactions & Services Associate to join its Chicago office in a hybrid arrangement. The role focuses on sophisticated ESOP transactions, ERISA compliance, and related corporate and governance matters for private companies, executives and fiduciaries.

The successful attorney will own complex matters, work with partners, and participate in a national platform that rewards initiative and business development.