Associate Attorney, Compensation & Benefits (Private Equity)

Job overview

The Associate Attorney, Compensation & Benefits (Private Equity) role is listed onsite in Palo Alto, CA, with additional office locations in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Washington, DC. The anticipated annual base salary is $365,000+. The role joins a nationally recognized law firm’s Compensation & Benefits practice. The attorney advises private equity sponsors and portfolio companies on executive compensation and employee benefits across transactions and company operations. The work supports acquisitions, divestitures, and investment lifecycle matters through structuring, documentation, and guidance on related tax and regulatory issues.

What you'll do

• Advise private equity sponsors on executive compensation and employee benefits in acquisitions and divestitures
• counsel portfolio companies on compensation and benefits
• structure and document profits interests and LLC incentive awards
• advise on management holding company structures, rollover equity, and management equity incentives
• counsel on employment agreements and severance
• advise on Internal Revenue Code Sections 280G and 409A
• support mergers and acquisitions involving privately held companies.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

associate attorney

compensation & benefits

private equity

executive compensation

employee benefits

mergers & acquisitions

palo alto ca

direct counsel

$365k+

5+ years experience

parental leave

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• health savings and flexible spending accounts
• life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability, and long-term care coverage
• four weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick time, 10 paid holidays, parental leave, fertility benefits, backup care, and commuter benefits.

Why this role

Requires 5+ years of executive compensation and employee benefits experience, significant private equity transaction experience, and working knowledge of Internal Revenue Code Sections 280G and 409A.

About the employer

Direct Counsel is hiring for this role. Industry: Offices of Lawyers. Sector: 54.