Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Associate (Chicago)

DLA Piper•Chicago, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

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, with a particular focus on private equity transactions. This position is open to our Chicago office.

Requirements

JD Degree from an accredited law school.
Admitted to practice in Illinois.
3 years of corporate experience.
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 (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) 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.
Embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture.

Nice To Haves

Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support transaction preparation and strategy.
Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including memos, contracts, and correspondence.
Assist/Manage a variety of complex transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement.
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.
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.
Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
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.