Compensation Associate

Baker McKenzie•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$235,000 - $365,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Baker McKenzie seeks a junior- to mid-level associate attorney for its Global Equity Services/Compensation practice, based in its San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York office. The Compensation Practice provides counsel on share-based and other incentive programs, executive and director compensation arrangements, employee benefits, pensions, and global mobility programs. The practice advises on tax and regulatory issues involving compensation arrangements offered in the United States and globally to employees, consultants, and other service providers. More than 40 practitioners in North America are exclusively dedicated to the Compensation practice. The ideal candidate has two to five years of experience helping clients design, implement, and maintain global incentive and compensation arrangements, particularly share-based plans. The role includes drafting correspondence, memoranda, legal opinions, and other client-related documents, and advising on legal, regulatory, and tax matters involving global compensation arrangements in cross-border M&As, spin-offs, divestitures, IPOs, and redomestications. Candidates should have strong academic credentials and excellent communication and writing skills, and stay current on U.S. and non-U.S. securities, tax, currency control, employment, and other laws affecting these arrangements. The firm will also consider candidates with experience advising on U.S. domestic executive compensation and other incentive arrangements, or with a strong global tax or global employment law background. Major law firm experience is a plus. Applicants must be admitted to and a member in good standing of the Bar in the state where they will work. Applications should include a cover letter, transcripts, resume, and writing sample. The position is full-time and hybrid. It is bonus eligible and includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) benefits based on the number of hours worked. The expected annual US base compensation is $235,000 to $365,000 for positions in California, Illinois, or New York; individual pay depends on work location and other factors, including relevant skills, experience, education, and training.

Requirements

Two to five years of experience assisting clients with global incentive and compensation arrangements, particularly share-based plans.
Strong academic credentials.
Excellent communication and writing skills.
Must be admitted to and a member in good standing of the Bar in the state of employment.
Application must include a cover letter, transcripts, resume, and writing sample.

Nice To Haves

Experience advising on U.S. domestic executive compensation and other incentive arrangements.
A strong global tax or global employment law background.
Major law firm experience.

Responsibilities

Assist clients in designing, implementing, and maintaining global incentive and compensation arrangements, particularly share-based plans.
Draft correspondence, memoranda, legal opinions, and other client-related documents.
Advise on legal, regulatory, and tax matters associated with global compensation arrangements in cross-border M&As, spin-offs, divestitures, IPOs, and redomestications.
Remain current on U.S. and non-U.S. securities, tax, currency control, employment, and other laws affecting compensation arrangements.