Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Attorney – Pensions, Benefits & Executive Compensation

Direct Counsel is seeking an experienced Pensions, Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney with at least 6 years of experience to join a nationally recognized practice in Kansas City or St. Louis, Missouri.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney who enjoys advising sophisticated clients on complex employee benefits and executive compensation matters and is looking to take on meaningful responsibility, develop trusted client relationships, and work alongside experienced practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a broad range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters

• Counsel clients regarding plan design, compliance, fiduciary governance, and IRS, DOL, and PBGC matters

• Advise on corrections, risk mitigation, and benefits and compensation strategies

• Draft, review, and negotiate plan documents, equity compensation plans, award agreements, employment and severance arrangements, and related disclosures

• Provide benefits and executive compensation advice in connection with corporate transactions

• Conduct due diligence and 280G analysis in transactional matters

• Advise on benefits integration and post-closing harmonization

• Conduct legal research and translate complex regulatory requirements into practical guidance

• Contribute to thought leadership and internal knowledge development

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships

• Collaborate with attorneys across practices and offices to provide comprehensive client service

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of experience advising on employee benefits and executive compensation matters

• Experience with qualified plans, health and welfare plans, equity compensation, and nonqualified arrangements

• Prior law firm experience required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice

• Strong attention to detail and presentation skills

• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities

• Strong client-service mindset

• Collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working across practices and offices

• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively

• Admission to the Missouri bar and active good standing required

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Join a collaborative, entrepreneurial practice handling sophisticated pensions, benefits, and executive compensation matters for a diverse range of clients. The successful candidate will have direct client contact, meaningful responsibility, mentorship from experienced practitioners, and opportunities to build deep local and national client relationships.

The practice provides counsel on complex regulatory, transactional, and workforce matters while emphasizing creativity, precision, and practical solutions.

Compensation & Benefits

The firm offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k)

• Short- and long-term disability insurance

• Life insurance

• Tuition reimbursement

• Paid time off and holidays

• Discretionary bonuses

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