ESOP Transactions and Services Associate Years Chicago IL Hybrid - Base Benefits Bonuses

ESOP Transactions and Services Associate | 4+ Years | Chicago, IL | Hybrid | $260,000-$420,000 Base + Benefits & Bonuses
Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Am Law 100 national full-service law firm seeking an experienced ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) Transactions & Services Associate to join its Chicago office.
This opportunity is suited to a transactional attorney with substantial employee stock ownership plan experience who wants to advise private companies, business owners, executives and fiduciaries on sophisticated ESOP transactions and related corporate, benefits and governance matters.The successful attorney will take meaningful ownership of complex matters, work closely with experienced partners and contribute immediately within an entrepreneurial national platform that values initiative, commercial judgment and long-term practice development.
Company HighlightsAm Law 100 national platform with more than 1,000 attorneys across the United StatesNational Tier 1 rankings for ERISA, Corporate Law and M&AEntrepreneurial culture offering associates meaningful responsibility and direct client exposureSophisticated transactional work for private companies, executives, investors and business ownersCollaborative environment with accessible senior lawyers and strong cross-office supportFormal mentoring, professional development and leadership opportunitiesStrong emphasis on practical experience, commercial judgment and individual contributionOpportunity to help grow a specialised national practice within an expanding firm
Why This Opportunity Stands OutThis is an attractive opportunity for an ESOP attorney seeking:Sophisticated and highly specialised transactional workMeaningful ownership of complex mattersDirect interaction with clients, fiduciaries and business advisersExposure to corporate, tax, benefits and governance issues within the same practiceA national platform with strong cross-practice resourcesAccessible partners and a collaborative working environmentOpportunities to mentor junior attorneys and contribute to practice growthSupport for business development and client relationship buildingA credible route to senior associate, counsel or shareholder progression
The role offers the resources and client base of a major Am Law firm while retaining an entrepreneurial environment in which experienced associates are encouraged to take initiative, build relationships and help shape the growth of the practice.
The RoleThe successful attorney will advise on sophisticated ESOP transactions and related corporate and employee benefits matters, including:Structuring, negotiating and documenting ESOP transactionsAdvising on ESOP transaction planning and implementationCounselling clients on ERISA and qualified retirement plan requirementsAddressing Section 409A and executive compensation mattersAdvising on corporate governance and fiduciary considerationsSupporting general corporate and private company transactionsDrafting and negotiating transaction documentsWorking with company owners, management teams, trustees, lenders and financial advisersAdvising clients on ongoing ESOP administration and business strategyManaging substantive workstreams with limited supervisionCoordinating with corporate, tax, benefits, finance and healthcare attorneys across the firm
Experience involving mergers and acquisitions, private equity, private company representation or healthcare organisations would be particularly valuable.
Ideal Candidate ProfileThe firm is seeking an associate with:At least four years of substantive ESOP experienceExperience advising on ESOP transaction planningStrong knowledge of ERISA and qualified retirement plansExperience with Section 409A and executive compensation mattersCorporate governance experienceGeneral corporate transactional capabilitiesA J.D. from an accredited law schoolActive Pennsylvania Bar admissionExcellent legal drafting, analytical and communication skillsThe ability to manage complex matters independentlyA collaborative and commercially minded approachStrong law firm experience and the ability to contribute immediately
Candidates from T14 and T25 law schools are highly attractive. Candidates from schools ranked within approximately the top 50 will also be considered where they bring strong and directly relevant experience.
Compensation and BenefitsThe anticipated base salary range is $260,000–$420,000, depending on experience, qualifications and other relevant factors.The firm also offers:Performance-based bonus opportunitiesComprehensive medical, dental and vision coverageRetirement and insurance benefitsPaid time off and firm-recognised holidaysProfessional-development and mentoring programmesLeadership and business-development supportAn annual billable expectation of approximately 1,900 hours for lateral associatesA hybrid arrangement requiring four days per week in the Chicago
To discuss the opportunity and your potential application discreetly, please apply online.
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