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Executive Compensation Attorney information

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$26.5K

$93.6K

$184K

How much do executive compensation attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive compensation attorney in the United States is $93,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an executive compensation attorney?

An Executive Compensation Attorney specializes in advising companies and executives on the legal aspects of compensation packages, including salaries, bonuses, stock options, and other benefits. They ensure that compensation agreements comply with complex federal and state regulations, such as tax laws and securities rules. These attorneys also help draft and negotiate employment contracts, severance agreements, and incentive plans, and may represent clients in disputes or during mergers and acquisitions. Their expertise is crucial for structuring competitive and compliant executive pay arrangements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive compensation attorney?

To thrive as an Executive Compensation Attorney, you need deep expertise in executive compensation law, tax regulations (such as IRC Sections 409A and 280G), and employee benefits, typically supported by a JD and bar admission. Familiarity with drafting and negotiating compensation agreements, as well as using legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, discretion, and effective communication help you provide strategic advice to clients and navigate sensitive negotiations. These skills are critical for ensuring legal compliance, minimizing risk, and structuring compensation packages that attract and retain top executive talent.

What are some typical challenges executive compensation attorneys face when advising clients on equity-based compensation plans?

Executive Compensation Attorneys often navigate complex regulatory frameworks, including tax laws, securities regulations, and corporate governance guidelines when structuring equity-based compensation plans. A key challenge is ensuring that these plans align with both client business objectives and evolving legal requirements, such as Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, attorneys must balance executive interests with shareholder expectations and communicate intricate plan details clearly to all stakeholders. Staying current with regulatory changes and market trends is essential for providing sound advice.

What cities are hiring for Executive Compensation Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Executive Compensation Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Executive Compensation Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Executive Compensation Attorney jobs include:

Executive Compensation Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Compensation Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,552 per year, or $45 per hour.

Executive Compensation & Benefits Attorney

Direct Counsel

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$200K - $365K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Mid-Level Executive Compensation & Benefits Associate
Location: Nashville, TN; Dallas, TX; Philadelphia, PA

Direct Counsel is seeking a Mid-Level Executive Compensation & Benefits Associate to join a nationally respected law firm with a dynamic and collaborative team in its Nashville office. This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact role within the firm’s well-established Executive Compensation and Benefits Group, known for its involvement in sophisticated corporate transactions and its client-centered approach.

Position Overview:

The successful candidate will join a close-knit, high-performing team and take on substantive work from day one. The practice focuses on advising public and private companies, boards of directors, and management teams on a broad range of executive compensation and employee benefits issues, including those arising in the context of mergers, acquisitions, financings, and other corporate transactions.

This associate will also provide day-to-day counseling on tax-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Advise clients on executive compensation and employee benefits matters, including equity and incentive compensation plans, deferred compensation, retirement plans, and health and welfare benefits

  • Support M&A and other transactional matters by identifying and assessing benefits-related risks, conducting due diligence, and drafting relevant portions of deal documents

  • Assist clients with the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of employee benefit plans and executive compensation arrangements

  • Provide counsel on compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code (including 409A and 280G), COBRA, HIPAA, and ACA requirements

  • Draft and review plan documents, employee communications, board materials, and other relevant documents

  • Collaborate closely with corporate, tax, and employment attorneys across the firm

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 3–5 years of experience in executive compensation and employee benefits, ideally in a law firm setting

  • Experience working on benefits and compensation aspects of mergers and acquisitions

  • Deep knowledge of applicable laws and regulatory frameworks (ERISA, IRC, etc.)

  • Strong academic credentials and excellent writing, research, and communication skills

  • A proactive, detail-oriented, and client-focused mindset

  • Admission to the Tennessee Bar or eligibility to become licensed in Tennessee

  • Residency in or willingness to relocate to the Nashville area prior to the start date

Why Join This Team?

This is a high-visibility role offering meaningful client contact, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to work with a collegial group of attorneys who take pride in fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment. The firm offers a platform for long-term career growth, training, and advancement within a nationally recognized practice group.