Kaufman & Canoles is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Associate to join our highly collaborative five-person ESOPs, Benefits & Compensation team.

Our team advises privately held, publicly traded, governmental, and tax-exempt clients on a broad cross-section of benefits and compensation topics, including qualified retirement plans; employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs); nonqualified deferred compensation plans; equity compensation; employment tax; welfare benefits; M&A transactions; IRS and DOL audits and investigations; executive employment agreements; and related ERISA and benefits matters.

The successful candidate will:

• Possess two or more years of direct experience with employee benefits and executive compensation, preferably in a law firm environment. As the successful candidate will have the opportunity to join and grow the team’s existing ESOP practice, prior experience with private-company ESOPs would be helpful but is not required.
• Be committed to the long-term practice of employee benefits and executive compensation.
• Work in any of the Firm’s office locations (Norfolk, Richmond, Raleigh, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Newport News, Chesapeake).
• Work independently and proactively to build relationships with and advise the Firm’s clients and other attorneys on all benefits matters, as well as help build the ESOPs, Benefits & Compensation team’s capabilities and client base.

Education and License Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Admission to the Virginia or North Carolina Bar (or ability to become licensed and remain in good standing).

Compensation and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary, performance-based bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) match and profit sharing, and long-term disability.