Description:
We are seeking a trusted advisor who combines deep technical expertise with sound business judgment and the ability to influence stakeholders across a complex, multinational organization. This role requires an experienced attorney who can navigate evolving legal and regulatory requirements while supporting the Company's talent, business, and governance objectives.Aon is in the business of better decisions
At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world.
As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive team and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.
What the day will look like
The Assistant General Counsel – Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits serves as the Company's lead legal advisor on executive compensation, employee benefits, retirement programs, health and welfare plans, and related governance matters. This attorney partners closely with Executive Compensation, People Organization, Corporate Governance, Finance, Tax, Internal Audit, and senior business leaders to provide strategic legal counsel on the design, implementation, administration, and governance of Aon's executive compensation and global benefits programs.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Legal Counsel
- Serve as the Company's lead attorney for all legal matters relating to executive compensation, employee benefits, and related employment programs.
- Provide practical, risk-based legal advice to executive leadership, People Organization, and other senior stakeholders.
- Advise on legal and regulatory developments affecting benefit plans and compensation arrangements and recommend appropriate actions.
- Advise on executive compensation programs, including annual and long-term incentive plans, equity compensation arrangements, deferred compensation plans, employment agreements, severance arrangements, and change-in-control programs.
- Counsel on compliance with applicable securities, tax, corporate governance, and disclosure requirements.
- Support preparation of proxy disclosures and other public filings relating to executive compensation.
- Counsel on the design, implementation, administration, amendment, and termination of qualified and nonqualified retirement plans.
- Advise on health and welfare plans, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, wellness, and other employee benefit programs.
- Interpret and apply ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and other applicable laws and regulations.
- Support plan fiduciaries and governance committees in fulfilling their obligations.
- Lead benefits and compensation legal support for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, restructurings, and other strategic transactions.
- Conduct legal due diligence and advise on integration and harmonization of employee benefit programs.
- Evaluate legal risks and opportunities arising from multinational workforce initiatives.
- Develop and maintain governance frameworks for employee benefit and compensation programs.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments and manage implementation of compliance initiatives.
- Partner with internal stakeholders and outside counsel regarding audits, investigations, regulatory inquiries, and litigation involving benefits-related matters.
This is a highly visible leadership role providing direct exposure to senior executives and board-level matters. The Assistant General Counsel – Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits will play a critical role in shaping the Company's benefits and compensation strategy while helping advance broader talent, governance, and business objectives.
Skills and experience that will lead to success
Required:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- 7+ years of relevant legal experience, including substantial experience advising on employee benefits and executive compensation matters.
- Significant experience with executive compensation rules, federal securities laws, ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and related regulatory frameworks.
- Experience supporting public company governance and disclosure obligations.
- Exceptional analytical, drafting, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and work effectively across complex organizations.
Preferred:
- Experience in a large multinational corporation and/or nationally recognized law firm.
- Experience supporting Compensation Committees and Board governance processes.
- Familiarity with global benefits and international workforce considerations.
- Experience advising on benefits issues in mergers and acquisitions.
Leadership Competencies:
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Executive presence and sound judgment
- Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills
- Ability to simplify complex legal issues for business audiences
- Proactive risk identification and practical problem-solving
- Commitment to integrity, ethics, and corporate governance excellence
Aon is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position. If you are a search firm, you will not be compensated in any way for your submission of a candidate, even if Aon hires that candidate.
