Closing Date: 1st February, 2027
Description:
Job Description:Opportunity:
We are seeking an associate with experience in defined benefit pension plans and related liabilities to join our growing Labor Transactions Practice. The associate will work closely with senior lawyers on corporate, finance, and restructuring matters, advising clients on complex pension issues arising in transactions, financings, and restructurings, particularly where pension liabilities are a material component of deal economics. The role includes advising on multiemployer and single-employer defined benefit pension plans and analyzing pension liabilities, including exposure arising from participation in and withdrawal from multiemployer plans and plan terminations (including PBGC-related matters). The associate will also support transactional teams in evaluating pension liabilities in diligence and deal structuring and developing strategies to allocate, mitigate, or eliminate such liabilities in acquisitions, financings, and restructurings, while addressing withdrawal liability disputes and advising on compliance with ERISA, PBGC requirements, and related regulatory frameworks.
About the Practice:
Akin's Labor Transactions Practice advises clients on the labor and employment aspects of complex corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, credit, hybrid and other capital solutions investments, restructurings, and other strategic transactions. We work with public and private companies, private equity sponsors, and other investors to identify, assess, and manage labor‑related risks in connection with deal activity.
Our work includes diligence and structuring advice relating to sophisticated labor strategy in transactional contexts, including in connection with unionized and non‑union workforces, collective bargaining agreements, executive compensation matters, worker classification, and WARN Act compliance. We regularly partner with Akin's corporate, private equity, capital markets, restructuring, and employee benefits teams to deliver integrated, practical solutions for clients navigating complex transactions.
Requirements:
Qualified candidates should have:
- Experience in employee benefits / ERISA
- Experience with defined benefit pension plans, including:
- Multiemployer plan participation and withdrawal liability
- Single-employer plan terminations (including PBGC-related matters)
- Familiarity with pension issues arising in corporate transactions and/or restructurings
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to understand and work with financial and actuarial concepts related to pension liabilities
The base salary range for this position in New York City is $235,000 to $435,000. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.
