Employee Benefits Counsel/Partner

A law firm in New York City, NY, seeks an experienced and strategic Employee Benefits Counsel/Partner to join its team. The ideal candidate, with over 10 years of relevant experience, will be crucial in providing expert legal counsel on matters related to ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and other employee benefits laws. The position requires a Juris Doctorate, proficiency in qualified retirement plans, executive compensation, and health and welfare benefits, as well as the ability to build and expand a practice.

Duties:

• Provide expert legal counsel on employee benefits matters, including qualified retirement plans, executive compensation (nonqualified plans and equity compensation plans), and health and welfare benefits.
• Demonstrate proficiency in ESOP transactions, with a preference for hands-on experience.
• Cultivate and manage a book of business, leveraging existing relationships and driving new business development.
• Lead and collaborate with associate attorneys in the employee benefits practice area.
• Stay current with changes in employee benefits laws, regulations, and industry trends.
• Advise clients on ERISA compliance, the Internal Revenue Code, and other applicable laws.
• Contribute to the strategic growth and direction of the firm's employee benefits practice.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in employee benefits law.
• Active license to practice law in New York (NY).
• Proven expertise in qualified retirement plans, welfare plans, and nonqualified plans.
• Previous experience in ESOP transactions, with a preference for hands-on experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage a practice, including mentorship of associate attorneys.
• Preferred background in a large law firm environment.

Skills:

• Deep understanding of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and other employee benefits laws.
• Exceptional analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Successful track record in business development and client relationship management.
• Leadership and mentorship capabilities.
• Strategic thinking and a contribution to firm-wide growth initiatives.

Associates at this prestigious firm applaud that they are given high-level work paired with ample resources; the result, they say, is that they receive interesting projects and valuable collaborations with senior associates and partners. They also praise its flexible face-time policies paired with market pay.