Employee Benefits Attorney

Job Title: Employee Benefits Attorney

Job Location: Chicago, IL

Job Overview
A prestigious law firm located in Chicago, IL, is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Attorney to join its growing team. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a dedicated attorney to work with a diverse range of employee benefit plans, including ERISA matters, executive compensation programs, and more. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in ERISA law, employee benefits, and executive compensation matters, with a strong ability to handle complex legal issues and offer strategic advice.

Duties

• Advise clients on the design, implementation, and administration of various employee benefit plans, including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), welfare plans, and executive compensation programs.
• Provide legal counsel and support in mergers and acquisitions, ensuring compliance with applicable employee benefits regulations.
• Handle disputes and controversies related to employee benefit plans, working closely with clients to resolve issues efficiently.
• Draft and review plan documents, amendments, and other related agreements to ensure compliance with ERISA, tax laws, and other federal and state regulations.
• Assist clients in structuring and managing executive compensation plans, including deferred compensation arrangements, stock options, and retirement plans.
• Offer strategic advice to both businesses and executives on regulatory compliance, fiduciary responsibilities, and best practices in managing employee benefit programs.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, managing multiple projects while ensuring deadlines and client expectations are met.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in employee benefits law, with a focus on ERISA and executive compensation.
• Extensive experience advising on ESOP transactions and providing counsel to existing ESOPs.
• Strong understanding of ERISA, tax laws, and regulations about employee benefits and executive compensation programs.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex agreements related to employee benefit plans and compensation arrangements.
• Excellent communication, both oral and written, with the ability to present complex legal matters clearly to clients.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and project management skills to handle multiple tasks effectively.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Admission to the State Bar in Illinois or ability to gain admission.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of ERISA, employee benefits, and executive compensation laws.
• Experience with drafting and revising plan documents, including pension, retirement, and welfare plans.
• Ability to manage client relationships and provide strategic legal counsel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools.

Job Location

• Chicago, IL

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and long-term disability benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment.

This Vault-ranked firm has a client-first mindset, where attorneys are rewarded based on their listening and understanding their clients' goals, thinking creatively and aggressively to advance those goals, and obtaining the clients' ultimate success. Attorneys at this firm partner with members of the firm's affiliated businesses to provide comprehensive service to clients. These partnerships allow clients to access business consulting across a variety of disciplines. The attorneys truly work as one team to help their clients succeed. This modern, progressive firm boasts a highly respectful, transparent workplace culture, which fosters creativity, teamwork, inclusion, diversity, and service to clients and communities. This firm emphasizes significant investment in the communities where their attorneys live and practice. Compensation at this firm is competitive with peer firms in the region.