Employee Benefits Partner

A law firm in Cleveland, OH is seeking an Employee Benefits Partner to join their team. The ideal candidate will manage a wide range of employee benefits matters, including designing, drafting, and providing support for various benefit plans and executive compensation programs. This position also involves providing strategic guidance for mergers and acquisitions, controversy work, and ESOP transactions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice and support on defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and employee welfare plans.
• Design and draft executive compensation programs, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for mergers and acquisitions by addressing employee benefits implications and conducting due diligence.
• Manage ERISA-related controversies, including audits, investigations, and disputes.
• Collaborate with clients to design and maintain compliant employee benefits plans that meet organizational and regulatory needs.
• Advise on ESOP transactions, including structuring, drafting, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Provide guidance on ERISA, tax, and other relevant laws governing employee benefits plans and executive compensation.
• Oversee and manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employee benefits regulations, industry trends, and legislative developments.
• Represent clients before government agencies, such as the IRS and Department of Labor, in matters related to employee benefits and executive compensation.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience handling ERISA, employee benefits, and executive compensation matters.
• Significant experience in ESOP transactions and advising existing ESOPs.
• Broad understanding of ERISA, tax laws, and related regulations pertaining to employee benefits plans.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of successfully navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes related to employee benefits.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Ohio Bar or eligibility to obtain admission.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
• ESOP-related certification
• Relevant certifications in ERISA or tax law are advantageous but not required.

Key Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of ERISA, executive compensation, and employee benefits laws.
• Expertise in designing and managing employee benefits plans and executive compensation programs.
• Experience with ESOP transactions and advising clients on the legal intricacies of ESOPs.
• Strong ability to analyze and apply tax and employee benefit laws.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and project management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a legal team and clients.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with a client-focused approach.

This role offers a significant opportunity for a legal professional with advanced experience in employee benefits and executive compensation to take on a leadership role at a respected law firm.

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.