ERISA/Employee Benefits Associate Counsel

Job Overview:

A law firm is seeking a dedicated and experienced ERISA/Employee Benefits Associate Counsel to join their team in Oakland, CA. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in employee benefits law and a solid commitment to workers’ rights and the labor movement. This role requires proficiency in ERISA, familiarity with various benefit plans, and collaborating effectively with unions, trust funds, and plan participants.

Duties:

• Advise clients on compliance with ERISA and other relevant employee benefits laws.
• Manage and administer multiemployer-defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans, and welfare benefit plans.
• Provide legal counsel on governmental plans, QDROs, subrogation, and trust fund collections.
• Conduct detailed research and analysis on complex legal issues related to employee benefits.
• Draft and review plan documents, amendments, and other legal documents.
• Represent clients in disputes and litigation related to employee benefits.
• Collaborate with unions and multiemployer trust funds and plan participants to resolve issues and ensure compliance.
• Stay current with changes in employee benefits laws and regulations.

Requirements:

• 3-5 years of experience in employee benefits law.
• Demonstrated commitment to workers’ rights and the labor movement.
• Proficiency in ERISA and familiarity with multiemployer-defined benefit pension plans, contribution plans, and welfare benefit plans.
• Experience with governmental plans, QDROs, subrogation, and trust fund collections.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Certifications:

• Certification or coursework in employee benefits law is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with unions, multiemployer trust funds, and plan participants.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in legal research databases and Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits Offered:

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Cell phone reimbursement.

This Bay Area firm, with two offices in California, focuses on the representation of employees and labor unions. The firm boasts a longstanding dedication to the labor movement, exemplified by the firm's reform litigation, individual, and class action cases.