Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Title: Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Location: Norfolk, VA

Job Overview:
A reputable law firm is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Associate Attorney to join a dynamic and collaborative team. This position focuses on advising clients from various sectors, including privately held, publicly traded, governmental, and tax-exempt organizations. The primary responsibilities will revolve around employee benefits, executive compensation, and related matters, such as retirement plans, ESOPs, equity compensation, welfare benefits, and M&A transactions.

Duties:

• Advise clients on a wide range of employee benefits and executive compensation topics, including qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation, ESOPs, equity compensation, and welfare benefits.
• Provide support in M&A transactions, IRS and DOL audits, and executive employment agreements.
• Collaborate with other attorneys and clients to build strong professional relationships and provide proactive advice.
• Contribute to the growth of the ESOPs, Benefits & Compensation team’s capabilities and client base.
• Assist with the management of audits and investigations related to employee benefits.
• Take initiative in the long-term practice of employee benefits and executive compensation.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in employee benefits and executive compensation law, ideally within a law firm environment.
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Prior experience with private-company ESOPs is beneficial but not required.
• Ability to effectively advise clients and internal teams on complex employee benefits matters.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Admission to the Virginia or North Carolina Bar, or ability to become licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits law, including ERISA, qualified retirement plans, welfare benefits, and executive compensation.
• Strong communication skills for advising clients and working with a legal team.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work independently and within a team framework.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with matching
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Profit sharing
• Generous paid time off
• Collaborative and supportive work environment

Seven law offices are based in Virginia. The legal practice began thirty years ago. A fairly large group of well-established attorneys comprise their law firm. Practice areas are across-the-board. A number of their practice disciplines consist of corporate-public finance, family law, health care, labor-employment, litigation and senior housing-care team. The firm was recognized by a prominent law publication.