Mid-Level Employee Benefits Associate

Job Overview
A prominent law firm is seeking a mid-level associate to join its national Employee Benefits practice. This position offers flexibility in office location, with candidates considered for multiple offices across the United States. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of experience in employee benefits law and ERISA, including retirement plans, executive compensation, health and welfare plans, fringe benefits, and/or mergers and acquisitions. The role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment with a focus on providing innovative solutions to complex client matters.

Location

• New York, NY

Duties

• Advise clients on various employee benefits matters, including ERISA, retirement plans, executive compensation, health and welfare plans, and fringe benefits.
• Assist clients in navigating compliance issues related to employee benefits law.
• Support in mergers and acquisitions, particularly regarding employee benefits and executive compensation issues.
• Draft, review, and negotiate employee benefits-related documents and agreements.
• Conduct in-depth legal research and provide actionable, clear advice to clients.
• Collaborate with senior associates and partners in resolving complex legal issues and developing strategic solutions.
• Foster and maintain client relationships, ensuring effective communication and management of client expectations.
• Participate in team efforts to improve and innovate legal processes and service delivery.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of experience in employee benefits law, with a focus on ERISA, retirement plans, executive compensation, health and welfare plans, and fringe benefits.
• Experience in mergers and acquisitions is preferred, but not required.
• Strong academic credentials, with a proven ability to manage complex legal matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially in simplifying complex legal concepts for clients.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated client relations acumen and interpersonal skills.
• Admission to practice law.

Education

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

Certifications

• Admission to practice law in at least one of the jurisdictions listed above.

Skills

• Expertise in employee benefits law, particularly ERISA, retirement plans, and executive compensation.
• Strong legal writing and research skills.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Strong problem-solving skills and legal analysis.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and location.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plans with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements, including potential remote work.
• Professional development opportunities and continuing legal education support.

This firm is one of the best for immigration and labor issues. With some of the best and most knowledgeable support staff, this New York firm handles a fairly high volume of matters expeditiously. Associates do complain that the work gets fairly cookie-cutter in the business-like office environment, which is not helped by this firm's compensation, notoriously below market. Nonetheless, the reasonable hours requirements and a down to earth pool of partners attract and often keep qualified associates.