Employee Benefits Attorney

Job Title: Employee Benefits Attorney

Location: Portland, OR

Job Overview

A highly regarded law firm seeks an experienced Employee Benefits Attorney to provide expertise in the design, administration, and legal compliance of employee benefits plans. This role focuses on navigating complex areas of tax-favored retirement plans, corporate transactions, health and welfare benefits, and compensation structures. The successful candidate will possess a robust background in employee benefits law and demonstrate a strong commitment to client service and team collaboration.

Duties

• Develop, draft, and amend qualified retirement plans (e.g., Code § 401(a), 403(b), 457(b)) and other tax-favored retirement plans
• Collaborate with clients to resolve documentary, administrative, and fiduciary errors in retirement and welfare plans
• Support benefits and compensation elements in corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and change-in-control events
• Design, document, and manage ERISA health and welfare plans and create summary plan descriptions
• Advise on contract and trust law issues related to multiemployer plans
• Provide analysis on multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability
• Manage employment-related documents and address 409A issues
• Conduct due diligence and review M&A documents for ERISA compliance
• Consult on non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements and relevant tax codes (e.g., Code §§ 409A, 457, 280G)

Requirements

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in employee benefits law
• Proven track record of managing complex employee benefits projects independently and within team settings
• Admission to the Bar in Oregon.
• Strong client service orientation and ethical standards

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications

• Active Bar membership in Oregon.

Skills

• Advanced legal research, analytical, and writing abilities
• Clear and effective communication skills
• Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple priorities

Job Location

• Portland, OR

Representing a wide range of businesses, with offices in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and California, this is one of the largest firms, specializing in bankruptcy, business and corporate, employment, environment, intellectual property, Native American law, real estate, privacy and data security, tax and estate planning, dispute resolution, and litigation. The firm has an environment where everybody is enthusiastic and team-oriented. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the firm recruits, retains, and promotes diverse talents in the firm and the communities. Believing in giving back, the attorneys provide substantial legal assistance to help more than 100 pro bono clients per year and support a low-income housing legal clinic in Seattle. The firm offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits including medical, dental, life, 401(k) or profit-sharing retirement, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.