Employee Benefits Attorney

Position Title: Employee Benefits Attorney

Job Location: Salem, OR

Job Overview

An established law firm based in Salem, OR, is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Attorney with a minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience. This role focuses on providing legal counsel and strategic guidance in the areas of retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, and executive compensation arrangements. This position requires a high level of expertise in employee benefits law, regulatory compliance, and client advisory in corporate transactional matters.

Key Duties

• Design, draft, amend, and oversee the administration and governance of qualified retirement plans, including 401(a), 403(b), and 457(b) plans.
• Advise clients on correcting documentary, administrative, and fiduciary issues in retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive compensation arrangements.
• Provide legal guidance on benefits and compensation aspects of corporate transactions, restructurings, and reductions in force.
• Assist clients with designing, documenting, and managing ERISA health and welfare plans, including creating summary plan descriptions.
• Counsel clients on contract and trust law matters related to multiemployer plans, including analyzing withdrawal liability.
• Work on employment-related documents and advise on non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements, including Code §409A issues.
• Conduct due diligence and review documents related to mergers, acquisitions, and ERISA compliance.
• Develop legal strategies regarding non-qualified deferred compensation plans, Code §§ 409A, 457, 280G, and related regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years in employee benefits law, with a strong focus on retirement and health and welfare plans, corporate transactions, and executive compensation.
• Client Service: Strong dedication to client service and ethical practices in providing legal guidance.
• Project Ownership: Proven ability to manage projects independently within a team-oriented environment.

Education

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

Certifications

• Admission to the Oregon.

Skills

• Research and Analysis: Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills, with attention to detail.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities for effective client consultation and collaboration.
• Team Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other legal professionals and independently manage workload.

Job Location

• Salem, 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.