Employee Benefits Partner

A law firm in Chicago, IL is seeking a seasoned Employee Benefits Partner to provide comprehensive legal counsel on a broad range of employee benefits matters. This role will involve the design, drafting, and management of defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), employee welfare plans, and executive compensation programs. The ideal candidate will also provide support in mergers and acquisitions and handle employee benefits controversies, ensuring compliance with ERISA, tax laws, and other applicable regulations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, drafting, and ongoing management of defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, employee welfare plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and executive compensation programs.
• Provide strategic legal advice on executive compensation programs, ensuring compliance with ERISA and tax regulations.
• Offer support in merger and acquisition transactions, specifically related to employee benefits due diligence and post-merger integration.
• Handle ERISA-related controversies, including disputes, investigations, and audits conducted by agencies like the IRS and the Department of Labor.
• Advise clients on the structuring, compliance, and administration of ESOP transactions, while providing ongoing support to existing ESOPs.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, tax laws, and other relevant regulations concerning employee benefits plans.
• Stay informed on regulatory changes in employee benefits and provide proactive counsel to clients on potential impacts and necessary adjustments.
• Collaborate with internal legal teams and external clients to manage complex employee benefits projects, ensuring timely and successful delivery of legal services.
• Represent clients in legal and regulatory matters concerning employee benefits and executive compensation before government bodies such as the IRS and the Department of Labor.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in handling ERISA, employee benefits, and executive compensation matters.
• Extensive experience in ESOP transactions, including advising on the legal maintenance of existing ESOPs.
• Strong understanding of ERISA, tax laws, and related legal regulations governing employee benefits plans and executive compensation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, ensuring accurate and timely completion of complex legal matters.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar, or eligibility to obtain admission.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar certification is preferred.
• Additional certifications in ERISA, tax law, or other relevant areas of employee benefits law are advantageous.

Key Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of ERISA and related employee benefits laws.
• Proficiency in tax laws as they apply to employee benefits and executive compensation.
• Significant experience advising on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and managing ESOP-related legal issues.
• Strong project management skills with a proven track record of handling complex legal matters.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships through exceptional communication and client service skills.
• Negotiation skills and the ability to develop practical legal solutions for complex employee benefits matters.

This position offers a leadership opportunity for an experienced legal professional to contribute to a respected law firm in Chicago, IL, with a focus on employee benefits and executive compensation law.

This Vault-ranked firm has a client-first mindset, where attorneys are rewarded based on their listening and understanding their clients' goals, thinking creatively and aggressively to advance those goals, and obtaining the clients' ultimate success. Attorneys at this firm partner with members of the firm's affiliated businesses to provide comprehensive service to clients. These partnerships allow clients to access business consulting across a variety of disciplines. The attorneys truly work as one team to help their clients succeed. This modern, progressive firm boasts a highly respectful, transparent workplace culture, which fosters creativity, teamwork, inclusion, diversity, and service to clients and communities. This firm emphasizes significant investment in the communities where their attorneys live and practice. Compensation at this firm is competitive with peer firms in the region.