Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Title: Employee Benefits Associate Attorney
Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Job Overview

A well-established law firm is currently seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Associate Attorney to join its dynamic and collaborative ESOPs, Benefits & Compensation team. This role will involve advising clients across a wide range of sectors, including privately held, publicly traded, governmental, and tax-exempt organizations, on matters related to employee benefits and compensation. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to work closely with senior attorneys and expand the firm’s existing ESOP practice while gaining valuable exposure to a broad spectrum of employee benefits topics.

Duties

• Provide expert legal advice on employee benefits and executive compensation matters.

• Assist clients with qualified retirement plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), nonqualified deferred compensation plans, equity compensation, and welfare benefits.

• Advise on employment tax, M&A transactions, and IRS and DOL audits and investigations.

• Handle executive employment agreements and other related ERISA matters.

• Collaborate closely with clients, attorneys, and other team members to address complex benefits issues.

• Take an active role in growing and expanding the team’s client base, particularly within the ESOP practice.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience in employee benefits and executive compensation, preferably within a law firm environment.

• Strong understanding of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and related benefits structures, though prior ESOP experience is not mandatory.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively.

• Proven ability to build strong relationships with clients and contribute to business development efforts.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.

Education

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

Certifications

• Admission to the North Carolina Bar (or ability to become licensed and maintain good standing).

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits law, including ERISA and executive compensation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.

• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail.

Job Location

• Raleigh, NC

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) plan with matching contributions and profit sharing.

• Life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and other health and wellness programs.

• Competitive performance-based bonus structure.