Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate

Job Overview:
A national law firm is seeking an experienced associate to join its highly ranked Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation group. The team provides strategic counsel on a wide array of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including the design, implementation, and maintenance of retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, non-qualified deferred compensation, and more. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a diverse set of clients, ranging from publicly traded corporations to tax-exempt organizations. The ideal candidate will have experience in health and welfare and qualified plan issues, as well as a strong work ethic and client relationship-building skills.

Location:

• Columbus, OH

Duties:

• Advise clients on employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including plan design, compliance, and administration
• Counsel on tax-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, incentive plans, and severance pay plans
• Address ERISA fiduciary issues and benefits-related aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions
• Draft and review employee benefits and executive compensation plan documents
• Conduct legal research and analysis on evolving employee benefits laws and regulations
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, providing practical and business-focused legal advice
• Collaborate with colleagues on complex employee benefits matters

Requirements:

• 3-6 years of experience in employee benefits and executive compensation law
• Demonstrated ability in the analysis and drafting of health and welfare and qualified plan documents
• Strong ability to build and maintain client relationships
• Excellent communication, legal writing, and research skills
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Admission to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction(s)

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Admission to practice law in one of the firm's office locations

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits law, including ERISA and related regulations
• Experience in the design, implementation, and maintenance of employee benefit plans
• Strong drafting and legal research skills
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide clear, actionable advice
• Effective relationship-building skills with clients and colleagues
• Team-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and compensation package
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plans
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive work environment

This prestigious general practice firm manages its practice groups efficiently and matter-of-factly. Solid and steady work help solidify this firm as a top player in the market. Associates can expect good training, including more hands-on work than in other firms offering similar levels of sophistication in the practice. Associates will be pleasantly surprised by the sophistication of this firm, combined with a warm collegial environment.