Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Title: Employee Benefits Associate Attorney
Job Location: Norfolk, VA

Job Overview:
A prestigious law firm, located in Norfolk, VA, is looking to expand its team with a skilled and motivated Employee Benefits Associate Attorney. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with a collaborative group of professionals in the Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Benefits, and Compensation practice. The ideal candidate will work with a wide range of clients, including private, public, governmental, and tax-exempt entities, offering counsel on employee benefits and executive compensation matters.

Duties:

• Advise clients on a broad spectrum of employee benefits and compensation issues, including qualified retirement plans, ESOPs, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, equity compensation, and welfare benefits.

• Guide M&A transactions, IRS and DOL audits, executive employment agreements, and other ERISA-related matters.

• Act as a key member of the ESOPs, Benefits & Compensation team, helping to develop and grow the practice.

• Work independently to build strong client relationships, advise clients on benefits-related matters, and collaborate with attorneys on team development and client acquisition.

• Support clients through audits and investigations conducted by the IRS and DOL.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 2 years of direct experience in employee benefits and executive compensation, preferably in a law firm setting.

• Strong knowledge of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and related compensation issues is a plus, though not mandatory.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively to manage client relationships.

• Excellent communication and analytical skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Admission to the Virginia or North Carolina Bar, or the ability to obtain and maintain licensing in good standing.

Skills:

• Expertise in employee benefits, ESOPs, retirement plans, and executive compensation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Job Location:

• Norfolk, VA

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance).

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

• Long-term disability coverage.

• Opportunities for career growth and development within a collaborative work environment.

Seven law offices are based in Virginia. The legal practice began thirty years ago. A fairly large group of well-established attorneys comprise their law firm. Practice areas are across-the-board. A number of their practice disciplines consist of corporate-public finance, family law, health care, labor-employment, litigation and senior housing-care team. The firm was recognized by a prominent law publication.