Employee Benefits Partner

A law firm in Minneapolis, MN is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Partner to manage a wide range of employee benefits legal matters. This role involves designing, drafting, and providing support for defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), employee welfare plans, and executive compensation programs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with ERISA and ESOP transactions and provide key support in merger and acquisition transactions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design, draft, and provide legal counsel for defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, employee welfare plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and executive compensation programs.
• Advise clients on executive compensation matters, ensuring that compensation plans comply with ERISA, tax regulations, and organizational goals.
• Provide strategic legal support during mergers and acquisitions, especially related to employee benefits issues, conducting due diligence, and guiding clients through benefits integration.
• Represent clients in ERISA-related controversies, including audits, disputes, and regulatory investigations.
• Offer legal expertise in ESOP transactions, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and providing ongoing advice for the management of existing ESOPs.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, tax laws, and other relevant legal frameworks concerning employee benefits.
• Stay updated on evolving employee benefits regulations, offering proactive legal advice to clients to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with internal legal teams and external clients to manage complex employee benefits projects, ensuring timely completion and delivery of services.
• Represent clients before government agencies, such as the IRS and Department of Labor, in matters related to employee benefits and executive compensation compliance.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 8+ years of experience handling ERISA, employee benefits, and executive compensation matters.
• Significant experience advising on ESOP transactions and providing legal support for existing ESOPs.
• A broad understanding of ERISA, tax law, and related regulations governing employee benefit plans and executive compensation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate legal concepts to clients and colleagues.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management, including managing complex employee benefits matters from inception to completion.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high attention to detail and quality.

Education:

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

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Additional certifications in ERISA, tax law, or other relevant areas of employee benefits law are advantageous but not required.

Key Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of ERISA and related employee benefits laws.
• Expertise in tax laws as they apply to employee benefits and executive compensation.
• Strong background in managing and structuring employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and advising clients on ESOP-related legal issues.
• Excellent project management skills, with a track record of successfully managing complex legal matters.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Negotiation skills and the ability to find practical solutions for complex employee benefits legal matters.

This position offers an opportunity for a seasoned legal professional to take on a leadership role within a well-regarded law firm in Minneapolis, MN, specializing in employee benefits and executive compensation matters.

This firm focuses its practice around value, reputation, reach, leadership, pro bono, and diversity core values. Their main practice areas focus on a variety of matters including banking, bankruptcy, corporate, energy, environment, ERISA, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate, tax, and trusts and estates. They pride themselves on providing sound legal counsel and informing their clients on a number of topics through blogs, publications, and hosting educational events.