Mid-Level Associate Employee Benefits

Job Overview:
A law firm seeks a mid-level associate attorney to join its Employee Benefits practice. The position offers flexible office affiliation across multiple U.S. locations, including Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Columbus, OH; Los Angeles, CA; Nashville, TN; Newark, NJ; New York, NY; Pittsburgh, PA; Princeton, NJ; and Washington, DC.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with a solid background in employee benefits law and related areas who enjoys solving complex legal challenges and working in a collaborative, innovative environment. The firm values creative problem-solving, strong client service, and effective communication skills, and is seeking a candidate ready to contribute to a team-oriented culture.

Duties:

• Advise clients on a broad range of employee benefits matters, including retirement plans, executive compensation, health and welfare plans, and fringe benefits.
• Provide guidance on compliance with ERISA and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist clients with employee benefits issues arising in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring.
• Draft, review, and revise plan documents, policies, and participant communications.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda and opinion letters addressing complex benefits issues.
• Collaborate with clients to develop practical solutions to benefits-related challenges.
• Stay current with changes in employee benefits law and proactively advise clients on potential impacts.
• Participate in presentations, seminars, and client training sessions as needed.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience handling employee benefits matters in a law firm or similar professional setting.
• Solid understanding of ERISA and other relevant regulations.
• Experience advising on qualified retirement plans, executive compensation, health and welfare plans, and fringe benefits.
• Prior exposure to employee benefits considerations in mergers, acquisitions, or workforce reductions is preferred.
• Proven ability to analyze complex legal issues and deliver practical, business-focused advice.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and oral presentation abilities.
• Strong client relationship management skills and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms.
• Admission to practice law in at least one of the following jurisdictions is required: California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or Washington, DC.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Strong academic credentials preferred.

Certifications:

• Active bar admission in one of the listed jurisdictions (California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or Washington, DC).

Skills:

• Excellent legal research and analytical abilities.
• Strong drafting and writing skills, with the ability to translate legal complexities into actionable client advice.
• Effective verbal communication, particularly in client-facing situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Adaptability and eagerness to contribute to a fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work in a flexible office environment with multiple office locations available.
• Join a national Employee Benefits practice with a dynamic and creative team culture.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Collaborative, team-focused environment that values innovation and client service excellence.

The Los Angeles office of this large, national firm is among the largest of the firms offices, with especially strong practices in the areas of labor and employment law and health care law. Offering services to a wide variety of clients both in southern California and nationally the firms attorneys also regularly practice in areas that include general litigation, government contracts, intellectual property, and corporate and securities law. Many of the firms partners have served in key government positions with, among others, the U.S. Departments of Justice, Labor and Health and Human Services, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.