Employee Benefits Partner

A law firm in Columbus, OH is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Partner to manage a variety of employee benefits matters. This role will focus on designing, drafting, and providing legal support for a range of benefits programs, including defined contribution and defined benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and executive compensation programs. The ideal candidate will also handle ERISA controversies and provide support in mergers and acquisitions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design, draft, and provide legal support for defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, employee welfare plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and executive compensation programs.
• Offer legal advice and strategic support in merger and acquisition transactions, particularly on the impact of employee benefits.
• Handle ERISA controversies, including audits, investigations, and litigation.
• Advise clients on the legal structuring and compliance aspects of ESOP transactions, as well as ongoing legal maintenance for existing ESOPs.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, tax law, and other related regulations for employee benefits plans.
• Monitor and advise clients on changes in employee benefits regulations, including ERISA, tax law, and related legal updates.
• Work with internal legal teams and clients to ensure smooth management of complex employee benefits projects and transactions.
• Represent clients before governmental bodies, including the IRS and Department of Labor, in matters related to employee benefits.
• Develop and maintain client relationships by offering clear communication and practical legal solutions.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience handling ERISA, employee benefits, and executive compensation matters.
• Significant experience with ESOP transactions and advising on the ongoing administration of ESOPs.
• Deep understanding of ERISA, tax laws, and related legal regulations regarding employee benefits and executive compensation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex legal matters to clients and internal teams.
• Excellent organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience in time management and project management, including overseeing the lifecycle of complex legal matters.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced legal environment.

Education:

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

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar certification is preferred.
• Certifications related to ERISA, tax law, or employee benefits law are advantageous but not required.

Key Skills:

• In-depth expertise in ERISA and related employee benefits laws.
• Strong understanding of tax laws related to employee benefits and executive compensation.
• Proficiency in designing and advising on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).
• Proven experience managing complex legal projects, particularly those involving employee benefits and executive compensation.
• Strong interpersonal and client relationship management skills.
• Negotiation skills with the ability to find practical solutions for complex legal matters.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a legal professional with extensive employee benefits experience to take on a leadership position at a prominent law firm in Columbus, OH.

This Vault-ranked firm has a client-first mindset, where attorneys are rewarded based on their listening and understanding their clients' goals, thinking creatively and aggressively to advance those goals, and obtaining the clients' ultimate success. Attorneys at this firm partner with members of the firm's affiliated businesses to provide comprehensive service to clients. These partnerships allow clients to access business consulting across a variety of disciplines. The attorneys truly work as one team to help their clients succeed. This modern, progressive firm boasts a highly respectful, transparent workplace culture, which fosters creativity, teamwork, inclusion, diversity, and service to clients and communities. This firm emphasizes significant investment in the communities where their attorneys live and practice. Compensation at this firm is competitive with peer firms in the region.