ERISA Attorney

A law firm in Austin is seeking a skilled ERISA Attorney to join their team. The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive knowledge of ERISA and Tax Code laws, focusing on various pension, retirement, and welfare benefit plans. Experience advising fiduciaries on compliance and representing plan sponsors in IRS and DOL audits is highly desirable.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and counsel to clients on all aspects of ERISA and related laws.
• Draft, review, and amend plan documents for qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, including 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans.
• Advise on arrangements governed by 409A, 457(f), and top-hat plans.
• Counsel clients on group health plans, ensuring compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, HITECH, and GINA regulations.
• Assist with welfare benefit plans such as cafeteria plans, wellness programs, health FSAs, HSAs, dependent care arrangements, long-term and short-term disability plans, and life insurance plans.
• Represent plan sponsors in correction programs and governmental audits conducted by the IRS and DOL.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and developments affecting ERISA and employee benefits.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the State Bar of Texas (or eligibility for admission by motion).
• Experience practicing ERISA law, preferably at a law firm or in-house legal department.
• Strong understanding of federal tax laws related to employee benefits.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience advising fiduciaries on ERISA compliance issues.
• Familiarity with IRS and DOL correction programs and audit procedures.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with clients and regulatory agencies.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Paid training and professional development opportunities.
• Parking provided.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with profit sharing.
• Paid time off and holidays.

This mid-sized Texas firm handles a wide variety of transactional and litigation matters, and it has a long history of providing its clients with quality legal representation. It represents some of the largest corporations in Texas, and it is well connected in the state's politics. The firm limits its associate hiring, so all associates have the opportunity to make parner and are not forced to compete with each other.