Employee Benefits Partner

A law firm in Dayton, OH is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Partner to lead a variety of employee benefits-related legal matters. This role requires an expert in designing, drafting, and managing a broad array of benefits plans and executive compensation programs. The successful candidate will also provide support for mergers and acquisitions, handle controversy work, and ensure compliance with ERISA, tax, and other applicable laws.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, drafting, and maintenance of defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), employee welfare plans, and executive compensation programs.
• Advise clients on the implications of employee benefits in merger and acquisition transactions, providing strategic legal counsel and conducting due diligence.
• Oversee the handling of ERISA-related controversies, including audits, investigations, and disputes.
• Provide legal counsel to clients on the establishment and administration of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and ensure legal compliance with all related regulations.
• Offer expert guidance on executive compensation matters, ensuring that programs comply with legal standards and align with organizational goals.
• Assist clients with ensuring their employee benefits programs adhere to ERISA, tax law, and other regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a resource on the legal and regulatory frameworks governing employee benefit plans, ensuring clients remain compliant and informed.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to manage complex benefits projects, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables are completed with precision.
• Represent clients before regulatory bodies such as the IRS, Department of Labor, and other governmental agencies regarding benefits compliance and disputes.
• Keep up to date on emerging laws, regulations, and industry trends related to employee benefits, including ERISA and tax regulations.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience handling ERISA, employee benefits, and executive compensation matters.
• Proven experience with ESOP transactions and advising clients on existing ESOPs.
• Strong understanding of ERISA, tax laws, and related regulations as they pertain to employee benefits plans.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal matters to clients and colleagues in a clear, concise manner.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated proficiency in time management and project management with a history of leading successful initiatives.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.

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 equivalent is preferred but not required.
• Additional certifications in ERISA, tax law, or employee benefits are advantageous.

Key Skills:

• Deep expertise in ERISA and related employee benefits laws.
• Proficiency in managing and structuring ESOP transactions and advising clients on their legal implications.
• Strong understanding of tax laws as they apply to employee benefits and executive compensation.
• Expertise in developing and managing employee benefit plans and executive compensation programs.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and project management skills.
• Ability to analyze complex legal and financial issues and provide practical, strategic advice.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with a proven ability to develop and maintain client relationships.

This position offers a leadership opportunity for a legal professional who specializes in employee benefits and executive compensation, with the chance to contribute to a well-respected law firm in Dayton, 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.