Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate

Job Overview:
A prestigious law firm is seeking an experienced associate to join its top-ranked Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation group. The team provides counsel on a wide range of employee benefits matters, including the design, implementation, and maintenance of tax-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, and executive compensation programs. This role offers an opportunity to work with a diverse client base, including publicly traded corporations, privately held businesses, financial institutions, and tax-exempt organizations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in employee benefits, health and welfare plans, and qualified plan issues, with a focus on client relationships and practical legal advice.

Location:

• Washington, D.C.

Duties:

• Provide legal counsel on employee benefits and executive compensation issues
• Advise clients on the design, implementation, and maintenance of tax-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare benefit programs, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans
• Draft and review documents for employee benefit plans, including health and welfare plans and qualified plans
• Advise on ERISA fiduciary matters and the benefits aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions
• Conduct legal research and analysis to stay current with evolving employee benefits regulations
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, offering business-oriented legal advice
• Collaborate with colleagues on complex employee benefits and executive compensation matters

Requirements:

• 3-6 years of experience in employee benefits and executive compensation law
• Strong experience in the analysis and drafting of health and welfare plans and qualified plan documents
• Ability to foster and maintain client relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong work ethic with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Admission to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction(s)

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Admission to practice law in one of the firm's office locations

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits law, including ERISA
• Experience in the design and implementation of employee benefit plans
• Strong legal drafting and research skills
• Excellent communication and client management skills
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide clear, actionable advice
• Collaborative team player

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plans
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

This prestigious general practice firm manages its practice groups efficiently and matter-of-factly. Solid and steady work help solidify this firm as a top player in the market. Associates can expect good training, including more hands-on work than in other firms offering similar levels of sophistication in the practice. Associates will be pleasantly surprised by the sophistication of this firm, combined with a warm collegial environment.