Employee Benefits Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

We are working with a prominent, regional firm seeking an Employee Benefits Attorney with at least seven years of experience to join their Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Rochester, or Syracuse office.

The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of experience handling matters for plan sponsors, plan administrators, and / or plan fiduciaries relating to qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and other employee benefit plans and arrangements. This role offers the opportunity for direct client engagement, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and representation before federal agencies such as the Department of Labor (DOL), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

The candidate will advise business clients on complex compliance, regulatory and transactional matters, including the design, implementation, and ongoing compliance of qualified retirement plans and health and welfare benefit programs; provide strategic counsel on ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA, COBRA, and related federal and state regulations to the extent the foregoing are relevant to employee benefit plans and arrangements; represent clients before the DOL, IRS, and PBGC in audits, investigations, compliance and plan terminations; draft and review plan documents, amendments, summary plan descriptions (SPDs), summaries of material modifications (SMMs), and other compliance-related communications; support business transactions with due diligence and integration of employee benefit plans; monitor legislative and regulatory developments and proactively advise clients on risk mitigation and compliance strategies; and collaborate with attorneys in corporate, tax, and labor & employment practice groups to deliver integrated client service.

The candidate must have demonstrated experience with DOL, IRS, and PBGC interactions, including administrative proceedings; strong technical knowledge of retirement and health plan compliance; excellent legal research, writing, and client communication skills; the ability to manage multiple client matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment; familiarity with executive compensation and nonqualified plans; and experience advising for-profit, non-for-profit, and governmental employees. Experience in a law firm environment is preferred. New York Bar admission is required.

The firm offers a competitive base salary commensurate with experience, and a wide array of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, long term disability, short term disability, and a 401(k) plan. In addition, they provide a collaborative and supportive work environment; encourage and support integrity, diversity, collaboration, and professional growth; and provide the foundation and support for their attorneys to succeed such as mentoring relationships, comprehensive training and continuing education opportunities, the ability to work directly with partners and clients, and recognition for contributions to the firm's success.

To be considered, please provide a resume, and law school transcript. Writing samples or deal sheets and cover letters are not required but are appreciated. All applications are confidential and NOT shared with employers without the candidate's permission.

Oak Ridge Legal Search and the clients we work with are equal opportunity employers and provide equal opportunity to qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class in accordance with all applicable laws . If a level of experience is indicated, this is a guideline only and does not preclude applications from candidates with more or less experience.