In-House Employee Benefits Counsel

Job Overview: A law firm in Washington, DC, seeks an experienced In-House Employee Benefits Counsel to provide comprehensive legal guidance on retirement and health welfare plans. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ERISA, tax law, and federal regulatory compliance. This role involves collaborating with various committees and teams to ensure the firm's benefit plans align with legal requirements and strategic goals.

Job Details:

• Advise on Internal Revenue Code qualification, ERISA, Affordable Care Act, COBRA, HIPAA, and other relevant laws for Cash Balance plans, 401(k) plans, Partner Unfunded Plans, and Health and Welfare Plans.

• Draft and review Summary Plan Descriptions and Administrative Services Agreements.

• Review Plan communications, legal posting notices, and draft Plan amendments and resolutions.

• Advise on tax issues related to Retirement and Health and Welfare plans.

• Collaborate with the Investment Committee, Administrative Investment Committee, Recordkeeper, Actuaries, and Auditors.

• Work with the Health and Welfare Committee and update leadership on legal developments.

• Partner with U.S. Benefits and other ERISA attorneys on significant design changes.

• Perform other duties as assigned to meet firm goals and objectives.

Requirements:

• J.D. degree from an accredited U.S. law school.

• Admission as a current member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar.

• 8 years of experience as an attorney with retirement and welfare benefit plans.

• Thorough understanding of tax and ERISA requirements, and familiarity with federal regulatory agencies.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work in a diverse team environment, meet deadlines, and handle shifting priorities.

• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and strong customer service skills.

• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to handle multiple projects.

• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.

• Solid strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and commercial judgment.

• Willingness to take ownership and responsibility for legal decisions.

• Proactively identify and escalate potential legal and business risks.

Job Location: Washington, DC

Benefits: The firm offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), and opportunities for professional development and growth.