ERISA/Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Title: ERISA/Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Overview:
A respected law firm located in Cincinnati, OH seeks an experienced Associate Attorney to join its Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation team. This role offers the opportunity to advise a range of clients on complex matters involving ERISA, tax law, and benefits compliance. The position is ideal for a legal professional who thrives on structuring and maintaining benefit plans, counseling employers, and delivering strategic legal advice across diverse business sectors.

Duties:

• Provide legal guidance on qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, and executive compensation arrangements

• Review and draft plan documents, amendments, and related compliance materials

• Counsel corporate clients on ERISA, Internal Revenue Code, and other federal regulatory requirements

• Advise clients on ESOP transactions and ongoing ESOP compliance

• Collaborate with tax and corporate attorneys on M&A and other business transactions impacting benefit plans

• Address fiduciary issues and risk management related to benefit plan administration

• Analyze implications of changes in benefits law and provide strategic updates to clients

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience focused on ERISA, employee benefits, or executive compensation matters within a law firm

• Working knowledge of tax and regulatory aspects affecting benefit plans and executive compensation

• Demonstrated capability in handling ESOP matters preferred

• Proven ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively to diverse audiences

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

• Eligibility for admission in Ohio if not currently licensed in the state

Skills:

• Advanced understanding of ERISA and benefits-related tax laws

• Client-focused with practical problem-solving skills

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to team projects

Job Location:

• Cincinnati, OH

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) plan with firm contribution

• Paid parental leave

• Life and disability insurance

• Professional development support and mentoring

• Well-being and mental health initiatives

• Collaborative and business-casual work environment

This multi-office firm has more than 125 attorneys in the Ohio area. The recent expansion of this firm has not prevented it from maintaining a small firm culture. Associates are encouraged to keep a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. One reason that we like this firm is because they have a strict policy of maintaining and promoting a culturally and racially diverse firm. With a dynamic litigation practice that has clients from individuals to large corporations, this firm maintains a culture that emphasizes small-firm values even as it anticipates and welcomes technological and legal advances and changes.