Employee Benefits Partner

Job Overview:
A prominent law firm is actively seeking a highly experienced Employee Benefits Partner to join its practice. This senior-level role is ideal for a legal professional with deep subject matter expertise in ERISA, executive compensation, and benefits-related transactional support. The ideal candidate will bring both technical legal acumen and a client-centric approach to help expand the firm's capabilities in employee benefits law. A portable book of business is strongly preferred.

Location:

• Buffalo, NY

Duties:

• Advise clients on the design, implementation, and operation of qualified retirement, welfare, and executive compensation plans

• Provide legal counsel in employee benefits aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence and agreement review

• Draft and update plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and administrative service agreements

• Handle executive compensation matters, including 409A, 280G, equity arrangements, proxy disclosures, and related securities issues

• Prepare and revise commercial agreements, including those related to business formation, mergers, and acquisitions

• Collaborate with internal practice groups to deliver integrated legal solutions

• Lead business development initiatives by leveraging existing relationships and identifying new client opportunities

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in employee benefits law

• Demonstrated proficiency in ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and related compliance matters

• Experience supporting transactions with benefits-related legal components

• Proven ability to cultivate client relationships and expand a legal practice

• Strong academic and professional credentials

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction

Skills:

• Expertise in drafting complex legal documents and benefit plans

• Advanced knowledge of tax and regulatory compliance for employee benefits

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong attention to detail and organizational capabilities

• Team-oriented approach with the ability to work across multiple practice areas

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Life and long-term disability coverage

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Pension plan

  • Paid Time Off

• Compensation may vary based on experience, skill set, and office location

This is one of the nation's oldest law firms that has a tradition of excellence and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. Their mission is to provide value to their clients through high-quality work, outstanding service, and attention to individual needs. The firm offers competitive salaries and practices in all major areas of the law, including litigation, business and banking, labor and employment, trusts and estates, and tax. There is a very friendly environment at this firm, for they aim to hire the same types of people whom they would choose to invite out for a cup of coffee or a glass of beer. Attorneys at this firm are well balanced and have passionate interests in politics, theater, and sports. They are the types of people who care about their communities and participate in them, and care about their families and friends and spend time with them. This firms success is greatly due to the types of people employed at this firm, for attorneys here have strong identities as people and realize that they cannot only to be defined by their legal practice. Their excellent record of pro bono work and community involvement is further evidence of their commitment to diversity, equality and justice, both in the workplace and in the communities where they live.