In-House Employee Benefits Counsel

Job Overview: A law firm in Chicago, IL, is seeking a highly experienced In-House Employee Benefits Counsel to provide comprehensive legal counsel on retirement and health welfare plans. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of tax and ERISA requirements, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with various committees and teams within the firm.

Duties:

• Advise on Internal Revenue Code qualification requirements, ERISA, Affordable Care Act, COBRA, and HIPAA 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.
• Provide guidance on tax issues related to Retirement and Health and Welfare plans.
• Collaborate with the Firm’s Investment Committee, Administrative Investment Committee, Recordkeeper, Actuaries, and Auditors.
• Work with the Health and Welfare Committee to address plan-related matters.
• Update Firm leadership and HR on legal developments affecting retirement and health welfare plans.
• Partner with U.S. Benefits and other Firm 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 Illinois 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.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment.
• Deadline-oriented with the ability to manage shifting priorities.
• Self-starter with a high level of initiative.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, capable of handling multiple projects.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.
• Solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Creative problem-solving with a focus on business-friendly solutions while managing risk.
• Strong commercial judgment, including the ability to anticipate, analyze, and make recommendations.
• Willingness to take ownership and responsibility for legal decisions.
• Proactive in identifying and escalating potential legal and business risks.

Job Location: Chicago, IL

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

The longstanding Midwest law office opened one-hundred and thirty-one years ago. Areas of expertise include finance, corporate, and litigation law. A sizable group of accomplished attorneys comprise the Midwest law practice. Attorneys are involved in a variety of civic, and professional undertakings year long. Besides, they're dedicated to pro-bono work.