Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Title: Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Job Location: Richmond, VA

Job Overview:
A reputable law firm is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Associate Attorney to join its dynamic ESOPs, Benefits, & Compensation team. This firm offers an opportunity to work with a variety of clients, including privately held, publicly traded, governmental, and tax-exempt entities. The role focuses on advising clients on diverse employee benefits and compensation matters, including qualified retirement plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), equity compensation, nonqualified deferred compensation, and much more.

Duties:

• Advise clients on a broad range of employee benefits and executive compensation issues.

• Work with both private and public sector clients on matters related to retirement plans, executive compensation, welfare benefits, and M&A transactions.

• Assist with IRS and Department of Labor audits and investigations.

• Provide counsel on employment tax, executive employment agreements, and ERISA-related issues.

• Play an integral role in building and expanding the firm’s existing ESOP practice.

• Collaborate with internal teams to enhance the firm’s capabilities and client base.

• Take proactive steps to develop and maintain client relationships.

• Work independently while providing strategic legal advice on employee benefits matters.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in employee benefits and executive compensation law, preferably within a law firm setting.

• Ability to work effectively with clients and colleagues in a collaborative environment.

• Prior experience with private-company ESOPs is desirable but not essential.

• Strong communication and analytical skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Education:

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

• Admission to the Virginia or North Carolina Bar (or ability to become licensed and maintain good standing).

Certifications:

• Current licensure to practice law in Virginia or North Carolina, or ability to obtain licensure in the relevant state.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits law, including ERISA, qualified retirement plans, ESOPs, and executive compensation.

• Ability to provide strategic legal advice and draft complex legal documents.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently and proactively.

Job Location:

• Richmond, VA (flexibility to work from other office locations within the firm may be considered).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.

• 401(k) match and profit sharing.

• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.

• Competitive performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Professional development support and career advancement opportunities.

This law firm is special because it has been able to guarantee client satisfaction by finding the right synergy among attorneys who have developed a superior skill level and solid reputation in the legal community and a large variety of clients. Practice areas include admiralty, antitrust, banking, bankruptcy, corporations, creditors' rights, employment, environmental, estate planning, government contract, family law, healthcare, immigration, intellectual property, international, labor, litigation, municipal finance, probate, real estate, securities, and taxation.