Employee Benefits Attorney

Job Title: Employee Benefits Attorney

Job Location: Seattle, WA

Job Overview

A leading law firm seeks a highly experienced Employee Benefits Attorney with over a decade of specialized knowledge in employee benefits law to join their team. This role requires an adept attorney skilled in navigating complex retirement, health, welfare, and compensation plans within a collaborative, client-focused setting. This opportunity is ideal for a professional who thrives on guiding corporate transactions and compliance with ERISA and other relevant regulations.

Duties

• Draft, design, amend, and manage qualified retirement plans under Code § 401(a) and other tax-favored retirement plans, including those subject to 403(b) and 457(b).
• Support clients in resolving errors in retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive compensation arrangements.
• Provide strategic counsel on benefits and compensation matters in corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and reductions in force.
• Develop, document, and administer ERISA-compliant health and welfare plans and associated summaries.
• Advise clients on contract and trust law issues related to multiemployer plans.
• Analyze multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liabilities and offer expert guidance.
• Address employment-related documents and resolve issues surrounding Code 409A.
• Conduct due diligence and review documents for ERISA considerations in mergers and acquisitions.
• Understand and provide insights on non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements, including Codes §§ 409A, 457, and 280G.
• Exhibit a commitment to client service, including taking ownership of projects and engaging collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Requirements

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in employee benefits law, including specific experience with retirement and health plans, fiduciary responsibilities, and compensation arrangements.
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Proven client service ethic with a commitment to quality and responsiveness.
• Ability to work independently on projects while also collaborating effectively in a team setting.
• Membership in the State Bar of Washington.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school with excellent academic credentials.

Certifications

• Admission to the State Bar of Washington.

Skills

• Advanced understanding of ERISA, multiemployer pension plans, and compliance issues.
• Proficiency in drafting and interpreting complex employee benefit documents.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Job Location

• Seattle, WA

Representing a wide range of businesses, with offices in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and California, this is one of the largest firms, specializing in bankruptcy, business and corporate, employment, environment, intellectual property, Native American law, real estate, privacy and data security, tax and estate planning, dispute resolution, and litigation. The firm has an environment where everybody is enthusiastic and team-oriented. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the firm recruits, retains, and promotes diverse talents in the firm and the communities. Believing in giving back, the attorneys provide substantial legal assistance to help more than 100 pro bono clients per year and support a low-income housing legal clinic in Seattle. The firm offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits including medical, dental, life, 401(k) or profit-sharing retirement, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.