ERISA/Employee Benefits Associate

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a junior or mid-level employee benefits associate for its Philadelphia, PA office. The ideal candidate will have two or more years of experience in employee benefits and a strong academic record. Familiarity with the Internal Revenue Code, Title I of ERISA, and related laws affecting tax-qualified employee retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and employee welfare benefit plans is preferred.

Duties

• Assist in advising clients on employee benefits matters.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on relevant laws and regulations.
• Draft and review plan documents and related materials.
• Collaborate with team members on complex cases.

Requirements

• Two or more years of employee benefits experience.
• Familiarity with the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA.
• PA Bar Admission required.
• Strong academic record.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar.

Skills

• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Firm-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Comprehensive medical/prescription drug coverage with firm contribution.
• Employee-paid voluntary benefits including dental, vision, and supplemental health plans.
• 401(k) plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions.
• Paid time off, holidays, and parental leave.
• Free and confidential employee assistance program and behavioral health services.
• Firm-paid back-up child/elder care, academic support, and pet care program.
• Tax-advantaged college savings 529 Plan.
• Employee discounts through Working Advantage.
• Eligibility for discretionary bonus.

This firm has given a lot of thought to the interplay between the New York and the New Jersey legal markets. Although one of the oldest and largest in New Jersey, this firm wants to capture the Manhattan type work at Manhattan type billing rates. Although they are not quite there yet, this firm has developed a structure that enables it to base the bulk of its personnel and resources in New Jersey, and have a small New York space from which to handle the 'big city' work. An interesting plan, to be sure. Associates here raves about the reasonable hours and the immediate responsibility, many of whom deal directly with clients and handle entire cases. This is one of the few New Jersey firms where you will see the reverse commute--attorneys leaving Manhattan to take advantage of pleasant work environment and excellent training ground.