Corporate Paralegal - ERISA/Benefits

Overview

A legal team is seeking a Corporate Paralegal specializing in ERISA and employee benefits to support attorneys and an affiliated insurance agency. This role involves ensuring compliance with ERISA and federal tax laws related to employee benefits, health and welfare plans, wellness initiatives, and 401(k) retirement savings plans, as well as overseeing insurance agency compliance.

Salary: $36.06 - $38.46 per hour, depending on experience and education

Responsibilities

• Draft and review client and participant explanatory materials such as summary plan descriptions, announcement letters, summaries of material modifications, plan documents, summaries of benefits and coverage, and client correspondence regarding compliance and plan details.
• Monitor state and federal statutes and regulations applicable to group health and retirement plans.
• Manage the Benefits Compliance Calendar and ensure adherence to regulatory deadlines.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and vendors to ensure accurate and timely information for regulatory filings.
• Manage communications with clients, vendors, and carriers regarding plan administration and audits.
• Conduct compliance audits.
• Assist with internal investigations, IRS/DOL audits, and corporate transaction due diligence.
• Serve as a liaison between attorneys, clients, plan administrators, vendors, and insurance carriers.
• Partner with the affiliated insurance agency to ensure operational compliance and provide advisory support.
• Support compliance for annual tax filings, required plan testing, operational reviews, and corrections.
• Conduct periodic operational compliance reviews related to ERISA, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, Affordable Care Act, HIPAA, and other federal health laws.
• Assist internal business units in interpreting and applying legal developments affecting employee benefits plans and fiduciaries.
• Provide consultation and advice on plan qualification and fiduciary responsibility issues.
• Coach and train benefits specialists as needed.
• Manage and master the company and affiliate insurance agency’s master policies, broker agreements, and ancillary agreements, engaging regularly with attorneys and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support legal needs and business goals.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience in ERISA and related health legislation and regulations.
• Experience with a professional employer organization, health plan insurance carrier, or employee benefits insurance broker is a plus.
• Knowledge of state and local paid leave laws, Public Health Service Act, Medicare programs including Employer Group Waiver Plans.
• Paralegal certificate preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership presence and excellent client management skills.
• Superb analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and efficiency.
• Ability to balance legal risks with business needs pragmatically.
• Team player capable of working well across functions and levels.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing and executing multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail in producing accurate plan documents, communications, and filings.
• Expertise in ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, MHPAEA, COBRA, and related compliance.
• Document management including drafting and updating plan documents and client correspondence.
• Deadline and calendar management for compliance filings and disclosures.
• Analytical problem-solving to identify compliance gaps and support remediation.
• Support for audits and investigations including IRS/DOL audits.
• Effective coordination with attorneys, clients, plan administrators, TPAs, carriers, and brokers.
• Professional communication and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Work Environment

This primarily office-based position may be performed in a corporate office or remote home office setting. The role involves computer work, telephone communication, virtual or in-person meetings, company events, and training sessions. The environment is accessible and inclusive, with reasonable accommodations provided as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and market standards.
• Medical insurance with over 80% employer coverage for employees and approximately 56–66% coverage for dependents (varies by plan).
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 100% employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• Eligibility for Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA), including a $1,000 employer HSA contribution for eligible plans.
• Pet insurance and legal discount plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Wellness programs including year-round events, challenges, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employee discount program.
• Generous paid time off, paid holidays, floating holiday, and volunteer time off.

Location

This role can be performed in a corporate office or remotely, depending on organizational needs and arrangements.