ERISA/Employee Benefits Lawyer

Overview

This role involves providing legal counsel on employee benefits and ERISA matters, primarily focusing on health and welfare plans. The position supports clients across various industries including financial services, luxury retail, food and beverage, technology, and life sciences. Work arrangements are hybrid or remote.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the design, implementation, and administration of health and welfare benefit plans such as medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, wellness, cafeteria plans, and FSAs/HSAs/HRAs.
• Counsel clients on compliance with ERISA, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, HIPAA, MHPAEA, and related federal and state laws affecting group health plans.
• Draft, review, and update plan documents, Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs), required notices, and employee communications for health and welfare plans.
• Provide guidance on plan governance and fiduciary compliance, including oversight structures, committee practices, and documentation.
• Manage vendor and service provider agreements related to health and welfare plans (e.g., TPAs, PBMs, stop-loss carriers, wellness vendors, networks, consultants), including reviewing and negotiating terms.
• Support clients in responding to claims, appeals, audits, and inquiries from regulatory bodies such as the Department of Labor (DOL), IRS, HHS, and state insurance departments.
• Conduct benefits-related due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, focusing on health and welfare plans, and advise on integration, transition, or termination of plans.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory developments and guidance affecting group health plans, translating them into practical, business-oriented advice and implementation steps.
• Collaborate with HR, benefits, legal, and finance teams to develop and implement compliant, employee-friendly benefits strategies across multiple industries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of relevant legal practice experience in employee benefits/ERISA law, with a strong focus on health and welfare plans.
• Strong understanding of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, MHPAEA, and other federal and state regulations impacting group health plans.
• Experience with ERISA plan governance requirements, including drafting and maintaining plan documents, SPDs, and required notices, and advising on fiduciary processes for health and welfare plans.
• Experience reviewing M&A due diligence and advising on health and welfare plan issues in corporate transactions.
• Experience negotiating and managing health and welfare vendor contracts (TPAs, PBMs, stop-loss, wellness, networks, consultants).
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits rules in clear, practical terms.
• Efficient multitasker with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and cross-functionally with HR, benefits, finance, and legal teams.
• Positive mentality and willingness to address new and evolving business needs, including emerging trends in health, wellness, and leave programs.
• High ethical standards, professional integrity, and sound judgment and risk-assessment skills in a regulated environment.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of primary residence.

Compensation & Benefits

• Estimated total compensation for full-time attorney roles ranges from $104,500 to $325,000 per year.
• Estimated total compensation for non-attorney roles ranges from $71,250 to $309,750 per year.
• Compensation decisions are based on factors including experience, skills, certifications, location, and business needs.
• Additional benefits may include health, dental, and vision insurance; paid holidays and paid time off; flexible work arrangements; and professional development opportunities and tools.

Location

• Hybrid or remote work arrangements available, supporting clients across multiple industries and regions.