ERISA/Employee Benefits Lawyer

Overview

This role involves providing legal expertise in employee benefits and ERISA law, focusing primarily 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 fully 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.
• Provide guidance on plan governance and fiduciary compliance, including oversight structures, committee practices, and documentation.
• Review and negotiate vendor and service provider agreements related to health and welfare plans, including agreements with TPAs, PBMs, stop-loss carriers, wellness vendors, networks, and consultants.
• Support clients in responding to claims, appeals, audits, and inquiries from regulatory bodies such as the Department of Labor, IRS, HHS, and state insurance departments.
• Conduct benefits-related due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, focusing on health and welfare plans, and advise on plan integration, transition, or termination.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory developments affecting group health plans and provide practical, business-oriented advice and implementation strategies.
• 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 legal practice experience specializing in employee benefits and ERISA law, with a strong emphasis on health and welfare plans.
• Deep knowledge of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, MHPAEA, and other relevant federal and state regulations.
• Experience with ERISA plan governance, including drafting and maintaining plan documents, SPDs, required notices, and advising on fiduciary responsibilities.
• Familiarity with M&A due diligence related to health and welfare plans and advising on associated corporate transaction issues.
• Proven ability to negotiate and manage contracts with health and welfare vendors such as TPAs, PBMs, stop-loss carriers, wellness providers, networks, and consultants.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills, with the ability to communicate complex benefits rules clearly and practically.
• Effective multitasking and interpersonal skills, capable of working independently and collaboratively across HR, benefits, finance, and legal teams.
• Positive attitude and adaptability to evolving business needs, including emerging trends in health, wellness, and leave programs.
• High ethical standards, professional integrity, and sound judgment with risk-assessment capabilities 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.
• For non-attorney roles, compensation ranges from $71,250 to $309,750 per year.
• Compensation is determined based on 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.

Location

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