ERISA/Employee Benefits Lawyer
Overview
This position involves providing legal counsel to clients in the financial services, luxury retail, food/beverage, technology, and life sciences industries, with a primary focus on health and welfare benefit plans. Work is available in a hybrid or remote format.
Responsibilities
- Advise on the design, implementation, and administration of health and welfare benefit plans, including 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, SPDs, SBCs, required notices, and employee communications for health and welfare plans.
- Advise on plan governance and fiduciary compliance, including oversight structures, committee practices, and documentation.
- Handle vendor and service provider agreements for 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 (e.g., DOL, IRS, HHS, state insurance departments) related to health and welfare benefits.
- Conduct benefits-related due diligence in M&A transactions, 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 and translate them into practical, business-oriented advice and implementation steps.
- Partner 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.
- Ability to multitask effectively with strong interpersonal skills, working independently and cross-functionally with HR, benefits, finance, and legal teams.
- Positive mentality and willingness to tackle 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 your state of primary residence.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation:
- Estimated total compensation for full-time attorney roles: $104,500–$325,000 per year
- Estimated total compensation for non-attorney roles: $71,250–$309,750 per year
Compensation decisions are based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, certifications, location, and business needs.
Benefits (may be eligible):
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid holidays and PTO
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities and tools
Location
Hybrid or remote work with clients across multiple industries.
Equal Opportunity & Accommodations
The employer is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any characteristic protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request and consistent with applicable laws.
Additional Employment Information
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, providing proof of identity, and possessing the necessary legal authorization to work. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, NY Fair Chance Act, and Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered.