In-House Employee Benefits Counsel

Profile

Job Overview: A law firm in Chicago, IL, is seeking a highly experienced In-House Employee Benefits Counsel to provide comprehensive legal counsel on retirement and health welfare plans. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of tax and ERISA requirements, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with various committees and teams within the firm.

Duties:

• Advise on Internal Revenue Code qualification requirements, ERISA, Affordable Care Act, COBRA, and HIPAA for Cash Balance plans, 401(k) plans, Partner Unfunded Plans, and Health and Welfare Plans.
• Draft and review Summary Plan Descriptions and Administrative Services Agreements.
• Review Plan communications, legal posting notices, and draft Plan amendments.
• Provide guidance on tax issues related to Retirement and Health and Welfare plans.
• Collaborate with the Firm’s Investment Committee, Administrative Investment Committee, Recordkeeper, Actuaries, and Auditors.
• Work with the Health and Welfare Committee to address plan-related matters.
• Update Firm leadership and HR on legal developments affecting retirement and health welfare plans.
• Partner with U.S. Benefits and other Firm ERISA attorneys on significant design changes.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet Firm goals and objectives.

Requirements:

• J.D. degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Admission as a current member in good standing of the Illinois Bar.
• 8 years of experience as an attorney with retirement and welfare benefit plans.
• Thorough understanding of tax and ERISA requirements, and familiarity with federal regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment.
• Deadline-oriented with the ability to manage shifting priorities.
• Self-starter with a high level of initiative.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, capable of handling multiple projects.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.
• Solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Creative problem-solving with a focus on business-friendly solutions while managing risk.
• Strong commercial judgment, including the ability to anticipate, analyze, and make recommendations.
• Willingness to take ownership and responsibility for legal decisions.
• Proactive in identifying and escalating potential legal and business risks.

Job Location: Chicago, IL

Benefits offered: The firm provides competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, a 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare, and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Company info

BCG Attorney Search
200 South Wacker Drive, 31st Floor
Chicago
Illinois
United States 60606
Phone : (312) 321-9411
Fax : (213) 895-7306