In-House Employee Benefits Counsel (Part Time)

Description:

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Benefits department in our Chicago, Washington D.C. or New York office as a Part Time US In-House Employee Benefits Counsel.
The US In-House Employee Benefits Counsel works with U.S. Benefits and Well-Being team and Firm leadership to design, implement, administer and conduct legal review all Health and Welfare, Cash Balance Plan, 401(k) Plan, Partner Unfunded Plan, Health and Disability plans, Leave of Absence plans, along with associated legal regulations.
Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:

• Advise, as applicable, on Internal Revenue Code qualification requirements and requirements of ERISA, Affordable Care Act, COBRA and HIPAA, and other applicable law, with respect to Cash Balance plans, 401(k) plans, Partner Unfunded Plan and all Health and Welfare Plans
• Draft and Review Summary Plan Descriptions
• Draft and Review Administrative Services Agreements
• Review Plan communications to participants, legal posting notices, as required from U.S. Benefits team
• Draft Plan amendments and related resolutions as needed
• Advise on tax issues related to all types of Retirement and Health and Welfare plans
• Work with the Firm's Investment Committee and Administrative Investment Committee, along with Recordkeeper, Actuaries and Auditors
• Work with the Firm's Health and Welfare Committee
• Update Firm leadership and HR on developments in the law related to all types of retirement and health welfare plans, including those that pose possible compliance issues, as well as those that present opportunities for improved design, tax effects, etc.
• Partner with U.S. Benefits, and other Firm Erisa attorneys on the development of significant design changes
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

Qualifications:
Education/Training/Certifications:

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school in U.S., required
• Admission as a current member in good standing of a State Bar where the position is to be located, required

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience as attorney with retirement and welfare benefit plans, required
• Thorough understanding of tax and ERISA requirements applicable to such plans, and familiarity with federal regulatory agencies, required

Technical skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required
Performance Traits:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment
• Ability to meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Creative problem-solving ability with a focus on achieving business-friendly solutions while managing risk
• Solid commercial judgment, including the ability to anticipate, analyze, and make recommendations
• Willingness to take ownership and responsibility for making legal decisions
• Able to proactively identify and escalate potential legal and business risks to colleagues in the organization and craft effective solutions

Physical Requirements:
May require travel to other offices as needed

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