Senior Benefits Counsel (Hybrid)

Description:

Job Summary:
An American Auto Insurance Company is seeking an experienced employee benefits lawyer to join its in-house Legal department. The Senior Benefits Counsel will be primarily responsible for advising the Company on legal issues related to Retirement and Health and Welfare plans. This role will partner closely with human resources, finance, and other business teams, while forming part of a collaborative legal department that is valued for its practical advice. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years' relevant substantive experience including time spent in an in-house legal department. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong judgment, a depth of technical excellence, and an eagerness to be involved in a dynamic company.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Advise on a broad range of employee benefits matters including, but not limited to, Internal Revenue Code qualification, ERISA, Affordable Care Act, COBRA, and other laws relevant to 401(k) plans, deferred compensation plans, and Health and Welfare Plans.
• Draft, review, and revise Summary Plan Descriptions and Administrative Service Agreements.
• Review Plan communications, legal posting notices, and draft Plan amendments and resolutions, and partner with relevant stakeholders to support implementation.
• Collaborate with the benefits administration committee, recordkeeper, and auditor.
• Partner with human resources and other teams on significant design changes.
• Defend the company against agency inquiries, audits and investigations related to its retirement or health and welfare plans.
• Facilitate the escalation of complex matters to outside counsel while maintaining control over matter management and expenses.
• Conduct research as needed to provide relevant advice.
• Proactively monitor legislation, regulations, and emerging litigation trends.
• Advise senior executives to influence decision making.

Basic Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• At least 8 years of experience practicing law including at least 5 years of focus on retirement and welfare benefit plans.
• Thorough understanding of tax and ERISA requirements, and familiarity with federal regulatory agencies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers.
• Ability to balance legal risk and business objectives.
• Proficiency in managing multiple priorities, projects, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience at a leading law firm and/or large in-house legal department.
• Ability to effectively counsel internal clients by providing clear, concise and pragmatic advice.
• Ability to operate autonomously or work collaboratively with other members of the Legal department.
• Vested time and longevity in majority or all of current and previous positions held.

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