Recruiter

Newark, NJ, United States

Senior Associate Attorney ? Employee Benefits

Attorney

3-20 yrs required

Full-time

No

A law firm seeks a Senior Associate Attorney to join its Employee Benefits team in Newark, NJ. The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of experience in employee benefits law, specifically related to ERISA and qualified retirement plans, including defined benefit and 401(k) plans. The position involves advising on complex benefits issues, drafting and reviewing retirement plan documents, and guiding clients through regulatory compliance and fiduciary responsibilities. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing and dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth.

Duties:

• Provide legal guidance on qualified retirement plans, such as defined benefit plans, 401(k) plans, and other employee benefit structures.
• Draft and review retirement plan documents, including pre-approved and individually designed plans, to ensure compliance with tax-qualification requirements.
• Counsel clients on plan corrections, governance, and administration, ensuring adherence to ERISA and other regulations.
• Advise on fiduciary duties, funding rules, plan investments, and benefits issues related to mergers, acquisitions, and downsizing.
• Review and negotiate service provider agreements for retirement plans.
• Assist clients in managing participant communications and handling benefit claims.
• Stay current on developments in employee benefits law and provide clients with up-to-date legal advice.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure the efficient management and execution of employee benefits plans.
• Draft legal memos, reports, and other documents that distill complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice.

Requirements:

• Minimum of seven years of experience in employee benefits law, with a strong focus on ERISA and qualified retirement plans.
• Experience with multiemployer plans, cash balance plans, and 403(b) plans is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of tax qualification requirements, fiduciary duties, and plan funding rules.
• Experience advising clients on plan administration, plan governance, and the selection and monitoring of service provider agreements.
• Strong background in drafting, reviewing, and amending retirement plan documents.
• Familiarity with benefits issues in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring.
• Proven ability to simplify complex legal matters and communicate effectively with clients and internal teams.
• Ability to build strong client relationships and contribute to the firm’s growth.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Admission to practice law in New Jersey, or one of the following jurisdictions: Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or Washington, DC.

Skills:

• Expertise in ERISA and employee benefits law, particularly qualified retirement plans.
• Strong drafting and legal research skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex legal issues.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Client-focused with excellent relationship-building skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Collaborative, innovative work culture.

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