Senior Counsel / Partner - Employee Benefits & ERISA

Job Description

Job Description

Pay: $170,000.00 - $260,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Join an established Employee Benefits and ERISA practice with the opportunity to shape your role at either the Senior Counsel or Partner level.
• Advise sophisticated employers, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and business clients on complex benefits and retirement plan matters.
• Work closely with Tax and Trusts & Estates attorneys, creating opportunities for broader client service and cross-practice collaboration.
• Take meaningful ownership of client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.
• Benefit from a collaborative environment with opportunities for mentoring, business development, leadership, and performance-based rewards.

Location:  Roseland, NJ with a flexible hybrid schedule that combines in-office collaboration with the flexibility experienced attorneys value.

Note: Must have an active New Jersey Bar license in good standing and 8+ years of legal experience with significant ERISA, employee benefits, or retirement plan matters experience. A portable book of business or established client relationships is preferred but not required.

About Us

We are a sophisticated, full-service law firm focused on delivering practical, relationship-driven legal counsel to businesses and individuals. Our collaborative team works across practice areas to solve complex client challenges while giving attorneys opportunities to build lasting relationships and grow their practices. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Advise employers, plan sponsors, and fiduciaries on ERISA compliance, fiduciary duties, prohibited transactions, and applicable tax requirements.
• Design, draft, amend, and terminate qualified retirement plans, including 401(k), profit sharing, defined benefit, cash balance, and ESOP plans.
• Prepare and review Form 5500 filings and coordinate with actuaries, third-party administrators, and auditors.
• Represent clients in IRS, Department of Labor, and PBGC audits and correction programs, including VCP, DFVC, and VFCP.
• Counsel clients on health and welfare plan matters involving ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA compliance.
• Support M&A transactions through employee benefits due diligence and plan-related analysis.
• Advise clients on executive compensation, Section 409A, and deferred compensation arrangements.
• Provide support on related tax, estate planning, and trust and estate administration matters as appropriate.
• Serve as a primary client contact and provide practical, strategic legal guidance.
• Develop and strengthen client relationships while contributing to business development and practice growth.
• Mentor and supervise junior attorneys and support staff.
• Manage multiple matters efficiently while meeting billable expectations and maintaining high-quality work product.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active New Jersey Bar license in good standing.
• 8+ years of legal experience with significant ERISA, employee benefits, or retirement plan experience.
• Ability to independently manage matters and advise clients directly.
• Strong analytical, drafting, communication, and client-management skills.
• Detail-oriented, practical, and client-focused approach.
• LL.M. in Taxation or Employee Benefits is a plus.
• New York Bar admission or willingness to obtain is a plus.
• Experience with IRS/DOL correction programs, executive compensation, Section 409A, or ERISA M&A matters is preferred.
• Portable book of business or established client relationships is preferred.

Why You Will Love Working Here

You will have the autonomy to own sophisticated client matters while benefiting from a collaborative platform and access to complementary Tax and Trusts & Estates practices. Whether your path is Senior Counsel or Partner, you will have room to deepen client relationships, grow your practice, mentor others, and make a visible contribution to the firm's success. Performance is recognized through discretionary bonuses, merit increases, and origination opportunities.

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Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance