Senior Compensation & Benefits Attorney (Qualified Plans)

Senior Compensation & Benefits Attorney (Qualified Plans)Direct Counsel is seeking a Senior Compensation & Benefits Attorney to join a prestigious Am Law 100 law firm with a nationally recognized Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice.This opportunity is ideal for an experienced benefits attorney with significant expertise advising clients on tax-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, ERISA compliance, and employee benefits issues arising in corporate transactions.About the RoleThe firm's Compensation & Benefits group advises public and private companies, private equity sponsors, fiduciaries, plan sponsors, and financial institutions on a broad range of employee benefits, executive compensation, and ERISA-related matters.Attorneys in this role will work on sophisticated matters involving:Tax-qualified retirement plansDefined contribution and defined benefit plansHealth and welfare benefit plansERISA compliance and fiduciary mattersEmployee benefits aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and corporate transactionsPlan design, implementation, and administrationRegulatory compliance and risk managementBenefits-related due diligenceGovernment audits, investigations, and correction programsExecutive compensation and related advisory mattersThis position offers substantial client interaction and the opportunity to advise on complex benefits issues across a variety of industries and transaction types.ResponsibilitiesKey responsibilities include:Advising clients on the design, implementation, and administration of qualified retirement and welfare benefit plans.Counseling employers and plan fiduciaries regarding ERISA compliance requirements.Drafting and revising plan documents, participant disclosures, amendments, and related materials.Assisting clients with compliance testing and operational compliance matters.Advising on IRS and Department of Labor filings, audits, and investigations.Managing correction matters and regulatory compliance projects.Supporting corporate transactions by advising on employee benefits due diligence and integration issues.Counseling clients regarding benefits-related risks arising in mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and other strategic transactions.QualificationsJ.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.Minimum of 6 years of employee benefits and ERISA experience.Significant experience advising on: Tax-qualified retirement plansHealth and welfare benefit plansERISA compliance and fiduciary mattersEmployee benefits issues in corporate transactionsExperience drafting plan documents, amendments, and participant disclosures.Familiarity with compliance testing requirements.Experience handling IRS and Department of Labor filings, audits, and correction programs.Strong analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills.Excellent written and oral communication abilities.Ability to manage sophisticated client matters independently while working collaboratively within a team environment.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).Familiarity with ERISA plan asset rules.Experience advising private equity sponsors, public companies, or large plan sponsors.Why Consider This OpportunityThis position offers the opportunity to join a highly sophisticated employee benefits practice and advise clients on some of the most complex benefits and transactional matters in the market.Attorneys in this group benefit from:Exposure to high-profile corporate and transactional work.Direct client interaction and advisory responsibility.Collaboration with leading practitioners in employee benefits, executive compensation, tax, and corporate law.A nationally recognized platform with a diverse client base.Strong mentorship and professional development opportunities.Long-term career growth within a premier practice.Compensation & BenefitsExpected annual compensation begins at $390,000+, with final compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, office location, and other relevant factors.The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:Medical, dental, and vision coverageHealth Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Life and disability insurancePre-tax commuter benefitsBackup child and adult care resourcesGenerous parental leave and fertility benefitsFour weeks of vacation annuallyPaid sick leave and firm holidaysLong-term financial wellness and retirement benefitsThis is an exceptional opportunity for a senior employee benefits attorney seeking sophisticated ERISA and qualified plan work, significant client responsibility, and a platform for long-term career advancement within a leading national practice.